Exhibit needs fire keepers
- EFN Staff | November 04, 2014
The Walking With Our Sisters art instillation is based on ceremony and driven by women. But the role of men in the exhibit can’t be ignored...but it seems as though it is. The Sisters are in dire need of men to help keep the sacred fire.
“We are looking for men to come and make sure the sacred fire doesn’t go out and stays strong for the entire event,” said Rob Innes, a fire keeper for the exhibit. “This is a grandmother’s lodge and in those lodges, men traditionally take care of the fire and support the women in the lodge. It is important also that men become involved in the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women and that we as men acknowledge the role that men in general play in violence against women.”
Innes is one of several men who have come forward to tend the fire twenty four hours a day for the three weeks of the exhibit. As it stands right now, Innes might have to work a week straight at the fire because of the lack of volunteers. They are not asking for the world or tons of someone’s time, they are just asking men and two spirited people to step up and support the Sisters. “There are various shifts but we need a lot of men because right now we have men pulling double and triple shifts. They don’t mind. They will do it,” said Innes. “But we need more men involved and we think this is one step in community building in Saskatoon that men should come, indigenous or not....but really, we would like to see more indigenous men. We have to stand up and say we are against the violence and that we support the woman and pay tribute to the women in the memorial that have been lost.”
There are a variety of times when you can come and help tend the fire. It would be a great experience for fathers and sons to bond or friends to have some quiet time together. The fire is kept in a teepee on the hill outside of Wanuskewin. You will be fed when the Park is open and you will also get a feeling of contributing towards a bigger cause, a cause that needs everyone on board in order to stop the cycle. If you are interested in volunteering, please email wwossaskatoon@gmail.com.