From Stick and Stone to Sacred Fire
Stories and Teaching with Sherwin Moore
In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, we sat down with Sherwin Moore, also known by his Cree name Moo ta woo Mikasew Napew—Travelling Eagle Man. Sherwin is a Knowledge Sharer (otherwise known as a Knowledge Keeper) from Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) who leads traditional sweat lodge ceremonies and carries sacred teachings passed down through generations.
But before he took on this sacred role, Sherwin was a kid growing up among the trees, wildlife and untouched places of OCN.
“There were no paved roads. No video games. Just the trees, the river, and your friends.”
Sherwin remembers when Amisk Bay, where he lives now, was just open field and bush—before the roads and housing developments began to rise. He recalls the land as full of wildlife—bears, coyotes, moose—and days spent outside, fishing at Laundry Lake, playing with friends, and learning by watching the land and his family. Just beyond his fence today, new homes and roads are being built—a sign of OCN’s thriving growth and ongoing connection to community.
One teaching has stayed with him since childhood:
“If you're going to take something, you have to give something.”
He learned this by watching his grandfather honour the animals they hunted—offering tobacco and giving thanks. That principle of reciprocity and respect shaped how Sherwin approaches the world, from hunting to harvesting medicines, never taking more than you need.
“Even the plants are alive. When you take them, you're taking their life. So you offer something in return—tobacco, prayers, gratitude. That’s how you take care of what takes care of you.”
Matootsan – The Crying Lodge
Today, Sherwin shares teachings through the sweat lodge ceremony, known in Cree as Matootsan—“The Crying Lodge.”
“It was our church before we knew religion. A place to connect with the Creator, to heal, to purify, and to give thanks.”
The sweat lodge is deeply symbolic. The fire outside represents Grandfather Sun, the altar represents Grandmother Moon, and the lodge inside is Mother Earth. Together, they remind participants of their connection to all things.
Stones (the Grandfathers) are carefully chosen—preferably granite—and brought into the lodge after being heated in fire. Sweats may be personal, communal, or for healing, and each is a deeply spiritual experience.
“People cry in there. That’s part of the healing. That’s why we call it the Crying Lodge.”
Sweats are not casual or open events—they are ceremonies, and participation is guided by tradition and consent. However, learning about their purpose helps visitors gain deeper respect for the Cree way of life.
Learning and Visiting with Respect
Sherwin encourages visitors to come with curiosity, but also humility.
“Do a little research. Come with a good heart. Ask questions. Reach out to leadership. That’s how we do things—with respect.”
This approach applies whether you’re curious about ceremonies, visiting sacred places, or simply exploring the region. And while contacting our leadership here on OCN is an important and vital first step, always asking our Elders to be part of the process is just as essential. Elders carry the spirit and story of our people, and their guidance helps keep those teachings rooted and respectful.
Sherwin reminds us that these teachings, though rooted in Cree culture, are wisdom we can all carry:
“When you take something, you have to give something. That’s a good teaching for every human on this planet.”
Sherwin shares with his thoughts and memories
Want to learn more about OCN’s cultural teachings?
Contact the Opaskwayak Cree Nation Band Office to respectfully inquire about community events, ceremonies, or cultural opportunities. And whenever possible, ask to learn from or speak with an Elder. Their voice is a living bridge between the past and the future.