Former addict from Regina says First Nations elder, teachings saved her life
Elder Archie Weenie welcomes everyone to cultural awareness camp near Regina this Friday to Sunday
Father and son Archie and Curtis Weenie want to bring traditional First Nations culture and teachings to people from the city. The duo founded Open Sky retreat in 2008 and put on regular cultural awareness camps.
Weenie says they chose the name Open Sky because they are open to everyone.
Before moving to Regina, Elder Weenie spent the past 20 years on the Sweetgrass First Nation near North Battleford.
Weenie said he can relate to people who are spiritually sick and struggling to make a life in the city.
"It takes me back in time to when I was hurting. I connected with his kindness, I went back to my road and I've been walking that path ever since."
The Weenies started with a single sweat lodge out on the bare prairie, completely at the mercy of the weather. They have now built a permanent sweat lodge building just outside Regina so people can experience ceremonies year-round.
"Some people never experience any kind of ceremony and that's why they are lost. That's why I do this to try and connect them some way. Hey, there is a lot of hope," Elder Weenie said.
Regina woman credits traditional teachings for saving her life
Tanya Sayer credits Elder Archie Weenie for saving her life. The Regina woman spent years battling an IV drug addiction. That addiction fuelled crime which landed her in jail.
Sayer enrolled in Drug Treatment Court and started living at Kate's Place, an apartment building for drug addicted women. It was there that she vowed to kick her habit for good so she could get her son back.
"I couldn't get off the drugs, I didn't know how. I just thought to myself what am I going to do? How am I going to get off this? I was contemplating suicide," Sayer said.
Sayer met Elder Archie Weenie and started going to his sweat lodge.
"I kept going and I kept going because I knew that would help," Sayer said. "The ceremonies with Archie gave me hope."
"Sitting next to him in the Lodge, the songs he sings, the way he talks to me, it's so beautiful," Sayer said. "I can't say too much of what is happening in the Lodge, but I know it works because of the work that they do with the Creator."
Sayer got her son back and started taking him with her to ceremonies. She said she's seen a huge change.
"He's a lot more calmer, he's more respectful and he went from being a D student to a B student."
Open Sky Retreat is holding a cultural awareness camp this Friday to Sunday.
There will be a mini round dance, pipe ceremony, sweat lodge, sunset ceremony, horses and meals provided over the weekend.
Weenie said the camp is open to everyone: "I try and help people. My work has no barriers, I'd like all people to come and experience this. To come and walk in the footsteps of His kindness."
To register call Archie Weenie at 306-539-9377.