Our Grandfathers would guard the Fires within our Mounds and keep it as their child, nurturing it with love for their People.

We were important to each other in the earlier days. We depended on our numbers to be safe. We live by the Principles of Nature as all living things did.

We did our labors and activities as the Sun allowed us and our Daytimes were productive time, our Nights were our gathering times. So the duties of the Fire Keepers were to make sure all Lodges were warmed by our Sacred flames. They lived in the Fire Lodge and guarded it with their life. No stranger walked on the Sacred Grounds of the Fire Lodge.

This fire came to be in the first world when as Beings becoming Humans we lived in a gray world. The mist was thick and heavy. We cuddled in underground shelters and caves for safety. To be alone was sure death.

On a wonder filled evening a bright light was heading toward our Earth home. It grew bigger quickly and soon hit our Earth. The great waters ran as a full force across the lands and many low places became rivers and lakes. But even more important the Land called Turtle Island began to break up in masses and separate. Fire came from the place the Ancient One touched the Earth. After the many seasons it cooled and became possible to get close to it, our people gathered some of its embers and brought them inside the caves and underground homes.

Soon we saw less mist and more light. Our Forest gave us light in the dark world. We begin to think of greater things and recognize the Earth as beautiful and good. She began to allow us to see her mountains and her forest and she fed us well. We grew from her love and the Wisdom Fire from Great Spirit. We had Intent and Purpose.

As our courage drew we knew it came from the Fire Spirit. New ways of thinking and all beautiful things were present. So we honored the Fire Spirit with ceremony. We kept the first flame alive from that eon till this day.

Our Fire Keepers have survived all the wars and all the killing. The Firekeepers have maintained a pure fire that gives Clear Mind. Many voices and faces of our original wise ones come to us over and over again in the Fire. It is our doorway to the many worlds of Great Spirits’ Medicines.

It’s kept the Spirit of the People long after all others have lost sight of where it all began. Whenever possible the men maintained the fire and the women cared for the family and children. Whenever the men were scarce the women were the ones to carry the service.