Raffi gives his blessing to Modern Celebrant’s Children’s Ceremonies
One of my BIG DREAMS was to meet Raffi Cavoukian, environmental visionary and children’s troubadour. Eight years ago I read his Covenant for Child Honouring. It shifted something inside me. Raffi created a call to create a child-first world, where young people’s rights as individuals are not only respected but honoured. I already cherished the children in my life and this helped me to see them as even more whole than I had previously. It’s beautiful. Listen to HH Dalai Lama and others read it.
When I began doing Adoption & Baby Naming Ceremonies, I wove the Covenant into my ceremonies. My big dream was to share with Raffi what I was doing and seek his blessing. Last week the most extraordinary thing happened. I put out a call on Twitter, “Does anyone know Raffi? Can you introduce me to him?” And lo and behold… I heard from the man himself. To say I was stunned… understatement!
Just days after that tweet, we met in person.
Spending nearly two hours together, chatting and getting to know each other, we found we shared many common interests and understandings. Raffi is such a gentle soul, peaceful yet full of energy. Amazing to be around. I can see why children are utterly enthralled by him and why adults feel the same way. In his presence you feel so seen and perfect just as you are. That such a conscious concept as a Covenant for Child Honouring came from Raffi comes as no surprise.
Raffi took his time reading through one of my children’s ceremonies, asking questions and giving feedback. He loved seeing how the Covenant is being used and has given my his blessing to use the term ‘Child Honouring’ for my children’s ceremonies. I’m THRILLED. He is an inspiring individual and I am so fortunate to have met him and received his endorsement for my work.
News Update: The Honourable Steven Point, Lieutenant Governor of BC will be presenting Raffi Cavoukian with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. The ceremony will be held on Friday March 16th at the Government House in Victoria. Congratulations to Raffi!
Adoption Ceremony Ethiopian Style
Performed a Child Honouring and Naming Ceremony today for a little Ethiopian girl being adopted into a Canadian family. The ceremony included a modern take on the traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony (complete with popcorn), guests brought beads for Evie, and we remembered her Ethiopian family who love her too.
Little one comes from an oral storytelling culture and telling her story was an important part of this community-based ceremony. The journey of adoption is often a winding one… one that contains a great deal of wisdom.
As I often do, I included Raffi’s wonderful Covenant for Honouring Children. People are always moved by it.
A happy day full of possibilities and feasting.