Manitoba entered Phase 3 of the Restoring Safe Services as of June 21, 2020. Over the next several months many Sundances will be happening across the province. The purpose of this document is to provide information about the current knowledge, guidance, and public health orders related to COVID-19 for Sundance Leaders to use as they make decisions and plans about if or how to proceed with their ceremonies.
We recognize that Ceremonial Leaders, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Traditional Healers have protected and sustained knowledge and practices through many challenging contexts, including times when Canadian law prohibited ceremonies. They have also adapted ceremonial practices to meet evolving needs like adopting universal precautions to prevent the transmission of blood borne infections. These leaders are best placed to make informed decisions about how to continue ceremonial practices in the current context as well.
This document has guidance on gathering sizes, travel restrictions, entry/exit points, drum groups/singers, dancers, piercing and flesh offerings, canupas, meals and feasting, and general mitigation measures. You can download the resource as a PDF file here.
