Sweatlodge Teachings & Building Event @ HINU

Kasey Flynt • August 16, 2024

The Haskell Foundation is proud to sponsor "Sweatlodge Teachings & Building," a unique cultural event at Haskell Indian Nations University on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This event is open to everyone, including community members and non-Natives, offering an opportunity to learn about and participate in a sacred Native American tradition.



The sweat lodge is a significant spiritual and cultural practice among many Native American Nations. It is a ceremonial structure used for purification, prayer, and healing, symbolizing a rebirth of body, mind, and spirit. Participants gather inside a small, dome-shaped lodge where heated stones are placed in a central pit. Water is poured over the stones, creating steam to cleanse and purify the spirit.


The sweat lodge ceremony plays a crucial role in Native American culture by providing a sacred space for connecting with the Creator, ancestors, and the natural world. It is a place of introspection, renewal, and communal unity, guided by spiritual leaders or elders who perform rituals, prayers, songs, and offerings specific to their tribal traditions.


Spiritual Leader, Mr. Gerald Cournoyer, Sr. (Oglala Lakota), will lead the event, beginning with cultural awareness and sweatlodge teachings from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Curtis Hall Rose Room. Following the teachings, participants will gather at the Wetlands from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM to build a sweat lodge that will be used for the 2024-2025 school year.


Event Schedule:


1:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Cultural Awareness and Sweatlodge Teachings with Gerald Cournoyer, Sr. @ Curtis Hall Rose Room 

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Sweatlodge Building @ Wetlands


No registration is required to attend, but it is appreciated. Register online at https://tinyurl.com/ymds4w34 or on Facebook @HaskellFoundation.


Additionally, a closed sweat and blessing will be held on Sunday, September 15th, starting at noon, exclusively for Haskell students and staff. Registration is limited and required for this private event.


This event is an extraordinary opportunity for all who wish to engage with Native American culture, learn about the significance of the sweat lodge, and participate in a time-honored tradition that fosters community, healing, and spiritual growth.


For more information, please contact the Haskell Foundation at kflynt@haskellfoundation.org


About the Haskell Foundation 

The Haskell Foundation supports Haskell Indian Nations University by providing resources that enhance educational opportunities and preserve Native American culture. The Foundation is committed to promoting the well-being and success of Haskell students and the broader Native American community.


###


Press Contact: 

Dr. Kasey Flynt

Haskell Foundation 

kflynt@haskellfoundation.org


RECENT ARTICLES

By Kasey Flynt • February 28, 2025
Board President, Bo Schneider, give a heartfelt interview about the current situation at Haskell University and how you can help
By Kasey Flynt • February 25, 2025
Haskell Foundation Launches Emergency Fundraiser to Address Urgent Needs at Haskell Indian Nations University
By Kasey Flynt • June 20, 2024
We are thrilled to celebrate a significant achievement by one of our own, Kristina Heath, Post Award Specialist at the Haskell Foundation. Kristina recently participated in the prestigious Leading People and Investing to Build Sustainable Communities (LPIBSC) program at Harvard Business School (HBS), a collaboration among HBS Executive Education, NAFOA, and AFOA Canada. This program is designed to inspire and empower Native finance professionals, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to drive sustainable development in their communities. Kristina’s journey to Harvard is a testament to her dedication and passion for advancing the Haskell Foundation’s mission. Her participation in the LPIBSC program aligns perfectly with our commitment to supporting Haskell Indian Nations University and fostering leadership that will contribute to the long-term sustainability of Indigenous communities. During her time at Harvard, Kristina delved into a variety of subjects crucial to community investment, including entrepreneurial finance, investment governance, and change management. These topics are particularly important as we work to secure the future of Haskell Indian Nations University and support the broader Native American community through strategic investments and sustainable growth initiatives. One of the highlights of Kristina’s experience was the opportunity to engage directly with the professors who authored the case studies she had admired during her graduate studies. Her encounter with these academic leaders, coupled with real-world insights from tribal leaders and finance professionals from across the globe, provided Kristina with a unique and enriching learning experience that will have lasting impacts on her work at the Haskell Foundation. Kristina’s participation in the LPIBSC program underscores our commitment to continuous learning and professional development. It also highlights the importance of equipping our team with the tools necessary to lead in today’s complex financial and governance landscapes. As Kristina applies the knowledge and skills gained from this program, we are confident that her contributions will further strengthen our efforts to support Haskell Indian Nations University and the broader Native American community. Please join us in congratulating Kristina Heath on this remarkable achievement. Her dedication and commitment to professional growth are an inspiration to us all, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of her experience on the work of the Haskell Foundation.