Shared Practices

Richard Moar
March 29, 2011
Listuguj

"My grandfather told us: ‘Go find the tools we had. From there on, you’ll be able to heal.’"

Richard Moar, Nehirowisiw

Reviving traditional practices isn’t always easy. Many elders resist. They’re suspicious of rituals that have long been called diabolical. They prefer not to talk about it. Others are more open. When Richard Moar heard during a visit in Ontario that the rain dance ceremony was part of the Atikamekw culture, he asked his nation's elders if they remembered it. Some people remembered seeing this practice, and Richard Moar proudly added it to his healing tools.