As we were planning this adventure we knew we wanted to see Agawa Rock and its famous pictographs. We were disappointed to learn that the trail closed September 17th; so imagine our surprise when locals repeatedly asked us it we had taken the trail down. “As long as the water is calm you’ll be fine”....they said. Always up for a challenge we passed the closed sign and headed for the trailhead.
As soon as we entered the parking lot we knew we had stumbled upon something special. We saw a sweat lodge, a teepee, and many smaller tents and trailers scattered around the lot. There were tables full of fresh watermelon and many delicious treats. Because I am naturally curious I walked up to the happenings and asked if I could respectively approach. With a nod of a head I was directed to someone who was clearly in charge. She explained to me that they were Ojibwe people and they were taking part in their fasting ceremony. Every spring and summer they come and their young men and women go without food and water out on the scared rocks. The young men for four days and the young women for two. Apparently even if you are not young, but are seeking guidance, you can also fast. She welcomed us to go out quietly on the sacred rocks as to not disturb the ceremony. As you approach the ledge to the rocks you pass a sign that says that “Death and injury have occurred when highly unpredictable waves have washed visitors off the rock ledge while viewing the pictographs.” When we were there it was very, very calm, but I still held on to the chain that is attached to the rocks. My favourite was the Misshepezhieu. This spirit is said to be able to create storms over Lake Superior by thrashing his tail. I’m happy to report he kept that tail still until we got off the rocks. It is important to recognize that when we imply that the Group of Seven inspired art that was truly Canadian we are not dismissing this amazing art that is probably 400 years old. Thank you to the Ojibwe peoples who so graciously shared their rock, their art, and their stories with us. You are Always in my Prayers. Love Mom.
9 Comments
Owen C.
9/30/2020 12:28:00 pm
Owen was excited to see this post because he has visited the trails and Agawa rock.
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Ray
9/30/2020 01:13:22 pm
Such a wonderful place. Really worth a visit.
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Mariska
9/30/2020 12:28:49 pm
Mariska has a brother who is Ojibwe. She is Cree herself.
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Mariah
9/30/2020 12:29:50 pm
Mariah wonders how steep the rock was where you were standing.
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Ray
9/30/2020 01:15:30 pm
The ledge along the base of the cliff and the lake was only slightly angled towards the lake. It was a steep climb down to a ledge.
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Chase
9/30/2020 12:30:24 pm
Chase wonders if you got wet?
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Ray
9/30/2020 01:17:18 pm
The lake was very calm in the day we visited so we stayed dry. You are advised not to go out on the rock when there are waves. People have been swept off the rock.
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Brynly
10/13/2020 08:02:19 am
would you guys go again and did you almost fall off at any point?
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Diane
10/13/2020 01:12:28 pm
Absolutely, Ray is part mountain goat so he had no problem. I had fallen earlier in the week on a waterfall hike and bounced my head off of a rock...so I was a little worried (you probably shouldn’t whack your head too many times) this has definitely sparked my interest in our countries petroglyphs and pictographs....Perhaps another trip to plan😄
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Ray & Diane HomewoodSharing the Blessing of Travel Archives
August 2022
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