The University of Manitoba campuses and research spaces are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene and Inuit, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. More
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, R3T 2N2
The Sweat Lodge at the Fort Garry campus was built to support UM Indigenous students, staff and the greater UM community through traditional, culturally grounded and holistic ways that promote healing and balance. Join for any or all parts of the ceremony, which includes preparing the grounds and lodge, tending the fire and going into the lodge.
Visit the Indigenous Events Calendar for the full schedule.
Sweat Lodge Preparation Sessions are intended for people to learn more about the lodge, the ceremony and how to prepare to attend your first ceremony. This is a cultural protocol that we have adapted for the UM community.
All are welcome to attend the Sweat Lodge Ceremony and Preparation Sessions.
No registration is required to attend either the Preparation Session or the Sweat Lodge Ceremony.
We do not hold individual requested Sweat Lodge Ceremonies. All Sweat Lodges that are held at the Lodge on the Fort Garry campus are strictly scheduled, and all are welcome to attend.
It is mandatory to attend a session before entering the lodge for the ceremony. These preparation sessions are specifically created for the Sweat Lodge at the UM.
These preparation sessions are specifically created for the protocols at the UM Sweat Lodge. It is important to note that not all Lodges have the same protocols and responsibilities.
Visit the Indigenous Events Calendar or our Facebook page for the full schedule.
Information and protocols are shared during the Sweat Lodge Preparation Sessions. Those attending a Sweat Lodge Ceremony at UM for the first time are strongly recommended to attend a session.
Lodge Keepers will be available to share more about protocols at each ceremony. You're asked to arrive at the scheduled arrival times to allow time to visit with the Lodge Keeper conducting the ceremony and the opportunity to learn more.
Those attending the ceremony, feel free to wear comfortable clothes. Keeping in mind that apart from the time spent inside the Lodge, the Ceremony takes place outside. In addition to the clothes that you plan to wear inside the Sweat Lodge, please ensure that you are dressed appropriately for the weather.
Dates for ceremonies and preparation sessions can be found in the Indigenous Events Calendar along with other upcoming cultural events and learning opportunities.
Ceremony attendance can fluctuate. If there are more people attending than can fit inside the lodge, people will be given the opportunity to consider giving up space for others. UM Indigenous students will be prioritized.
Those under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or adult.
Ceremony will be rescheduled if wind speeds reach or exceed 25 km/hr.
There are some instances when a Sweat Lodge ceremony may need to be cancelled due to high winds for fire safety purposes. However, we will always pivot to another Ceremony, like a Pipe Ceremony, or a Sharing Circle as we still want to hold space for those that show up and are needing/wanting to sit in Ceremony.
The ceremony site is located behind Migizii Agamik (114 Sidney Smith Street), west of the Education Building and east of the Max Bell Centre, between Service Road 2 North and Parking Lot P.
P Lot is located directly behind the Sweat Lodge site and parking is free after 4:30 p.m. and on the weekends.
During weekdays, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., paid visitor parking is available but restricted to metered parking, Park & Pay areas and in the University Parkade.
Weekend, holidays and evening parking (after 4:30 p.m.) is free in most surface lots. Exceptions apply, find more details here.
Any questions about Sweat Lodge ceremonies and preparation sessions will be directed to the lodge caretakers.
