The Kekuli was dedicated to the memory of its major builder, Makwala Derrickson Hall (18) who was killed by the bull in the rodeo ring shortly after he and his family and friends finished rebuilding (the original replica of a Kekuli was built by Makwala’ s father, Ron Hall in 1996) Kekuli in July 2010.
This is a replica of the sacred earth house used by the indigenous peoples for centuries as their winter home. The fire in the centre kept the earth covered dome warm and many friends and family were able to enjoy sleeping and cooking and storytelling. The fire has always been considered sacred as it is the passageway to those on the other side, the ancestors. This tradition is now graciously shared by the West Bank First Nation to all, and may be the first time European peoples have the opportunity to behold this tradition and profound experience.
The First Nation and Summerhill have agreed to three rules in reverence for the ancestors:
- No alcohol or drugs in or near the Kekuli
- All entering must know the sacredness and observe no idle talk while in the “womb”
- No ceremony without the permission of The West Bank First Nation
