Nookwezigan (photos)

NEWS RELEASE

GREAT NORTHERN HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTRE

************************* The Great Northern Hotel and Conference Centre celebrates new smudging arbor

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - (June 13) – On June 16, dignitaries from local First Nations gathered at the Great Northern Hotel and Conference Centre to perform a smudging ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new smudging arbor.

The hotel is the first to create an arbour, or permanent area, for local First Nation bands practice their cultural beliefs and ceremonies.

The smudging ceremony celebrated the opening of the new arbor by the burning of various medicine plants for emotional and spiritual purification.

In First Nations beliefs, the smoke attaches itself to negative energy and as the smoke clears it takes the negative energy with it, releasing it into another space where it will be regenerated into positive energy.

The Great Northern Hotel and Conference Centre’s general manager, Vesna Pejic, says: “The hotel is taking this initiative to recognize the distinct and unique cultural identity of the First Nations People by building this arbor. We are proud to have formed a relationship with the local First Nations and are honoured to host their special ceremonies.”

The smudging ceremony took place on Monday, June 16 at 2 p.m., at the Great Northern Hotel and Conference Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, located at 229 Great Northern Road.

The media and public are welcome to attend. For more information please call the hotel at (705) 942-2500.

The Great Northern Hotel and Conference centre is managed by CHIP Hospitality.

CHIP Hospitality is one of Canada’s leading hotel management companies and currently manages and asset manages 35 hotels and resorts across Canada.

The company manages independent hotels and hotels operating under major franchise brands, such as Crowne Plaza, Radisson, Residence Inn by Marriott, Holiday Inn, Hilton, Quality, Gouverneur, Best Western and Ramada.

CHIP Hospitality is fully owned by British Columbia Investment Management Corporation, a Canadian leader in investment funds management that is based in Victoria, British Columbia.

For more information, please click here.

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