MONTREAL, Sept. 27, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Space for Life invites you to a lecture by Dominique Rankin, Algonquin hereditary chief medicine man, on Anicinape Matisi8in, the Circle of Life, a central First Nations concept. On October 10 at 7 p.m., at the Montréal Botanical Garden, Mr. Rankin will speak about the close bonds between human beings and Mother Earth and our modern-day imperative of not only protecting biodiversity but also preserving and taking care of our bodies, hearts and minds.
Inside the Circle is life!
For Native people, the Circle of Life is a powerful symbol that represents all the essential elements that make up life. Together, these elements form a whole and are constantly interacting with one another: the four races of humankind - yellow, red, black and white - make up a single huge family circle; the cycles of life and the seasons that follow one another; the four cardinal points, represented by four sacred spirits, the Turtle, the Eagle, the Bear and the Buffalo, stand for the Feminine, Balance, Strength and Peace, respectively. Human beings are an integral part of this Circle and must never hold themselves apart from it, although people today increasingly tend to forget about or deny our powerful bonds with Mother Earth and its biodiversity. If Mother Earth suffers, we also suffer. This harmony - essential to life - is the basis of traditional Native medicine: within the Medicine Circle, health depends on maintaining the proper balance between the body, heart and mind. By protecting biodiversity, we restore this harmony with nature. This means that we have to take care of not only our bodies, but also our souls, because nothing can be separated from the oneness of life.
Dominique Rankin, medicine man
Originally from Abitibi, T8aminik Rankin (as his name is written in the Algonquin alphabet) is an Algonquin hereditary chief. The real name he was given at birth is Kapiteotak - also his spiritual name. In 2006, he was admitted to the small circle of 49 recognized medicine men in Canada, thereby becoming an "Elder," fully recognized by his peers. He was once Grand Chief of the Algonquin Nation, and today devotes himself to teaching Algonquin culture to his peoples as a way of reconnecting them with their routes. He also shares his knowledge with people of all origins who are interested in learning about the simple, profound philosophy of his ancestors. He is an ambassador for the message of peace from the Anishinabeg peoples. He also co-wrote an autobiography with Marie-Josée Tardif, On nous appelait les Sauvages (They called us "savages"), a vibrant account of the appalling era of Native residential schools, and also a call for forgiveness and reconciliation
| Lecture: Anicinape Matisi8in, le Cercle de la vie (the Circle of Life) Where: Montréal Botanical Garden When: October 10, 2012, at 7 p.m. Admission: Adults: $16 / Seniors (65+): $15 / Students: $12.25 Tickets available through lavitrine.com Parking: 4101, rue Sherbrooke Est (pay parking) Pie-IX metro station (The lecture will be in French) |
This ticket gives you access to the lecture, the new Gardens of Light fall event and special Halloween activities at the Botanical Garden and Insectarium, only on October 10, 2012.
Space for Life, the first space in the world dedicated to humankind and nature, brings together the Montréal Biodôme, Botanical Garden, Insectarium and Planetarium. Together they are committed to safeguarding and showcasing biodiversity and invite people from Montréal, across Canada and around the world to join in this bold, creative urban movement.
SOURCE: VILLE DE MONTREAL - JARDIN BOTANIQUE DE MONTREAL
Nadine Fortin, Communications Co-ordinator
514 868-3053/514 250-7753
[email protected]
François Ouellet, Communications Assistant
514 872-3232
[email protected]
Share this article