Urban Rights of Passage Ceremony
Sponsors: Knowledgeable Aboriginal Youth Association and Pacific Association of Women
The Urban Rights of Passage Ceremony is a 2 day Indigenous ceremonial practice (an acknowledgement of accepting new responsibilities) for young people to transcend from adolescence in the community into a place of taking on the responsibilities of adulthood.
Through the rites of passage ceremony youth will go through a process of advisement and understanding of the responsibilities young men and women are to be accountable for. A variety of coming of age ceremonies will be practiced from various nations such as ceremonial swats, cold water baths, and circle discussions about new responsibilities.The goals of the program are:
- To help Aboriginal youth understand personal growth from childhood to adulthood and that responsibility begins at that point;
- To acknowledge that youth are evolving from adolescence to adulthood in their life path into new realms;
- To provide cultural enrichment that will empower, encourage and develop young people in healthy directions – mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally;
- To encourage the gaining of a connection to Aboriginal ancestry, culture and traditions;
- To learn personal, family and community responsibilities of leading a healthy livelihood;
- To encourage sexual responsibility, understanding the ability of creation.
Contact Information
-
Knowledgeable Aboriginal Youth Association
Kelly L'Hirondelle, Executive Director
604.254.5513 -
Pacific Association of Women
Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Center 604.873.1833
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