Empowerment and Leadership Retreat: Embracing Anishinaabe Wisdom

Facilitators:

Rollie Allaire, Geegado Megwan Kwe, which means Talking Feather Woman

Tina Lebrun

Meals:

All meals are provided and prepared on-site as a shared activity.

Activities:

1. Leadership Circles:

•     Anishinaabe Teachings: Daily sessions focusing on leadership principles rooted in traditional knowledge.
•     Group Discussions: These are reflective circles where participants share their leadership journeys and aspirations, fostering a sense of community and support.

2. Nature Immersion:

•     Guided Nature Walks: Explore the natural surroundings with a focus on the significance of nature in Anishinaabe culture.
•     Forest Bathing: Experience the healing power of the forest through guided sessions designed to connect participants deeply with nature.

3. Traditional Craft Workshops:

•     Basket Weaving: Learn the art of basket weaving from skilled artisans, understanding this craft’s cultural significance and meditative aspects.
•     Beadwork and Jewelry Making: Create beautiful pieces while learning about the symbolism and stories behind traditional designs.

4. Full Moon Ceremony:

•     Moon Teachings: Participate in a full moon ceremony celebrating the connection between the moon and feminine energy.
•     Fire Circle: An evening of storytelling, song, and reflection around a communal fire, honouring the traditions and wisdom passed down through generations.

Workshops:

1. Leadership Skills:

•     Resilience and Adaptability: Learn how to navigate challenges and change, drawing inspiration from Anishinaabe stories of resilience.
•     Vision and Goal Setting: Use traditional wisdom to set meaningful goals and create a vision for personal and professional growth.

2. Empowerment Strategies:

•     Overcoming Obstacles: Techniques for identifying and overcoming personal and professional barriers inspired by Anishinaabe teachings.
•     Building Confidence: Exercises and discussions designed to boost self-esteem and self-worth, rooted in a deep understanding of one’s cultural and personal identity.

Special Features:

Wellness and Self-Care:

•     Healing Practices: Introduction to traditional Anishinaabe healing practices, including smudging, herbal medicine, and meditation.
•     Personalized Wellness Plans: Create a wellness plan that integrates traditional practices with modern self-care strategies.

Cultural Immersion:

•     Cultural Storytelling: Experience the rich oral traditions through storytelling sessions that impart wisdom and life lessons.
•     Rhythmic Power of Drumming Circle: Experience the rhythmic power of a traditional Anishinaabe drumming circle. This immersive session will connect participants to the earth’s heartbeat, fostering a sense of unity and grounding. The drumming circle will serve as a powerful tool for meditation, healing, and community bonding, resonating with the full moon’s energy.