Picture 1. Kevin Brownlee & William Dumas (my two native ‘brothers’) and me

This particular trip had the purpose of attending a 4 day fast at Guy Hill, a location 20 miles north of the town of The Pas. This beautiful area which overlooks Clear Water Lake has a tainted history. A residential school had stood on that ground during the 1960’s. Aboriginal children were brought from communities all over the north to learn and be assimilated into the white man’s society. Their experiences varied. Some had pleasant memories of Guy Hill but for the most part such was not the case. Fifteen people were to ‘fast,’ during that first week of August; many of those individuals had suffered at Guy Hill many years ago. This ‘fast,’ under the guidance of William Dumas, whom had also attended the school, was to begin the healing process. Others like myself were there for different reasons. It was to be a period of reflection and meditation. With no distractions such as television, radio, food, drink and minimal social interaction it would be a time to reflect on one’s life, past, present and future.
I had given William Dumas, my native ‘brother,’ tobacco one year ago to show the seriousness of my intent. He had instructed me to begin training January to August through ‘mini-fasts’ of 2 to 3 days; if not, my experience in August could be dire.

I did keep a log for the week and hope to include it in a future publication of my travels and experiences. This is a brief summary of that unique week.

July 30/Sun.
In the afternoon we were told to find a fasting area. I eventually found a place where I could peek through the trees and see beautiful Clear Water Lake. I cleared the dead fall, laid out my ground tarp and set up the overhead tarp. I had an area of about 10 by 12 feet and would remain there from Monday night until Friday morning. That night a pipe ceremony and prayers were conducted in the teepee. I slept in my tent set up on the main field.

Picture 2. Fasting area
Picture 3.View from my tent to Clear Water Lake

July31/Mon.
In the early afternoon I brought my tent up to my fasting area and set it up. It required a log base because it was impossible to peg into the ground.

A great deal of work went into organizing this event. The women in particular did a magnificent job.
I met many wonderful people before the fast began. They told me their stories, what had brought them to the ‘hill.’ There was some laughter but a tension pervaded the atmosphere. We all knew the fast would be an ordeal and wondered, "How would we do?"

A sweat lodge ceremony was held and later that night we enjoyed a feast. We ate heartily knowing it would be our last meal until Friday. Afterwards we walked to our respective fasting areas. A strong wind picked up off the lake. A few drops fell and I thought, "Will my shelter hold out the week?"

Aug.1/Tues.
Had an excellent sleep. Each person fasting had a helper who came at 8:00 am and 8:00 pm every day for about 10 minutes. He or she provided an important supportive role to the individual fasting. They also brought cedar water which I used to brush my teeth and wash my face. I spent the day meditating, sleeping and performing Tai Chi exercises. I was allowed one book because it was my first fast. I chose, ‘The Seat of the Soul’ by Gary Zukov.

Aug.2/Wed.
Woke at 5:00 am and wished for a drink, thinking things are going to get tough. William Dumas dropped by and asked how I was doing. I told him I liked the solitude, it provided time to think.
Daily routine as yesterday. Could feel getting weaker. Began to move more slowly and felt I was ‘melting’ into my surroundings. I noticed every small animal and insect that moved through my camp. Senses were very alert.

Aug.3/Thurs.
The weather was cool and misty which felt refreshing on the skin. My helper arrived and I washed. He explained that it is especially during times of hardship that the Creator comes in your dreams. It also may take time to understand your dream. He offered me medicine water to drink but I said I was fine. When he left it began to rain. I had to adjust my tarp so that I could remain dry under my ‘porch.’ Each day as I grew weaker I began to sleep more and more. My routine continued but was wonderfully interrupted during the early night by Margaret Dumas (William’s wife, also fasting). She sang a beautiful song for us to buoy our spirits. It was much appreciated. We knew also the people down at the main camp were praying for us. That night was very difficult. It was cool but my body began to overheat from severe dehydration. It was the time I began to really worry. Time stood still but finally I fell asleep late in the morning.

Aug.4/Fri.
When I awoke I was elated for I knew I had done it! When my helper arrived I drank heartily. We packed up our belongings and in line, proudly marched down the hill. Later I brought my camera and tripod back for some photographs. I was surprised when I eventually saw the pictures. Inside I was smiling and very happy but those feelings were not reflected on my face.