A commonality in warrior culture
February 5, 2024 - Lt(N) Josh Ehnisz, Public Affairs Officer, 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
On Jan. 15, an inspiring event took place at the Edmonton Garrison Fitness Centre, where Exercise STRONG CONTENDER 2024 began with two Indigenous ceremonies observed by units across 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (1 CMBG).
Master Corporal Phoenix George, a Defence Indigenous Advisory Group member, described what happened.
"The ceremony that was performed was called a smudging ceremony. It involves the burning of one or more of the four sacred medicines—tobacco, sage, sweetgrass or cedar—in a ceremonial way. Today sage was used. Sage is used to cleanse away negative thoughts or feelings and to purify the mind heart, and spirit,” she said. "Smudging is a practice open to all, Indigenous or non-Indigenous, who wish to participate, and there is never pressure for a person to smudge.”
When the smudging ceremony was completed, soldiers throughout the brigade then got to witness two ceremonial dances.
"Following the smudging ceremony, the floor was opened to the drummers and dancers of Dancing Cree from Enoch Cree Nation,” explained MCpl Phoenix George. “The songs sung were a victory song and a sneak-up song. The victory song signifies the celebration of successful battles from which warriors have returned. The sneak-up song represents a warrior in battle, sneaking up and striking their enemy."
Caption
Colonel Phillip Bourque, Commander 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, is presented an eagle feather during the Exercise STRONG CONTENDER opening ceremonies on Jan. 15.
Photo by MCpl Cass Moon, 3rd Canadian Division Public Affairs
A final ceremony was conducted by MCpl Justin George, who presented an eagle feather to Colonel Phil Bourque, Commander 1 CMBG.
"In a way, the Brigade Commander's vision of incorporating Indigenous culture into this year's Strong Contender opening ceremony was a prayer being answered,” MCpl Justin George explained. “The people pray for reconciliation, and I believe one of the best ways to reach that goal is through understanding. Opportunities to share our knowledge and protocols with our fellow brothers and sisters in arms like this create a higher understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous serving members, providing a healthier foundation in the work environment."
When asked about Indigenous culture, MCpl Justin George wanted to share the Seven Grandfather Teachings.
"In our culture, we are taught the Seven Grandfather Teachings: To cherish knowledge is to know WISDOM; To know LOVE is to know peace; To honour all of the creation is to have RESPECT; BRAVERY is to face the foe with integrity; HONESTY also means "righteousness," be honest first with yourself – in word and action; HUMILITY is to know yourself as a sacred part of the creation, TRUTH is to know all of these things."
These sacred Grandfather Teachings are very similar to the Fundamentals of Canadian Defence Ethics: integrity, loyalty, courage, honesty, fairness and responsibility.
For this reason, the Brigade Commander saw the value in presenting some Indigenous culture at the opening ceremonies for a competition exercise.
"As CAF and Indigenous cultures practise and live these teachings [and] obligations daily in our professional and home life, we truly embody the Warrior culture,” MCpl Justin George added.
Col Bourque explained how he liked the coming together of two cultures.
"The seamless integration of Indigenous and non-Indigenous culture, using the commonality of warrior culture, is the golden standard, like how New Zealand has integrated the Haka as part of their cultural identity."
This event was a beautiful representation of how different cultures can come together to create a shared understanding and respect for one another.
Caption
The drummers and dancers of Dancing Cree from Enoch Cree Nation perform a traditional drum and dance ceremony during the Exercise STRONG CONTENDER opening ceremonies on Jan. 15.
Photo by MCpl Cass Moon, 3rd Canadian Division Public Affairs
Caption
Members of the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group leadership team smudge during the Exercise STRONG CONTENDER opening ceremonies on Jan. 15.
Photo by Robert Schwartz, 3rd Canadian Division Support Base Edmonton Imaging