/R E P E A T -- Media Advisory - Assembly of First Nations Invites Public to Ottawa Event for the National Circle of Ceremony and Healing for Our Spirits on Friday, March 17/

OTTAWA, March 16, 2017 /CNW/ - To gather collective strength and spiritual support in response to the ongoing national suicide crisis facing First Nations people, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is organizing the National Circle of Ceremony and Healing for Our Spirits on Friday, March 17^th. Events are being planned across the country to inspire youth and all First Nations, with an event in Ottawa being held at Victoria Island starting at 9 a.m.

Event:	National Circle of Ceremony and Healing for Our Spirits
Date:	Friday, March 17, 2017
Location:	Victoria Island, Algonquin Territory
Time:	9:00 a.m.	Fire keeper Sheldon McGregor of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation lights Sacred Fire
	9:15 a.m.	Prayer in honour of day, Pipe Carrier Chief Bear Joel Babin of Wahgoshig First Nation
	9:20 a.m.	Pipe Ceremony, Chief Bear Joel Babin of Wahgoshig First Nation
	9:40 a.m.	Drum Group Eagle River of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation

The Sacred Fire will continue throughout the day until 4 p.m. Those who cannot attend the morning ceremony are invited to come to the Sacred Fire and make an offering, say a prayer, or mark the day in a manner consistent with their beliefs.

Media are invited to attend the event. Elders and helpers will advise if any portions of the ceremony cannot be recorded, broadcast or photographed.

On March 17, AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde will honour the National Circle of Ceremony and Healing for Our Spirits at a pipe ceremony and traditional feast in Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan.

For more information, visit www.afn.ca and the National Circle of Ceremony and Healing for Our Spirits Event page on the AFN Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/383185508717335/

The Assembly of First Nation is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada.  Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations

Alain Garon, Bilingual Communications Officer, 613-241-6789 ext. 382, 613-292-0857 (cell), [email protected]