This weekend retreat recognizes the toll and trauma-exposed nature of anti-racism and reconciliation work. It offers space for rest, reflection and rejuvenation. It will equip practitioners around vicarious trauma and tools to do the work sustainably through guided, peer-based learning. While attendees may find therapeutic benefits, this retreat will be educational and is not designed to provide therapy.
Join us at the North Saskatchewan riverbank to exhale together.
Cree Elder Mary Lee (Chitek Lake) will lead ceremony/smudging and offer support to attendees.
Heather Peters (MCC SK) and Jennifer Yasinowski (Caring Hearts) will teach trauma-informed sessions (based on western knowledge).
Honey Constant-Inglis (Sturgeon Lake First Nation) will provide land-based teaching.
Velma Assinewai (Wiikwemkoong, Anishnaabe territory) will lead a beading workshop.
At this retreat weekend, you are invited to decompress. The schedule contains short educational sessions with debrief circles, invitational cultural and learning activities, and breaks to allow time for rest, reflection and rejuvenation. At all times you are welcome to explore the options* at Shekinah… or enjoy a nap!
Friday, May 26th
5:00pm Welcome: guests can arrive, check-in and get settled
6:00-7:00pm Dinner & ongoing check-in
7:00-8:30pm Round-in group discussion Introductions & sharing hopes for the weekend
Saturday, May 27th
7:30am Restorative Yoga with Erika Thogersen
8:30-9:30am Breakfast
9:30-10:00am Smudging with Mary Lee
10:00-11:00am Land-Based Teaching with Honey Constant-Inglis
11:00-11:30am Session: Understanding Vicarious Trauma – Exploring the impact of accompanying people and communities who have experienced trauma.
11:30am-12:00pm Round-in: debrief in small groups
12:00-1:00pm Lunch
1:00-2:00pm Beading Workshop with Velma Assinewai
2:00-2:30pm Session: Can Trauma-Exposed Work Be Sustainable? – Unpacking organizational and personal resilience through a sustainability lens.
2:30-3:00pm Round-in: debrief in small groups
5:00-6:00pm Round-in: small group end-of day discussions
6:00-7:00pm Dinner
7:30pm Enneagram Triads with Amanda Dodge
Sunday, May 28th
8:30-9:30am Breakfast
9:30-10:00am Smudging with Mary Lee
10:30-11:00am Session: Practical Tools for Sustainable Work – How can we mitigate vicarious trauma? It is not only about self-care!
11:00-11:30am Round-in: debrief in small groups
12:00-1:00pm Lunch
1:00-1:30pm Session: Equipping our Organizations to be Trauma-Informed - Exploring system changes and accountability
1:30-2:00pm Round-in: debrief in small groups
2:00-2:30pm Sending: large group discussion
2:30pm onwards Invitation to linger in the space
Depart
*Options to enjoy at Shekinah: walking the trails and riverbank of the North Saskatchewan river; outdoor firepit; board games, puzzles; arts & crafts; indoor fireplace; quiet time, reading; use of any of the common areas in the Timber Lodge.