On the banks of the Waiparous River in the summer of 2009, twenty women from diverse backgrounds embarked on a journey of self-rediscovery and powerful group bonding at the first Sisters in Circle Pilot Camp through Ghost River Rediscovery Society.
The camp bought together Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women community leaders and health workers in the greater Calgary area to practice traditional skills, participate in deep bonding activities, and to approach the land in a sacred way.
With the guidance of Aboriginal Elders and trained staff, the participants experienced respectful, healthy community and an opportunity to reflect on the communities they came from.
“This land-based program where we slept in teepees and bathed in the river, showed us all how dependent we are to the land upon which we walk. The group-based processes practiced in the camp showed us how we are all connected, though we may come from different backgrounds,” related one camp participant.
The largest learning from the camp was how vital programs such as this are that bring women together to reflect with each other on the health of their communities and how they may improve them.
This early spring we are bringing this model into urban Calgary as we hold three focus groups in three community organizations. We will ask ourselves challenging questions about our role within the health and vision for our communities.
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