Nomads of Sangi'lak

Twice a year the Family holds a celebration to acknowledge the achievements of each member and to remember what the pack is all about - family. During each celebration members are recognized for their hard work and dedication to the pack and awarded beads to show their renown within the Family. Also, any puppies born during the spring or fall are inducted into their chosen sect and congratulated by all.

Fet’ete

This summer celebration is held on the longest day of every year (summer solstice). It begins in the afternoon, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, and goes into the night.

During this celebration stories are shared of members lives before they joined Sangi’lak so that they can reconnect with that part of their life that brought all the Nomads together. Individual cultures and practices are also celebrated in the form of dance and music. Every member is encouraged to share the rituals of their home and teach them to the rest of the Family.

Also recognized are the new courting or mateships that have begun in the previous year so that the pair can be congratulated by the rest of the Family.

Fet’ver

This winter celebration is held on the shortest day of the year (winter solstice). It lasts for two days, beginning in the early afternoon of the first day and going until late morning of the second.

On the first day, everyone is exempt from their duties for the afternoon and is expected to get everything done that needs to be done that morning. All members are encouraged to participate in activities throughout the afternoon, including snowball fights, hunts, wrestling and games of tag. Anything goes as long as everyone gets a chance to participate in the fun.

A feast is prepared later in the evening to celebrate the bountiful winter season with fresh meat and crops that were harvested in the fall. A large fire is made and drinks are provided to keep everyone nice and warm. This part of the celebration goes late into the night and furs are placed around the fire for everyone to sleep on.

The next morning, members present gifts that they have made for the Family. These gifts can be anything, as long as they hold meaning for both the giver and the receiver. Not all gifts need be big or elaborate; small, simple gifts should be received with the same gratitude as something of higher worth. It is not about what one receives, but the thought and time that went into preparing each gift.