It was a beautiful day and a beautiful turn-out for the unveiling of the Aboriginal Student Centre (ASC) Medicine Wheel rock garden at Durham College (DC). Approximately 40 friends and faculty gathered in the bus loop of the Oshawa campus to celebrate the creation of the garden, with Elder and member of the Bird Clan Shirley Williams leading the ceremony. Originally from Manitoulin Island, Williams told stories of her childhood and taught on-lookers the importance of the Medicine Wheel. Everyone came together and formed a circle and then the ceremony commenced. Williams started by sprinkling tobacco around the rock garden, which is typically used in the offering of prayer to the Creator, acting as a medium for communication. Next, was the burning of sage, used to rid of bad spirits or feelings present. After the ridding of bad spirits, Aboriginal Student advisors Peggy Forbes and Julie Pigeon made their way around the circle offering guests a drink of water, which was also used to wash. This ritual is used to cleanse the soul and restore positive thoughts. Finally, time was taken to greet each other by giving everyone in the circle a hug and thanking them for their participation. The process was very educational and relaxing and gave guests a whole new meaning to the Medicine Wheel.

 “It’s all part of Indigenizing the campus,” said Forbes. “It’s a movement that we’re taking, so the Aboriginal culture becomes part of the Durham College culture. It’s a visual for people, so they can know and understand that we’re here. We’re hoping it will spur interest in people because we want to share and help people understand what we’re about, why we’re here and what we do.”

The Medicine Wheel is used as a teaching tool, promoting balance in one’s life and teaching how to live in harmony with all creation. There are four quadrants, each representing an important aspect: in the north, the spiritual quadrant – promoting intellectual wisdom and the ability to see the past, present and future as interrelated; in the east, the physical quadrant – promoting the importance of play and fun and representing the promise that the Creator is always willing to listen; in the south, the mental quadrant – promoting the importance of maintaining a healthy brain in order to stay connected; and in the west, the emotional quadrant – promoting the importance of prayer and reflecting on one’s life, attracting the spirits’ attention.

“The Medicine Wheel is really important to us. It’s an important symbol and a way of life,” said Forbes.