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Where Cultures Meet Retreat with Learning Tour and Sweat Lodge Ceremony
Join Five Oaks and Six Nations Tourism as they team up to offer an informative and transformational experience including a visit to Woodland Cultural Centre and Mohawk Chapel in Brantford, Ontario to learn about Haudenosaunee history and culture.
ARRIVAL AND ORIENTATION
The retreat will begin on Friday with an Opening Circle preparing our heart, soul and mind to hold the stories and learning to come.
LEARNING TOUR DAY
Leaving bright and early on Saturday morning, we will travel to the Woodland Cultural Centre for a guided museum tour and cultural workshop. Participants will be introduced to the history of the Haudenosaunee people and the Mohawk Institute Residential School and more.
From there we will head to Mohawk Chapel for indigenous inspired lunch and “A History Etched in Stain Glass” tour with local Barry Hill, and author of St. Paul’s H.M. Royal Chapel of the Mohawk: The Chapel’s Place in Six Nations History 1710-2016 and Knowledge Carrier. Built in 1785, Her Majesty’s Royal Chapel of the Mohawks is the oldest surviving church in Ontario featuring eight stained glass windows that tell the history of the Six Nations and the Chapel.
Before we head back to Five Oaks, we will check out the GoodMinds Bookstore, just down the street offering an incredible selection of First Nations, Métis and Inuit. Check out their selection here:GoodMinds
After this powerful day of learning, storytelling and reflection, we will relax before a nourishing dinner. Time will be spent in the evening to debrief the day and share with each other.
SWEAT LODGE CEREMONY
We are honoured and grateful that we are invited to participate in a teaching Sweat led by Knowledge Keeper Stephanie Hill and the Fire Keepers. This is a powerful element of this retreat. As a teaching sweat, Stephanie will take time to explain the significance of the ceremony and take into consideration the needs of the group. However, you don’t need to enter the sweat lodge to participate. You may help to hold those inside the sweat lodge by helping to dress the lodge and gathering with others around the campfire. The sweat will end with a dinner feast in gratitude for all that was experienced.
Featuring
Tanya Dyck Steinmann
Leaders
Tanya is the Five Oaks Program Coordinator, retreat facilitator, and spiritual director. Tanya has a passion for creating sacred space for people to listen deeply, reflect and take transformative action in their own lives. She understands the joys and challenges of life and the absolute necessity of soul care.
Stephanie Hill
Leaders
Stephanie Hill is from Six Nations, Mohawk, Turtle Clan. For the past 15 years, She has been working in the social services sector, focused on Violence Against Women initiatives. She always looks forward to creating connections and partnerships that will benefit communities and promote unity.
