Sask. Elder Troubled By Fatal Sweatlodge Ceremony
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at 12:13
A Saskatchewan First Nations elder is weighing in on a spiritual ceremony by a self-help author in the U.S. that turned into a deadly experience this past week.
According to news reports, two people died and 19 others were injured at James Arthur Ray’s spiritual resort in Sedona, Arizona.
More than 55 people were packed into a small sauna-like dome structure that was covered with tarps and blankets.
Hot rocks and water were used to create steam in the enclosed environment.
Reports say the victims were charged approximately $10,000 to participate.
Mike Pinay, an elder from the Peepeekisis First Nation, says First Nations people don’t charge for spiritual services.
“That (fee) is totally inappropriate…. I mean, people aren’t going to get any healing or whatever they’re there for… and no wonder things go wrong. That’s totally out of the question, the way he done things,” Pinay says.
Pinay says traditional sweatlodge ceremonies are used for healing and prayer.