G8 Leaders have had their say, now the Global Elders Gather in Greenland for Climate Change event

PR Log (Press Release) – Jul 10, 2009 – Kangerlussuaq, Greenland – The Sacred Fire Ceremony held in Greenland from July 17 to the 19 is receiving support from around the world. “ The support we are receiving from the local Greenland government, the community of Kangerlussuaq and the Municipality of Qeqqata is a testimony of the importance of this event.

We truly appreciate receiving the support from Parliamentary Representatives such as Chairmen Tuusi Motzfelt and Mimi
Karlsen
from
the
Ministery
 of
 Culture
 and
 Education,” stated Angaangaq, Kalaallit Elder and founder of Sirmiq Aattuq, an organization committed to preserving Mother Earth. “In addition to local Greenland support, we are receiving support from Elders, environmental organizations and communities from around the world,” added Angaangaq.

On July 17, the Sacred Fire will return home to Greenland. Due to climate change, trees are now standing once again in Greenland for the first time in thousands of years. For thousands of years the people in the north fuelled their fires with oil from animals such as the seal and the arctic dolphin.  Animals gave their lives so the people would have light and warmth. Now the climate is changing and the trees are standing again. The time has come for the Sacred Fires to be kindled with wood from Mother Earth.

The three day ceremony will take place 15 kilometers east from the town of Kangerlussuaq on the west coast of Greenland. The ceremony symbolizes the spiritual significance of climate change, expressing the unity of the Sacred Fire coming home with the melting of the Big Ice.  Support for the Sacred Fire Ceremony is also being witnessed by hundreds of ashes from Sacred Fires sent to Greenland to be part of the Sacred Fire Ceremony -- fires that have been burning for up to 10 000 years, fires from the Americas, fires from Buddhist Temples, Celtic fires, fires from the heart of Africa. These will be used as the foundation for the Sacred Fire at the Top of the World.

The global scale of this event is also being witnessed by the hundreds of Fires from around the world that will be sparked simultaneously to connect to the Sacred Fire at the Top of the World on the 17 . “It is with great joy that I welcome the world to join us in Greenland for this significant event.  In addition to the Elders from the four Directions attending the event in Greenland, Elders and communities will be connecting with us through hosting a fire in their respective communities,” said Angaangaq.

For further information regarding Sacred Fires from Around the World:

Visit:
http://www.fireandiceceremony.ning.com/.