Yesterday school basically finished off with two days of "culture camp". This was a display of First Nations history and culture in a beautiful outdoor setting. It was a day not just for the kids, but for everyone in the community. Many elders came out as well. We saw rabbits skinned, fish filleted, and the kids went kayaking, played volleyball, and made tie dye shirts. It was a lot of fun. I even got to play horseshoes with some of the elders.
It also gave my family an opportunity to share with some of the people how welcome we've felt since we've moved here. I believe that some appreciated this as well.
After doing all of this, one of the older ladies invited me to join in the community round dance. Because of my previous encounters with First Nations Christians, I knew that this would not be acceptable to them, however, to these people at the event, I think this was an invitation to become closer with the community - so what should I do?
Later on, I was also invited to take part in the sweat lodge. All of the closer friends that Tricia and I have here were basically taking part, and I was very much encouraged to jump in as well. I like the idea of "being cleansed" in a ceremonial aspect. Again, another opportunity to really become a part of this community.
Eventually I chatted with a local believer here who let me know how innappropriate it is for Christians to be involved in these activities. She said that this was not just "history" or "cultural", but rather it was spiritual and religious. This really made me think about the choices that I had made.
What is the right answer here? Is smudging okay for Christians? Where should I take a stand here in my charismatic Christian only context? I'm not sure what is the right choices here.
Blessings
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