Near the end of the Sibbald Lake on Sibbald Flat, across the field from Stop 9 on the Sibbald Flat Trail, reside skeletons of structures created predominantly from poplar and willow branches. This is the site of The Sun Dance Ceremony which took place here in June of 1984. I approach on a faint trail in the grassland and enter at the historical plaque placed here to explain and commemorate the spiritual ceremony.
The entrance plaque on Sibbald Flat
An enlargement of the entrance plaque on Sibbald Flat
An excellent article on Sibbald Flat can be accessed at a page called Speechless. I found it very informative and revealing from a unique and individual perspective.
A shelter in ruin, largely reclaimed by nature
The faint trail, through grass, passes a structure that has collapsed. A short distance further, the remnants of the Sweat Lodge and another shelter still remain remarkably intact after 27 years. In spite of their open exposure to the elements and a rugged winter, they have not changed a lot since my hike here last year to Deer Ridge and Eagle Hill.
Approaching the main building – the Sweat Lodge
View towards the main entrance to the sweat lodge
I walk a circuitous route around the Sweat Lodge for photographs of the structure which remains stubbornly intact. It is a spiritual place to the Nakoda-Stoney people and I maintain respect for this very special location. Colorful cloth on the branches is reminiscent of Tibetan prayer flags.
The main entrance of the 1984 Sun Dance Ceremony Sweat Lodge
View passing around the right side of the Sweat Lodge
Colourful banner adorn the structure like prayer flags
View from the alternate entrance/exit
Closer view of the back of the Sweat Lodge
An additional structure hosts a present day fire pit and arches of willow branches clearly define its original identity.
The second remaining structure made from arched willow branches
A view of the Sun Dance structure with the hill hosting Sibbald Flat Trail in the background
The site, on this warm, sunny day is a reminder of the spiritual bond each of us is entitled to experience and enjoy. Even this brief visit conjures up images of the celebration hosted here in the summer of 1984. It is a good experience for me and, with reluctance, I leave to make my way home to Calgary. At the religious site I leave nothing but footprints and take away only photographic memories to share with you.
If someone from the Stoney Nation finds this post, I would be very interested in learning more about this religious Sun Dance Ceremony. I believe many of my readers would be interested as well. Modern society has a lot to learn about our relationship with nature. Please leave a comment.
Free subscription to Hiking With Barry
Very cool…thanks for sharing this!
Caitlin recently posted..Mindfulness Meditation with Jon Kabat-Zinn
Thank you, Caitlin. I appreciate your links and your post on Mindful Meditation was very interesting. This spiritual site on Sibbald Flat is easy to access and is worthy of a visit while it still exists. Sibbald Pond is close by and a very beautiful place. Every season the pond is quite unique. For me, sping and fall are the best with vibrant colours enhancing the experience. This is particularly spectacular in early and late day sun.
Wow!!! Totally Enjoy your site!!
Thank you for your comment, Ruby. If you happen to be in the Sibbald Creek area, the location of this ceremonial site is an easy, gentle walk from parking at Sibbald Lake. Just walk around the bottom of the hill on the Deer Ridge – Eagle Hill Trail for a short distance to the little foot bridge across the creek. The 1984 Lodge is in the open field near Sibbald Pond which is a beautiful place to rest and relax. You need to watch where you are stepping.
Once again, you have posted wonderful, telling images. Great work, as always.
Keep on hiking
June recently posted..Beet veggie smoothie
Thank you for your comment, June. Your blog is coming along nicely and I am going to find time over the summer to enjoy some of those excellent and healthy smoothies. I encourage all the people I meet, who actually touch cooking utensils, to reference your site. For me it will be a bit of a stretch but I will get it done.
Interesting, I haven’t heard of this place, but have only been to Sibbald a couple of times despite it being so close to Calgary.
Laurel recently posted..The Most Influential Person I Met While Living in Thailand
Sibbald Lake is a very pleasant place to spend a day. There is a large camping area there and a variety of easy trails that families can enjoy. I am hoping to learn more about the Sun Dance Ceremony from a Stoney Nation person. Thanks for staying in touch, Laurel. It is always good to hear from you. You have been so helpful and your suggestions are a permanent fixture on my desk.
Pingback: Eagle Hill and Deer Ridge – Sibbald Creek – Hiking Alberta | Hiking With Barry – Wilderness Adventure
Pingback: Sibbald Meadows Pond - Sibbald Creek - Hiking Alberta
Pingback: Whale Lake - Kananaskis Country - Hiking Alberta
Pingback: Zephyr Creek Pictographs - Kananaskis - Hiking Alberta