// May 31st, 2010 // No Comments » // Boreal Forest, Information Items, Manitoba Tourist Destination, Petroforms, Whiteshell Provincial Park
Above: Turtle Petroform, Cloth Offerings, Tobacco Offerings (see Petroforms Gallery for full size images and more photos)
I recently had the opportunity to meet and spend a day at the Petroform site with Ron Bell who is recognized as a cultural teacher with an in depth knowledge of the Petroforms and teachings that have been given to him. These teachings include medicine from the various plants that naturally inhabit the area and much more than the rock formations themselves. There is much information that he is able to share and one definitely needs some interpretation of the site to benefit from the visit if your intentions are to gain some knowledge of the teachings, history and meanings of the formations. Had I visited on my own, without a knowledgeable guide, I basically would have been looking at interesting rock formations and nothing more. It was a fascinating day in the Whiteshell forest. Ron has given permission to post information to contact him (buffaloman1@hotmail.com) if you are interested in obtaining more in-depth interpretation as a group or individual. More contact information can be found in the “Main Menu” section on the right hand side of this page. There is also a new gallery (bottom right) with photos from the Bannock Point Petroform site which is unique both historically and culturally to Manitoba.
Petroforms are shapes and patterns of large rocks and boulders which cover large open areas of ground. One of these sites can be found at the easily accessible Bannock Point in the Whiteshell Provincial Park (Manitoba). The Bannock Point Petroform figures are laid out in the shape of turtles, snakes, humans and other abstract figures. This site, considered sacred by many, is still used by First Nations peoples, elders and others for ceremonies, to share knowledge, pass on stories and as a place for elders to gather. Sweat Lodges, Vision Quests, prayers and offerings take place here. When visiting, offerings of cloth, tobacco or sweet grass should be considered. Likewise, if you find cloth or tobacco placed on stones or hung in trees do not disturb them. It is the belief of the Anishinabe and other First Nations people that the Petroforms were left long ago for the benefit of ALL people that might visit the site to receive their teachings and healing. One story suggests that this area is where the first human was lowered to earth.
The Bannock Point site contains all the shapes and patterns that are known as Petroforms suggesting that many of the shapes originated here in the central part of the continent and fanned out to other areas where Petroforms are found.
These ancient sites are protected by law to preserve them intact for generations to come. Many questions remain unanswered about the fascinating rock shapes laid out on the open large and flat surfaces of Canadian Shield granite bedrock ridges found at Bannock Point. Whiteshell has some of the oldest pink coloured granite found on earth. Boulders left behind on the ridges from the last ice age gave humans the opportunity to arrange them into patterns. It looks that some of the boulders may have been carved or chipped to give them the appearance of a shape such as a turtle head.
If you do visit the Petroforms site on your own and find a ceremony taking place it is suggested that you respect the privacy of the ceremony and consider returning another day. These ceremonies should be considered religious in nature as are others that take place in any church or synagogue.
Enjoy!
~Sharon
