A YEAR IN FOUR SEASONS

Posted on March 23, 2026

A YEAR IN FOUR SEASONS

Honouring the Four Seasonal Transitions

Across Turtle Island, the solstices and equinoxes mark more than shifts in daylight, they signal relational changes between people, the land, and all our relations. Many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities hold teachings that guide how we move through these transitions with gratitude, humility, and balance. These moments invite reflection on our responsibilities to one another and to the natural world, reminding us that wellness is cyclical, interconnected, and rooted in reciprocity.

Spring Equinox – A Time of Renewal and Returning Light

(Teachings referenced: Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee)

The Spring Equinox marks the moment when daylight and darkness return to balance, symbolizing the renewal of life. In many Anishinaabe teachings, this is the season of Ziigwan, when the earth wakes from winter’s rest and new beginnings emerge. It is a time to cleanse, set intentions, and prepare for planting. Ceremonies often focus on gratitude for the waters, as the spring thaw signals the return of flow and movement.

For Haudenosaunee communities, this period aligns with the Maple Ceremony, honouring the first medicine to run through the trees. Maple sap is seen as a gift that nourishes the body and spirit, reminding people of the Creator’s generosity.  The maple teaching reminds us of generosity, balance, and our responsibility to harvest with care. By thinking seven generations ahead, we honour this gift and ensure that future generations can continue to offer thanks for what the land provides.

Summer Solstice – Celebrating Life, Growth, and the Height of the Sun

(Teachings referenced: Cree, Inuit)

The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year and a time of powerful energy. For many Cree communities, this season represents growth, abundance, and the strengthening of relationships. Ceremonies and gatherings often honour the sun as a life-giver, recognizing its role in supporting plants, animals, and people. It is also a time for reconnecting with community through feasts, dances, and land-based activities.

In Inuit traditions, the return of long daylight is deeply tied to survival, mobility, and harvesting cycles. The solstice marks a period of intense activity, hunting, fishing, and preparing for the months ahead. It is a time to honour the animals who give themselves so communities can thrive, reinforcing teachings of respect and non-waste.

Across Nations, the Summer Solstice is a moment to celebrate vitality, cultural strength, and the resilience of Indigenous Peoples. It is a reminder that wellness is nourished through connection to land, family, language, and tradition.

As the seasons turn, so will these reflections. Join us again in the Summer for more teachings about the Summer Solstice.  

Artwork by Hawlii Pichette