Honouring Our Ancestors Together

The Chii By Ceremony, also known as the Ghost Dance or Ancestor Ceremony, returns to Mi’kma’ki this October. Rooted in Anishinaabe tradition and carried forward by Elders of the Turtle Lodge, this evening gathering calls us to honour our ancestors, strengthen kinship, and seek guidance from the Spirit World.

Dates: October 7–10, 2025
Time: Evenings (ceremony begins at dusk each day) Day 1 starts at 6PM
Location: 138 Great Village Lornevale Rd, Great Village, Nova Scotia

The Chii By is a traditional ceremony held over four nights on the full moon in October, we gather to:

  • Honour ancestors and loved ones who have passed on
  • Maintain connection to the Spirit World through prayer and gratitude
  • Seek guidance and wisdom from those who walked before us
  • Share in community through an opening and closing potluck feast

This is the fourth year Ulnooweg has welcomed the Chii By Ceremony to Mi’kma’ki in partnership with Elders and Knowledge Keepers of the Turtle Lodge. With gratitude to Grandmother Jane Meader for bridging our communities, the ceremony has provided space for remembrance, healing, and cultural renewal. Beginning next year, the ceremony will be carried forward locally by our communities in Mi’kma’ki.

Important Update (location & volunteer support)

For the past three years, the ceremony was held at Asitu’lisk (Bridgewater, NS). Due to provincial restrictions, this year’s gathering will be in Great Village, NS. Sacred fires remain an important part of the ceremony; given this year’s fire ban, adaptations may be made under the guidance of Elders and DNR.

We are seeking volunteer support a few areas: 

    • Fire Keepers
    • Drummers
    • Set up and break down 
    • Potluck feast support 
    • Hauling wood

If you are interested, please contact Jen as soon as possible at jmacgillivary@ulnooweg.ca 

Protocol for Participation

  • Everyone is welcome. You may attend as a Dancer (fasting) or as a Supporter. No previous experience is required to dance.
  • Come with good thoughts and an open heart.
  • Fasting is optional and guided by the Elders.
  • Fasters refrain from food, water, and washing between the two feasts (Elder guidance may adjust for health or medication needs).
  • Be respectful of ceremonial space, Elders, and all guidance provided.
  • A opening and closing potluck feast starts and ends the ceremony, please bring food to share if you are able.

What to Bring

For Dancers & Fasters

    • Anyone may dance; no experience required.
    • Fasters: refrain from food, water, and washing between the two feasts (with Elder guidance as needed).
    • Bring your own rattle or ji’kmaqn.
    • Clothing for fasters:
      • Men: black robes with hoods; white face and hand paint
      • Women: white robes with hoods; black face and hand paint
    • Dancers provide their own robes, makeup, and supplies.
    • Suggested items: tent, sleeping bag, camping chair (for rest outside dance), black & white prayer cloths, tobacco for bundles, warm/weather-appropriate clothing (outdoor ceremony).

For Supporters & Witnesses

    • You are welcome to stay on site—space is available for tents and RVs (portable bathrooms provided).
    • Bring offerings (tobacco, black and white prayer cloths, food for the feasts).
    • Dress modestly and for outdoor weather. Ribbon skirts are encouraged.
    • Camping gear if staying overnight on site.
    • Canvas chair, jackets, hat, gloves, and a blanket (ceremony takes place in the evenings)
    • Be prepared to support areas of the ceremony, feast preparation, song, fire (as directed), and witness the dancers.

On-Site Facilities & Staying Overnight

    • Anyone may stay on site (tents & RVs welcome).
    • Facilities: portable bathrooms only (no potable water, power hookups, or showers).
    • Please bring your own camping gear, chair, water, food for potlucks, and personal supplies.
    • If you prefer off-site lodging, please arrange independently in or near Great Village / Truro.

4-day Outline (October 7-10)

Day 1 

    • 6:00 PM – Welcome from Elders & Knowledge Keepers, Opening Prayer & Potluck Feast
    • Sacred fires lit (as permitted); drummers begin
    • Dancers (fasters) enter through the western gate and begin their fast
    • Teachings and storytelling continue into the night (approx. midnight)

Day 2

    • Ceremony at dusk
    • Dancers enter through the western gate
    • Teachings and storytelling guided by Elders

Day 3 

    • Ceremony at dusk
    • Dancers enter through the western gate
    • Continued teachings and storytelling

Day 4 

    • Final evening ceremony, prayers, and closing reflections
    • Messages and guidance from Elders; closing songs
    • 7:00 PM – Potluck Feast and dancers break fast

Accessibility & Well-Being

    • If you have physical limitations or health considerations, please speak with an Elder for guidance.
    • Elders may provide individual direction regarding fasting, medication, and participation.
    • The site is outdoors and on natural terrain—please plan for uneven ground, weather changes, and nighttime temperatures.

Photo/Media Protocol

This is a sacred ceremony. No photos or recording in ceremonial spaces unless specifically permitted by Elders. 

Gratitude

We raise our hands in gratitude to the Elders, drummers and knowledge keepers of the Turtle Lodge, to Grandmother Jane Meader for her leadership in bridging our communities, and to all who come to support and bring their knowledge and guidance that continue to walk this path of remembrance and renewal.