This Sacred Fire Space is a place to be used by local Indigenous groups (First Nations, Métis, Mixed Ancestry, Inuit) for spiritual gatherings, celebration, prayer, gratitude, and personal healing. For example, it is used to celebrate June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, (formerly National Aboriginal Day), which recognises the cultures and contributions of Indigenous peoples of Canada. North American's indigenous peoples have cultures spanning thousands of years; long before the arrival of Europeans. Most have oral traditions that accurately describe historical events. Written records began mostly with the arrival of European explorers and colonists beginning in the late 15th century. Archiological and antropological research have helped piece together an understanding of ancient cultures and history. There are currently 634 recognised First Nations governments or bands spread across Canada of which roughly half are found in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. There are over thirty different languages spoken by indigenous people, most of which are spoken only in Canada but many are in decline.
The Land
"Land" to non-Indigenous people might be considered as a strip of soil; something to own; something that can be bought and sold. To an Indigenous person the relationship to the land is far more. "The Land" is not just a place; it includes not just the soil, but the rocks, the water, trees and plants, animals, humans, the air, the sky, ancestral spirits, and more. Within the Indigenous context all of these things were formed from the same substance by the Ancestors who continue to live as part of the land. Everything is related and connected no matter the shape or form. The Land is loved, needed, and cared for, and it loves, needs, and cares for the people in return. Land is family; land is culture; land is identity; land is self. There is a profound spiritual connection to the land. Indigenous law and spirituality are intertwined with the land, the people and creation. This forms the basis for culture and sovereignty. The health of the land and water is central to Indigenous culture. Land is mother. It is part of Indigenous culture and there is a deep responsibility to care for it.
The Fire Keepers of this space support local Indigenous groups using the sacred fire according to unique traditions. This space, referred to a “Sacred Fire Space,” is located in a shady area on the south bank of the Speed River. It acknowledges that Guelph is situated on treaty land, of which we are the stewards, and honours our community’s unique history and culture.” It features a covered fire pit, surrounded by four large rocks. The features are simple; the place is elegant and reverent. It is a place of peace; it is a place of reflection; and a place of respect. Please tread extremely careful when you visit.
Land Acknowledgements and Why They Matter on Video
To Claim this Virtual Cache please answer the following questions via email or messenger to the CO:
- How many large flat stones (i.e., flagstones) are imbedded in the ground immediately surrounding the central fire pit?
- Examine the orientation of the four larger stones surrounding the central fire pit.
What does the orientation of the stones represent?
- TAKE A PHOTO of the Sacred Fire Space **FROM THE REFERENCE POINT** (which is N 43° 32.256' W 80° 14.580' near the street and NOT the posted coordordinates) to submit with your log. If possible, please include your GPS, and/or a signature item or (Optional) yourself and/or your group in the photo (you do not have to show your face). Failure to include a photo with your log may result in deletion. Please note that all spoiler photos will be deleted. I cannot stress enough TAKE THE PHOTO FROM THE REFERENCE POINT COORDS NOT THE POSTED COORDS!!!
This Virtual Cache (Virtual Rewards 2.0 - 2019/2020) is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between June 4, 2019 and June 4, 2020. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 2.0 on the Geocaching Blog.