Acknowledgment of the Land
Five Oaks acknowledges that we gather on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe and Neutral peoples and acknowledge their stewardship of this land throughout the ages. We seek a new relationship with the Original Peoples of this land, one based in honour and deep respect.
Acknowledgment of the Land
Five Oaks acknowledges that we gather on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe and Neutral peoples and acknowledge their stewardship of this land throughout the ages. We seek a new relationship with the Original Peoples of this land, one based in honour and deep respect.
Our Values
Five Oaks is committed to deepening its relationships with historical partners, while also building relationships with new communities. In doing so, Five Oaks will exemplify the following five core values:
Radical Hospitality — Five Oaks is committed to ensuring every guest feels welcome, safe, and supported and that every group has a safe space for reflection. Five Oaks welcomes all those seeking to develop personally or spiritually, from whatever tradition.
Embracing Difference — Five Oaks celebrates the rich variety of cultures, personal and spiritual journeys, and paths which together create a stronger society.
Environmental Stewardship — The land is sacred and nature is a gateway to transformation of self, spirit, and relationships. Five Oaks accepts its responsibility to protect creation.
Right Relations — Five Oaks commits to understanding colonialism in all its forms, examining its historical legacy, learning the stories of the land and of displaced and exploited peoples and, from this knowledge, walking paths toward right relationship.
Social Justice — Five Oaks commits to examining ongoing social and racial injustice, to actively seeking opportunities to right historical wrongs, and to being a catalyst for societal transformation.
Five Oaks’ values serve as internal guidelines, informing decision-making at all levels of the organization. They also inform which partners Five Oaks will seek to build relationships with in the future. Five Oaks is more than a space—it is a community, united in values and diverse in traditions, cultures, spiritualities, and faiths.
Our Values
Five Oaks is committed to deepening its relationships with historical partners, while also building relationships with new communities. In doing so, Five Oaks will exemplify the following five core values:
Radical Hospitality — Five Oaks is committed to ensuring every guest feels welcome, safe, and supported and that every group has a safe space for reflection. Five Oaks welcomes all those seeking to develop personally or spiritually, from whatever tradition.
Embracing Difference — Five Oaks celebrates the rich variety of cultures, personal and spiritual journeys, and paths which together create a stronger society.
Environmental Stewardship — The land is sacred and nature is a gateway to transformation of self, spirit, and relationships. Five Oaks accepts its responsibility to protect creation.
Right Relations — Five Oaks commits to understanding colonialism in all its forms, examining its historical legacy, learning the stories of the land and of displaced and exploited peoples and, from this knowledge, walking paths toward right relationship.
Social Justice — Five Oaks commits to examining ongoing social and racial injustice, to actively seeking opportunities to right historical wrongs, and to being a catalyst for societal transformation.
Five Oaks’ values serve as internal guidelines, informing decision-making at all levels of the organization. They also inform which partners Five Oaks will seek to build relationships with in the future. Five Oaks is more than a space—it is a community, united in values and diverse in traditions, cultures, spiritualities, and faiths.
Our Promise
Principled Programming
Five Oaks is a unique, intercultural centre offering safe space for educational and spiritual retreat. From one-off workshops to week-long residential experiences, Five Oaks programs are built around five core principles:
● Promoting social justice, equity, and respect for human rights.
● Caring for the earth—from a deep respect for land, air, water, and all living creatures.
● Curating space for personal and spiritual growth, respecting a diversity of experiences.
● Enabling meaningful dialogue for change—both within and between people groups.
● Society is stronger together as people reflect, work, play, and learn side by side.
Our Promise
Principled Programming
Five Oaks is a unique, intercultural centre offering safe space for educational and spiritual retreat. From one-off workshops to week-long residential experiences, Five Oaks programs are built around five core principles:
● Justic and Equity – Connect with the profound respect for human rights that is foundational to Five Oaks. Programs foster inclusivity and empower individuals for action.
● Connection to Land – Immerse yourself in deep reverence for the planet. From vast landscapes to the tiniest creatures, land-based approaches honor the interconnectedness of all life.
● Personal and Spiritual Growth – Celebrate the diversity of life and your place in it. Your unique path is embraced as an integral part in the rich tapestry of community.
● Meaningful, Impactful Dialogue – Engage in conversations that transcend boundaries and serve as a catalyst for change. Foster connections between individuals and communities.
● Strength in Togetherness – Discover the strength that comes from shared reflection, work and play. At Five Oaks, we believe that society is stronger when people come together.
Connect with the Land
Water: The confluence of two waterways is a sacred place in Indigenous traditions; for others, a ’thin place’ where physical and spiritual intersect. ‘Come apart’ for retreat; leave ready for action.
Forest: The Carolinian forest teems with diverse and interdependent life. To thrive, all living things need interdependence. Five Oaks celebrates the rich diversity of culture, spiritual practices, and human experience.
Wind and Rain: As climate patterns nourish and renew, Five Oaks promotes healing by naming and addressing historical wrongs between peoples and cultures, and by seeking new ways to live and work together for peace.
Connect with the Land
Water: The confluence of two waterways is a sacred place in Indigenous traditions; for others, a ’thin place’ where physical and spiritual intersect. ‘Come apart’ for retreat; leave ready for action.
Forest: The Carolinian forest teems with diverse and interdependent life. To thrive, all living things need interdependence. Five Oaks celebrates the rich diversity of culture, spiritual practices, and human experience.
Wind and Rain: As climate patterns nourish and renew, Five Oaks promotes healing by naming and addressing historical wrongs between peoples and cultures, and by seeking new ways to live and work together for peace.
Partners for a Better Future
Five Oaks Centre is a safe space to rest and renew your spirit, to reignite and nurture your passion for good, and to re-equip and strengthen your capacity to improve your corner of the world. All bring gifts to this place from their own humanity and lived experience. Whether you are offering programs or participating in programs, you are a valued partner at Five Oaks.
Partners for a Better Future
Five Oaks Centre is a safe space to rest and renew your spirit, to reignite and nurture your passion for good, and to re-equip and strengthen your capacity to improve your corner of the world. All bring gifts to this place from their own humanity and lived experience. Whether you are offering programs or participating in programs, you are a valued partner at Five Oaks.
Partners
Vision partners share actively in the governance, programs, funding, and maintenance of the Centre.
Current Vision Partners
Partners
Vision partners share actively in the governance, programs, funding, and maintenance of the Centre.
Current Vision Partners
Six Nations – with past support from the Elected Council and alongside Nations Uniting.
United Church of Canada – which offers access to funds for programming that supports the mission of the denomination and has legal oversight of the Centre
Muslim Community – which has found Five Oaks to be a safe, accepting place for youth and adults, participates and advises in interfaith/intercultural dialogue, and has at least one member on the Board of Directors
Six Nations – with past support from the Elected Council and alongside Nations Uniting.
United Church of Canada – which offers access to funds for programming that supports the mission of the denomination and has legal oversight of the Centre
Muslim Community – which has found Five Oaks to be a safe, accepting place for youth and adults, participates and advises in interfaith/intercultural dialogue, and has at least one member on the Board of Directors
