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Feature Article #2


The Cultural Practice of the Sweat Lodge
The indigenous culture involves many traditional practices. Indigenous people have a holistic approach to their way of life, especially regarding their health. Their culture involves many traditional medicines, and a different approach to practicing medicine versus western culture.
Image result for benefits of sweat lodges
This article will address the cultural practice of sweat lodges. A sweat lodge involves using heat and water to create a warm steamy environment (Schiff & Pelech, 2007, p. 3). The sweating experience in indigenous culture is a purifying and cleansing experience (Schiff & Pelech, 2007, p. 4). Historically sweat lodges have been used in different cultures as well and have been used for similar reasons (Garrett et al., 2011, p. 2). 
Sweat lodges restore an individual’s balance between their spirituality, emotional, mental and physical health (Schiff & Pelech, 2007, p. 2). Historically the sweat lodges, in indigenous culture, have been used as a source of heat, socialization, educating people on their culture, cleansing, healing and preparation for events such as hunting (Garrett et al., 2011, p. 2). One of the main focuses for sweat lodges is the incorporation of spirituality and strengthening the relationship one has with the natural environment (Garrett et al., 2011, p. 2).  It is one of the many indigenous ceremonies that give back to the creator because during the ceremony an individual is giving thanks to the creator and maintaining healthy relationships (Garrett et al., 2011, p. 1).
Image result for sweat lodge ceremonyA story told by some indigenous people is, there was a great sickness effecting First Nations long ago, and many people from all over gathered around, even animals, to help think of a solution (Garrett et al., 2011, p. 3). They gathered in a circle around a fire with water nearby, in case it got out of control (Garrett et al., 2011, p. 3). In this circle they gathered in prayer, then as the fire grew too large, they placed water on the fire and hot rocks, which created steam (Garrett et al., 2011, p. 3). The First Nations were healthier from the steam and heat, and therefore they decided to call this event/ceremony the sweat lodge (Garrett et al., 2011, p. 3).
Image result for sweat lodge symbolic meaningSweat lodges hold a deep symbolic meaning which can even be seen in the historical story. The circular structure of the sweat lodge represents the universe and the connection with the creator (Garrett et al., 2011, p. 3).  The logs that are used are from different trees (Garrett et al., 2011, p. 3). For instance, if wood from a willow tree is used it symbolizes growth and the circle of life (Garrett et al., 2011, p. 3). The logs are set into four quadrants, and these symbolize the four cardinals and the four elements being earth, wind, fire and water (Garrett et al., 2011, p. 3).  The stones in the pit, in the center of the lodge help maintain heat, and these stones display healing powers from the earth (Garrett et al., 2011, p. 3). The water that is used to create steam represents the life-giving power of the creator (Garrett et al., 2011, p. 3).  The steam shows the prayers rising to the creator and a release of knowledge (Garrett et al., 2011, p. 3). Any herbs and tobacco used are representations of energy (Garrett et al., 2011, p. 3).
Image result for sweat lodge in corrections Even though this was a historical cultural practice, sweat lodges are used and quite beneficial in contemporary time. Over the years native cultural practice have been more interrogated into modern therapeutic and correctional settings (Garrett et al., 2011, p. 4). The increase of native practices has been found to help indigenous people in the system (Garrett et al., 2011, p. 4). Introducing cultural practices to people has been also found to help with the healing process of non-indigenous people (Garrett et al., 2011, p. 4).  For both indigenous and non-indigenous it has been found that cultural practices, such as the sweat lodge, helps people feel more connected to their spirituality and to others (Schiff & Pelech, 2007, p. 2).
Conclusively, indigenous cultural practice has a deep symbolic history. The sweat lodges can be very beneficial to indigenous people especially when it comes to treatment centers and corrections. Indigenous cultures have a holistic approach which is helpful for non-indigenous people. Personally, I think integrating more indigenous cultural practices into the justice system is beneficial. By appreciating their culture and history assists in reconciliation. It could impact my practice as a justice practitioner because working with clients and having a better understanding of the importance of culture and healing can help with introducing alternative programs for future clients. This could ultimately help me with rapport building skills and maintaining healthy relationships with the public.

References

Garrett, M., Torres-Rivera, E., Brubaker, M., Portman, T., Brotherton, D., West-Olatunji, C., … Grayshield, L. (2011). Crying for a vision: The native american sweat lodge ceremony as therapeutic intervention. Journal of Counseling & Development, 89(3), 1-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/j.1556-6678.2011.tb00096x.
Google Images. (n.d.). Sweat lodge ceremony [Photograph]. Retrieved from https://www.google.ca/search?rlz=1C1CHWA_enCA648CA648&biw=1366&bih=657&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=-27wW-60L6uJ0wLsro3IAg&q=sweat+lodge+ceremony&oq=sweat+lodge+&gs_l=img.3.1.35i39j0l9.9545.11023..12974...0.0..0.201.539.6j0j1......1....1..gws-wiz-img.......0i24j0i8i30j0i5i30.sPZfGYoFosg#imgrc=_
Google Images. (n.d.). How a sweat lodge works [Photograph]. Retrieved from https://www.google.ca/search?rlz=1C1CHWA_enCA648CA648&biw=1366&bih=657&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=oG_wW4qyGIS68AO0vIYY&q=benefits+of+sweat+lodges&oq=bene&gs_l=img.3.0.35i39j0l6j0i67j0l2.84840.85196..86445...0.0..1.236.491.2j1j1......1....1..gws-wiz-img.rd9rESK1dFE#imgrc=ikfRlSmUFM1niM:
Google Images. (n.d.). Structure of the sweat lodge [Photograph]. Retrieved from https://www.google.ca/search?rlz=1C1CHWA_enCA648CA648&biw=1242&bih=597&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=enDwW6aVHIqv0wLTloLQCw&q=sweat+lodge+symbolic+meaning&oq=sweat+lodge+symbolic+meaning&gs_l=img.3...2506.4110..4408...0.0..0.76.558.10......1....1..gws-wiz-img.7_WM_kq7CJk#imgrc=fk6lnCVa8lkN0M:
Google Images. (n.d.). Sweat lodge in corrections [Photograph]. Retrieved from https://www.google.ca/search?q=sweat+lodge+in+corrections&rlz=1C1CHWA_enCA648CA648&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiXnbe2mdzeAhXIiVQKHeVmDNkQ_AUIDigB&biw=1242&bih=597#imgrc=-A5sJzYPAkuhbM:
Schiff, J., & Pelech, W. (2007). The sweat lodge ceremony for spiritual healing. Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work: Social Thought, 26(4), 1-24. http://dx.doi.org/10.1300/J377v26n04_04

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