Nation to Nation Ceremony

Thirsty Dance at Buffalo Lake Lodge

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Nehiyaw-Pwat (Iron Confederacy)

In times past, a painted glove (hand), fashioned with hide and painted with onaman was sent around to call tribes and nations together for a common purpose. In the 1700’s the Saulteaux (Anishinaabeg) of the plains, the Métis, Cree & Nakota did so and formed what was termed the Nehiyaw-Pwat (Iron Confederacy).

The glove was filled with gannikgannik (tobacco), moss and/or grass and sometimes wrapped around a sacred pipe. It was sent with a “runner” to various communities. The “runner” was a person specifically chosen for this task. He travelled on foot for weeks or months to reach other communities to pass the painted glove & explain why he was sent.

Thirsty Dance at Buffalo Lake Lodge

In 1820, another painted “hand” was sent around, this time to the Chippewa, the Cree, the Métis & the Nakota of the plains. They were called to a Thirsty Dance at Buffalo Lake Lodge near the Turtle Mountains to form an alliance against the Sioux at the time. A Thirsty Dance is held every year at the Turtle Mountains to commemorate this event.

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Other Alliances

Prior to the commencement of the war of 1812, a painted “hand” was sent around to various communities in the Sault Ste. Marie area as a call to arms. The Métis and Anishinaabeg fought side by side under Chief Shingwauk for the protection of their lands.

The Anishinaabeg also formed an alliance with the Sioux, during which time various ceremonies were exchanged and the big drum came to the Anishinaabeg. The Anishinaabeg have also had alliances with the Haudenosaunee at various times, including the “Dish with One Spoon” treaty.

Anishinabek Nation-Métis Nation of Ontario Ceremony

In 2005, leaders of the Métis Nation of Ontario and the Anishinabek Nation met in ceremony, to bring pipes together and sing ceremonial songs to commemorate their alliance and solidify the friendship and relationship between the two nations. The ceremony was done under the guidance of Elder Shiikenh Gordon Waindubence Baa. Representing the Métis Nation was Tony Belcourt who was President at the time. Representing the Anishinabek Nation was John Beaucage, then Grand Council Chief.

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In this, the 20th anniversary of that ceremony, we are reminded of the origins and history of our significant alliances.

June 7, 2025

This year will be the 10th anniversary of the Painted Hand Ceremony that was held at Serpent River First Nation with over 200 people attending. On June 7, 2025, a commemorative Painted Hand Ceremony is being held to feast our alliances. Here, led by Elders & traditional people in ceremony and song, we will recite and recall our histories, relationships and friendships. We will learn from them and discuss them. Many guests will be travelling from as far away as Alberta and Montana, Turtle Mountain ND, Michigan, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and all parts of Ontario.

We are coming together not only to acknowledge our history, our relationships and our friendships, but in ceremony to pray for the future generations and the future of Mother Earth.

Ceremony begins at 6:30am and will continue throughout the day. Ceremonial protocols are to be observed. Food will be provided. We will feast and we will dance. A fiddle challenge will be held in the evening.

For further information contact ceremonial mnidookewag/conductors and event planners, Isaac Murdoch (Ceremonial Conductor) and Tony Belcourt (Métis Elder).

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