ONEIDA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Oneida Nation welcomed all community members to a tobacco burning ceremony to honor the lives lost last Saturday evening at its casino complex in Ashwaubenon.
Deb Polster and her mother Pat Petersen came to the Oneida Pow Wow Grounds because they want to help the community heal.
“What has happened there in this past week has been so tragic and the Oneida Nation are very peaceful people,” said Polster.
“I come because I believe we are all brothers and sisters, we all are one people, we all should come and support each other,” said Peterson.
Oneida Nation Chairman Tehassi Hill says many people like Polster come to pray and help heal the community’s sprits.
During the tobacco burning ceremony, the cameras turned off to respect the Nation’s sacred talk.
Hill says the message told while cameras were off holds a strong meaning.
“Again the words translated in the ceremony were very meaningful to our community and for them to hear it and be reminded that we are all here to help one another I think goes a long way,” said Hill.
During the ceremony, several eagles, including a bald eagle, flew overhead,
“That’s almost anticipated. I should say, it’s very significant to us as the eagle is a very significant animal to us, in our culture,” said Hill. “To us it’s that great vision to notify the chief and take action.”
Hill says it’s uplifting to see so many community members at the ceremony.
“We felt that we wanted to be part of it,” said Rick Smith.
Smith, and his wife Pam, were happy to be in the crowd.
“I love that the community is invited to this, you know we come out.. try to learn about the Oneida tradition and culture… I think I feel better today after this,” said Smith.
Hill says the tobacco burning tradition moves away negative energy so the Nation can really begin the healing process.
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