Honoring the Moon: Wahkohtowin and Chapleau High School Collaborate to Uplift Women’s Full Moon Ceremonies

In a powerful act of cultural revitalization and community healing, Wahkohtowin Development GP Inc. has partnered with Chapleau High School to support and facilitate monthly Women’s Full Moon Ceremonies- an initiative rooted in traditional teachings, community connection, and Indigenous women’s sacred roles. The full moon is a time when women are especially connected to their life-giving roles, their responsibilities to water, and their shared energy as caregivers, protectors, and leaders.

These ceremonies, held each month during the full moon at the Chapleau High School Outdoor Learning Space, are a time for women to gather in unity, reflection, and prayer, honouring the moon as grandmother, teacher, and a source of strength.

Women gathered in unity and reflection during the Full Moon Ceremony at Chapleau High School

Rebuilding Tradition Through Community

The collaboration emerged from a shared desire to restore traditional practices and make cultural teachings more accessible to youth, especially young Indigenous women navigating today’s world. By partnering with Chapleau High School, Wahkohtowin is helping to bring these sacred ceremonies directly into educational spaces—an act that bridges generational knowledge and empowers students with a deeper connection to their identities.

Chapleau High School has welcomed the initiative with open arms, recognizing the importance of inclusive education that reflects Indigenous worldviews and lived experiences. The ceremonies have created a space for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students to learn and participate respectfully, building understanding and mutual respect.

All women are welcome to join the monthly Full Moon Ceremonies. Dates and times are shared on Facebook

A Path Forward

At a time when many youth feel disconnected from both land and self, initiatives like this offer something powerful: belonging. Wahkohtowin’s mission to advance a sovereign, regional and collaborative approach that enhances social, cultural, and environmental wellbeing for the long-term health and prosperity of our shared traditional territory is alive in every drumbeat and every word spoken around the sacred fire.

As these Full Moon Ceremonies continue each month, the hope is to inspire not just participation—but transformation. Together, Wahkohtowin and Chapleau High School are walking a path guided by the moon, lit by the strength of women, and grounded in truth, tradition, and hope. All women are welcome to attend the Full Moon Ceremonies, with dates and times advertized on Facebook.

 Authors: Darcy Piche, Julie Servant