Jules Xavier
Shilo Stag
It was a frigid prairie morning when CFB Shilo’s permanent tipi was consecrated by elder Frank Tacan, with a pipe ceremony.
Smoking the pipe, for many First Nations, is rich in symbolism: offering tobacco to the almighty, demonstrating solidarity and power within a tribe or band, signifying honour and the sacredness of life, as well as marking a commitment, an agreement or a treaty.
Pipe ceremonies again differ from tribe to tribe even from one person to the next within their own tribe.
Prior to the start of the Nov. 3 morning pipe ceremony, the Elder’s helper 2PPCLI QMSI MWO Sheldon Quinn went around offering those in attendance to smudge them; this symbolizes the purification of your mind, body, and spirit.
Elder Tacan then shared a few words of welcome before using his language to offer prayer. While he prepared his pipe, he had everyone in attendance gather around in a small circle, with the permanent tipi behind him. Emcee 2PCCLI’s Sgt Sylvain Leblanc provided the history of the tipi — while circling it on the lawn strewn with fall leaves — before using his hand drum and singing a welcome song.
While Elder Tacan was the only one to smoke the pipe, in other ceremonies the pipe carrier in the inner circle where the pipe is smoked, it’s passed around in a clockwise direction. Tobacco used in the pipe ceremony is free from today’s chemicals and toxins and is a mixture of natural tobacco and plants.
Why is a pipe ceremony important? In the past, it was used to open negotiations between different nations as a way for good talk to take place. This ceremony was also regarded as the way by which participants would be truthful, respectful and abide by the decisions and agreements that were made during the meeting time.
According to BComd LCol Chris Wood, honouring the Indigenous culture at CFB Shilo goes along with the journey of reconciliation which the Canadian Army (CA), Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as well as Canadian society is currently on.
As part of this journey, CFB Shilo conducted the morning ceremony for a newly erected permanent tipi built at Base Maintenance (RCEME) by Cpl Devon Danson, Cpl Ryan MacGregor, Craftsman Warren Thomson and Darcy Cantlon.
This metal tipi was installed at CFB Shilo’s Base HQ on the south side as a memorial to Indigenous veterans, with Elder Tacan’s pipe ceremony held to consecrate the tipi.
“We take pride in our military camps and where we place them,” said LCol Wood. “We’ve placed [the tipi] in this spot under the trees, where if you are looking for it you’ll see it, but it does not stand out. It’s connected I feel with the area.”
He added, “Happily, we had the opportunity to place it here, and if at some point, we can move it.”
Inspiration for this unique memorial came from the City of Brandon, where a number of these structures have been placed throughout the community honouring Indigenous people.
Most have specific teachings explaining its purpose in relation to where they are located.
CFB Shilo’s tipi will eventually include a teaching on the contributions Indigenous people have made to this land through their service in uniform.
The Shilo Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group (DAAG) worked to have the tipi installed to provide a permanent and visible acknowledgement of the contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Metis veterans.
As Base HQ serves as the “home” of the military training Base, it was deemed an appropriate location for a tipi as it represents a spiritual and cultural home.
As Sgt Leblanc pointed out while circling the tipi, all parts of the structure have meaning. For example, the tipi floor embodies the earth and the Mother; the lodge cover represents the sky and the Father. The poles connect the earth to the sky and provide trails along which the peoples’ prayers might reach the heavens. The opening faces east to honour the rising sun and away from the prevailing winds.
Who is Elder Tacan?
“As a traditional healer/Elder, I know the teaching of the Dakota Culture and I am committed to sharing what I know for the good of the people when I am asked and I help them the best way I know how.
“Elders don’t work by the hour, minutes or seconds; they do their work from the heart in order to help the people. They do not work or help people for money, they do it because they care, love, and respect the person’s emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well being and health.
“When people come to see me for a specific problem or when families are dealing with a chronic illness or the passing of a loved one, these are times when a pipe ceremony or smudging is needed. Sharing and healing circles will also provide a source of support for patients and families.”
3 Cdn Div photographer MCpl Brandon Liddy photographed the Shilo Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group (DAAG) in front of permanent tipi following the pipe ceremony, which included song and drumming. Elder Frank Tacan performed the pipe ceremony, but also offered his wisdom regarding the significance of the Base building a permanent tipi. Besides drumming, DAAG member Sgt Sylvan Leblanc explained all parts of the metal structure have meaning as he circled it to open the ceremony. Two of the builders from Base Maintenance were on hand for the ceremony, Cpl Devon Danson and Craftsman Warren Thomson. Photos Jules Xavier/Shilo Stag
