Ceremonial Fire Grounds

The Ceremonial Fire Ground was created in close consultation with Shatitsirótha’, Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre(WISC) staff, Brian Roth, architects, and a sacred Fire Keeper, Al MacDonald of Kitchener.

This space facilitates community-building throughout the university and surrounding area and provides a place for peaceful reflection.It is used for ceremonies, educational opportunities, and other gatherings.

The WISC oversees the space being used for cultural and educational programming and the space SHOULD NOT be used in a formal or group setting without the engagement of WISC staff or designated caretaker by WISC staff.

Individual use for peaceful reflection is encouraged


The space is shaped as a medicine wheel with a turtle in the centre for the ceremonial fire to sit upon.

In many Indigenous cultures, fire honours the spirit of theancestors.

The medicine garden contains herbs and other plants – such as sage, cedar, sweetgrass, tobacco, and strawberries – traditionally used for ceremonies, medicinal, and blessing purposes.

For more information or if you are interested in bringing your class, colleagues, or group to our sacred space for an educational opportunity with WISC please email wisc@uwaterloo.ca


CEREMONIAL FIRE

Photo Credit: Gerard Peter Paw