Day Two: Collective Ancestors ‘Egungun’

Nana Sharifa “Ageno” Bryan will discuss the framework of ancestral veneration in indigenous cultures, its essential role in maintaining balance in life, and how ancestral veneration is a tool for collective liberation. 

Through song, prayer, and sacred remembrance, participants will build a collective ancestor altar, elevating those that came before us to conjure new future possibilities.  Following the installation, a reflective journaling and talk back session regrounds us in our bodies and the present, while offering takeaways to inspire the work ahead.  

Please wear white or light-coloured clothing. 

*Participants will bring the names of up to five deceased loved ones to honor in this activation. In addition, personal items representing those selected relatives are welcomed (i.e. framed photographs, jewellery, keepsakes, and other memorabilia). All personal items will be returned at the end of the evening. 

**In the spirit of community, we also ask participants to contribute offerings to the collective altar in the form of fresh flowers, small bottles of wine/spirits, candles (of any color), fresh fruits, candies, and/or sweets.

What to Expect:

Movement of the body

Activation of voice through song and prayer 

Engaging with sacred herbal mixtures, waters, incense, and resins

Somatic responses to ceremony

Creative writing/journaling

Collective reflection