This picture is of Amir and I outside of a sweat lodge at the site of Esketemc’s annual vision quest ceremonies. We started off our first week in the community by participating in this fasting and spiritual ceremony which involves making a commitment to fast from one to four days (no food or water), supported by the community, in a quest to cleanse ones mind, spirit and body and reconnect spiritually to the earth and those around us. After an initial sweat ceremony, you are taken to sacred fasting grounds and an alter is set up where you will spend the next 1-4 days fasting and praying. Many participants are visited by spirits and have visions that provide them strength and guidance. The ceremony involves a fair bit of preparation, however the community is there to guide you every step of the way. For those that have never been in a sweat lodge before (like myself) I would highly recommend it. The entire experience in Esket was fantastic! Best advice I have for others considering such an internship is go in with an open mind and open heart. You will learn far more than you bargained for! It’s a once in a lifetime experience!
For anyone wishing to learn more about the community of Esketemc, track down the DVD entitled The Honor of All. Highly recommended.