The Canadian Forces Support Group introduces diverse spiritual spaces for the Defence Team

June 26, 2023 – Defence Stories

By: Major Ryan Carter, CFSG (O-G) Senior chaplain

Over the last two-years the Canadian Forces Support Group (Ottawa-Gatineau) (CFSG(O-G)) has endeavored on a project to create spaces across the NCR to facilitate the diverse spiritual and cultural needs of the Defence Team.

The Sanctuary at NDHQ Carling, which has become a model of inclusive and safe physical spaces across the Public Service, has incorporated elements of indigenous culture, including the availability of sacred medicines. There was a growing need however to create an authentic space which reflects the natural connection to the environment which is at the heart of indigenous culture and spirituality. With this intent in mind, a collaborative process of consultation occurred spanning over a year. Rooted in the principle that ‘research is ceremony’, coined by Shawn Wilson of the university of British Colombia, it was essential to see relationality in all aspects of the process, including the community, environment, the past, present and future generations. To achieve this principle, we embarked on consultative journey which included consultation with the Defence Indigenous Advisory Group, Director General Indigenous Affairs, CAF indigenous advisors, and community stakeholders.

With the view for the ‘future’ and to ensure there was sustained programming and support, we created a full-time position for an Indigenous programming. Maya Knott, an Ojibwe woman from Curve Lake First Nation, was hired in January 2023 and has been critical to building the much-needed grass-roots connection with surrounding indigenous communities and developing relevant programming across the NCR.

A key feature of the learning journey was to understand and select an appropriate structure used traditionally in First Nations communities. In communication with Elder Albert Dumont of Kitigan Zibi, we were taught that the conical shape structure (which is popularly known as a tipi) was the shape of Wigwam used by Algonquin people and that it would be culturally appropriate to erect such a structure. This was echoed in our consultation with a First Nations supplier based out of Quebec, Serge Ashini Goupil, who specializes in creating several different forms of dwelling structures. He stated that in his own Innu culture, the conical tent called Tashtuaikanitshuap, was a shape that his people used as a dwelling among other shapes. While materials (use of bark vs hide), and the use of fire within or outside the dwelling were noted differences with the Nations we consulted, there was consensus that a conical tent was the most feasible and culturally appropriate.

On 24 May 2023, CFSG(O-G) erected its first Indigenous dwelling on NDHQ Carling. The opening ceremony was led by Maya Knott. It was a sharing of teachings, experiences, and words of hope as we journey the path of reconciliation. The ceremony included a smudge and the creation of a fire pit with stones from Pikwakanagan First Nation to honor Algonquin territory. Each stone was laid by those who had a role in seeing this project to fruition. From the beginning to the end, the project represents the possibilities of a relational approach in ensuring authentic and lasting safe spaces for the Defence Team.