Moon Time

Moon time (menstruation cycle) is a time of personal ceremony for women. During moon time, bodies are producing their own medicine for healing and cleansing; traditionally, people with menstrual cycles would spend their moon time alone as it is such a powerful form of medicine. Moon time medicine is incredibly potent, and can actually cause harm to others who are trying to heal through ceremonies like sweat lodge or fasting.

We ask that any persons with menstrual cycles please respect this teaching and not attend CSL events during your moon time, and that you use that time to reconnect with your body and spirit in a good way. 

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Tobacco Ties

One of the four sacred medicines used widely by many First Nations across Turtle Island, semaa (tobacco) is used as an offering in many situations such as prayer or requesting services from an Elder, Knowledge Keeper, or other Indigenous community members. When receiving teachings or attending lodge, it is important to show respect by bringing a tobacco tie with you.

To learn to how to tie a tobacco tie, download our PDF at the end of the page.

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Accessing Tobacco

Ceremonial tobacco, like other sacred medicines, can be received through trade for other goods of purpose or sometimes purchased on a reservation. It is best to source tobacco from somewhere it is grown traditionally.  If you are unsure where to access traditionally grown tobacco, loose-leaf tobacco such as pipe tobacco is perfectly acceptable- this can be found at any local tobacco retailer. Being in an urban area, we understand that these sacred medicines aren’t always accessible, which is why we always remind lodge attendees that it is about the intention when giving tobacco, and not necessarily about where you accessed it from.

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Photography

When attending Crow Shield Lodge land sites, we ask that no photography of the sweat lodge, ceremony or sacred fires be taken when visiting. While we appreciate seeing the photos of community members enjoying their time on the land, it is important to our traditional teachings that this is respected.  If you are ever unsure please ask the Elder, facilitator or CSL staff person on site.

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Support Service Animals

We do not allow animals out on the land sites. While we understand that this may cause limitations to those who wish to attend our programming, it is an important part of ceremonial practices that should be adhered to. To discuss this particular protocol further, feel free to reach out to our team and we will be happy to elaborate.

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