program

For sweatlodge leaders: thank you, sweatlodge for your being (here). Advanced training in leading a ceremonial sweatlodge.

The sweat lodge ceremony is making a warm return to the European mainland, as if an old friend is finally coming home. Although the sweat lodge was once a deeply rooted part of our ancestors’ lives, its reintroduction in Europe is quite recent, perhaps less than 50 years ago. Archaeological research in the Netherlands even confirms the historical presence of the sweat lodge here, with findings dating back 3,600 years.

Over the centuries, much of the knowledge and practices surrounding the sweat lodge ceremony were lost in Europe. By 1500, almost all steam baths had disappeared from Central Europe. They were only reintroduced in the 20th century, albeit in a more functional way.

As the 20th century dawned, there was a growing interest in Europe in spiritual and cultural practices from North America, including the sweat lodge. People like Sun Bear and other North American spiritual leaders began actively sharing their ceremonial practices with non-natives. This exchange led to a remarkable revival of the sweat lodge ceremony, also in Europe.

People like Sun Bear and other North American spiritual leaders began actively sharing their ceremonial practices with non-natives. This exchange led to a remarkable revival of the sweat lodge ceremony, also in Europe. At the request of European friends, Ron Evans traveled to Europe to assist people through the ancient traditional practices and wisdom he carries. One of these requests was, “Can you teach us to better understand the sweat lodge and the sweat lodge ceremony?”

Ron Evans grew up with the sweat lodge ceremony, as it is central to the life of his people. For him, learning about the sweat lodge was not a task but a natural experience. As a child, it was completely normal to be in the sweat lodge, listening to the songs and stories of the elders.

When Ron was asked to explain more about the significance of the sweat lodge, he drew from the deep and rich teachings of his elders. His teachings are considered fundamental, unifying, and guiding. With a wealth of knowledge and experience in traditional ceremonies and medicine ways, his wisdom seems boundless.

As a masterful traditional storyteller, he constantly adapts his teachings to the needs and questions of the participants. This makes a day with his teachings feel like a sweat lodge ceremony: transformative, enriching, unifying, and renewing. His teachings are regarded as a great gift.

Even though he has not set foot in Europe for over 15 years, his name continues to surface monthly in conversations among his former students. Now, after 15 years of absence, we are delighted to welcome Ron Evans and José Brown back to Europe.

Our request to help us ‘celebrate the return of the sweat lodge’ was enthusiastically received. During our discussions, the idea emerged to bring together as many sweat lodge leaders as possible over three days, regardless of their background, training, or the elder who supported or no longer supports them, and regardless of their experience or how they learned the sweat lodge ceremony.

The dream is to come together to celebrate and give thanks for the spirit of the sweat lodge. For this occasion, we have asked Ron Evans to serve as our elder for these three days. With our questions, he will nourish us with background knowledge, inspirations, and stories, so that we can understand and appreciate the return of the sweat lodge on a deeper level. On the final morning, we will enter the sweat lodge together, to sweat the stories and feel the connection.