Past Retreat / Event

Exploring Indigenous Ways of Knowing

Friday, December 17 – Sunday, December 19, 2021

Recognition, Respectful Relationships and a Path to Reconciliation

These are words that we as Canadians are becoming more familiar with as truths of our nation’s history are increasingly coming to light. This weekend you can explore what the words mean to you.

Many of us are grappling to understand our role in the process of moving forward as individuals, and as a nation. 

If you feel your soul longing for connection, conversation and community then pleae consider joining us for this weekend long retreat.

This retreat is offered to anyone wanting more understanding, education and frank conversation about the history, contemporary experience, and the future of Indigenous Peoples in our country.  Bring your comments and questions!

This time together is seemingly small, yet it’s an opportunity for a substantial shift in our collective perspective. 

Knowledge is the first step in change which can lead to growth, reconciliation and healing.

The weekend’s itinerary is a blend of:

  • traditional Indigenous teachings of the Medicine Wheel, Grandfather Teachings & Plant Medicines;
  • informative workshops covering (sometimes hard to hear) facts about the history of Indigenous Peoples, and finding a path forward offered by our Indigenous educator;
  • insightful facilitated dialogues to spark conversation and curiosity;
  • our usual Sugar Ridge offerings of yoga, meditation, a guided hike and delicious plant based cuisine;
  • a community fire circle 
  • a drumming circle

The sacred healing traditions you will be introduced to are a gift not to be missed. You will be taken through a journey of Indigenous ancestral teachings, traditional plant medicine wisdom (not ayahuasca or anything else ingested), smudging and fire circle.  All this with the backdrop that is Sugar Ridge, pure nature, wholesome food, yoga and meditation.

Allow yourself to be taken care, immerse and relax in the teachings and practices offered.  There is plenty of free time for you to relax with casual conversations, curl up with a book or enjoy the beautiful natural environment you’ll find yourself in.

This is an opportunity for simplicity and returning to basics to embody the wisdom you already have within and to integrate new learnings. All you have to do is show up, and do what serves you. You will be guided through many different processes over the retreat.  Everything is optional and you are welcome to observe rather than participate and treat this time as a gift to yourself, participating in what serves you the most.  Feel free to nap, skip sessions or join in to everything that is offered.  Here’s a taste of what you will learn and experience:

 
Medicine Plants are plants considered sacred to aboriginal people due to their medicinal properties.  They are believed to have spiritual as well as physical healing properties.  You will learn about some of the medicinal plants common to North America and still used locally.
 
Smudging is a cleansing ceremony which involves gently burning a medicine plant or a combination of several to “bathe” in the smoke and cleanse your body, mind, spirit, the environment or possessions.
 
A Fire Circle is a tradition integral to the Indigenous culture which builds connection, community and reciprocity.
 
 Your retreat is guided by experienced local Indigenous community members/educators who love to share their knowledge, truths, personal and professional experiences.  
 
Schedule
 
Friday
3-4pm         Arrival and settle in to cabin
5:00pm       Gentle Somatic Yoga 
6:00pm       Dinner
7:00pm       Welcome Circle, Smudging & Medicine Teachings
 
Saturday
7:30am        Gentle Yoga Flow medicine wheel
8:30am        Breakfast
10:00am      History of Indigenous Peoples/First Contact in Canada
12:00pm      Lunch  
1:30pm        Guided Hike or Free Time (book a massage, curl up by the fireplace)
3:00pm        Residential Schools & Contemporary Issues
5:00pm        Dinner
6:00pm        Fire Circle
 
Sunday
7:00am         Gentle Yoga Flow 
8:30am         Breakfast & Pack up your Cabin
9:30-12         Drum Circle 
12:00pm       Lunch
 
Enjoy the grounds, depart at your leisure. 
 
 
 

 

In addition to our guest presenters, your retreat will be hosted by:

Jenny Jackson has been immersed in Movement Education for more than 20 years. Jenny is a seeker of inner well-being, and she consciously aligns herself living with an open mind, an open heart and embodies joy & vitality which is reflected in her welcoming & inclusive style of instruction. She teaches with a strong anatomical influence while still deeply honoring the classical roots of yoga. Jenny believes that feeling vital and in harmony with others & within our own selves is the primary goal (in life and in our bodies), and practice should reflect this.

Expect well-planned, responsible, creative & intuitive instruction within Jenny’s classes and retreats. Trust that your needs will be supported and a sense of inclusion & community will always be a focus. Jenny takes her offerings (but not herself) very seriously, so you can relax and be yourself as she leads with humor and vulnerability.

Jenny is a certified and experienced schoolteacher, yoga teacher, personal trainer, group fitness coach, and Health & Wellness coach. She is the founder of BodyBalanced Wellness, which offers registered Yoga Teacher Training Programs, both online & in person.
Meet our friend, guide and drummer for this retreat, Earl Oegema

Registration Details

Date:
Friday, December 17, 2021 @ 3:00 pm – Sunday, December 19, 2021 @ 2:00 pm
2021-12-17T15:00:00-05:00
2021-12-19T14:00:00-05:00
Cost:

 

Tuition

$549 + HST for shared accommodation (3 – 4 people in a cabin)

$649 + HST Semi-private (2 people in your cabin)

$799 + HST Private cabin (just you)

With social distancing protocols in place, you will need to book semi-private or private accommodation if you are attending as a single.  If you are coming with someone you can share with please book semi-private (2 ppl) or shared (3 – 4 ppl) accordingly.  Max group size will be determined by the gathering limits allowed at the time of the retreat.

Recognition, Respectful Relationships and a Path to Reconciliation

These are words that we as Canadians are becoming more familiar with as truths of our nation’s history are increasingly coming to light. This weekend you can explore what the words mean to you.

Many of us are grappling to understand our role in the process of moving forward as individuals, and as a nation. 

If you feel your soul longing for connection, conversation and community then pleae consider joining us for this weekend long retreat.

This retreat is offered to anyone wanting more understanding, education and frank conversation about the history, contemporary experience, and the future of Indigenous Peoples in our country.  Bring your comments and questions!

This time together is seemingly small, yet it’s an opportunity for a substantial shift in our collective perspective. 

Knowledge is the first step in change which can lead to growth, reconciliation and healing.

The weekend’s itinerary is a blend of:

  • traditional Indigenous teachings of the Medicine Wheel, Grandfather Teachings & Plant Medicines;
  • informative workshops covering (sometimes hard to hear) facts about the history of Indigenous Peoples, and finding a path forward offered by our Indigenous educator;
  • insightful facilitated dialogues to spark conversation and curiosity;
  • our usual Sugar Ridge offerings of yoga, meditation, a guided hike and delicious plant based cuisine;
  • a community fire circle 
  • a drumming circle

The sacred healing traditions you will be introduced to are a gift not to be missed. You will be taken through a journey of Indigenous ancestral teachings, traditional plant medicine wisdom (not ayahuasca or anything else ingested), smudging and fire circle.  All this with the backdrop that is Sugar Ridge, pure nature, wholesome food, yoga and meditation.

Allow yourself to be taken care, immerse and relax in the teachings and practices offered.  There is plenty of free time for you to relax with casual conversations, curl up with a book or enjoy the beautiful natural environment you’ll find yourself in.

This is an opportunity for simplicity and returning to basics to embody the wisdom you already have within and to integrate new learnings. All you have to do is show up, and do what serves you. You will be guided through many different processes over the retreat.  Everything is optional and you are welcome to observe rather than participate and treat this time as a gift to yourself, participating in what serves you the most.  Feel free to nap, skip sessions or join in to everything that is offered.  Here’s a taste of what you will learn and experience:

 
Medicine Plants are plants considered sacred to aboriginal people due to their medicinal properties.  They are believed to have spiritual as well as physical healing properties.  You will learn about some of the medicinal plants common to North America and still used locally.
 
Smudging is a cleansing ceremony which involves gently burning a medicine plant or a combination of several to “bathe” in the smoke and cleanse your body, mind, spirit, the environment or possessions.
 
A Fire Circle is a tradition integral to the Indigenous culture which builds connection, community and reciprocity.
 
 Your retreat is guided by experienced local Indigenous community members/educators who love to share their knowledge, truths, personal and professional experiences.  
 
Schedule
 
Friday
3-4pm         Arrival and settle in to cabin
5:00pm       Gentle Somatic Yoga 
6:00pm       Dinner
7:00pm       Welcome Circle, Smudging & Medicine Teachings
 
Saturday
7:30am        Gentle Yoga Flow medicine wheel
8:30am        Breakfast
10:00am      History of Indigenous Peoples/First Contact in Canada
12:00pm      Lunch  
1:30pm        Guided Hike or Free Time (book a massage, curl up by the fireplace)
3:00pm        Residential Schools & Contemporary Issues
5:00pm        Dinner
6:00pm        Fire Circle
 
Sunday
7:00am         Gentle Yoga Flow 
8:30am         Breakfast & Pack up your Cabin
9:30-12         Drum Circle 
12:00pm       Lunch
 
Enjoy the grounds, depart at your leisure.