Information Items

Summer is passing so quickly and I have hundreds of  new photos to catalogue and post.  Hopefully the “New Photos” Gallery will be updated in a few weeks – hope you will keep checking.

I almost passed this lovely bird by as it was swimming among Canada Geese at Hecla Island.  It was the little tuft of feather sticking up on its head that made me turn around and take a second look.  I have never seen this type of goose before – but they could be easily by-passed as my reference book indicates they can be found amongst the Canada Geese  as singles or small numbers.  They are about the same size as Canada Geese but their bill has a pinkish tone and their plumage quite different than Canadas.

Below – Greater White Fronted Goose swimming with Canada Geese.

Enjoy!

~Sharon

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

This year, 2010, Manitoba is having a Homecoming Celebration. We are a province rich in diversity of cultures,  outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts, great dining experiences, and more. Historical sites abound as Manitoba served as a major trading centre during the fur trade era with York boats traveling up and down the Red River to Lower Fort Gary near Selkirk. In Winnipeg the Manitoba Museum, The Forks, Assiniboine Park and Fort Whyte Nature Centre are sure hits with visitors of all ages.  Gimli and Hecla Village serve as reminders of our Icelandic heritage and fishers carry on the traditions of their ancestors to this day.  Dauphin, Manitoba hosts  the annual Ukrainian Festival in August honoring the traditions and Ukrainian immigrants that  cleared our  fertile farmlands.  Cultural celebrations, family and school reunions,  city and rural communities alike have planned many events to celebrate our Province.  Check out the Manitoba Homecoming 2010 website for events or activities that may be of interest to you. Why not put Manitoba on your list of places to visit this year and enjoy the friendly communities we call home.  Most of the photos on this website are from Manitoba  – a few of my favourites are below.

Enjoy!

~Sharon