Ground your body.
Focus on your breathing.
In… and out…”
Under dimly lit lights, surrounded by deep thoughts, rich fragrances, and smiling faces you’ll find many attendees of Rooted Resiliency together. Whether you spend 2 days in this restorative positioning or simply close a gathering this way, you leave feeling warm, contemplative, and with a full belly.
Of the 6 gatherings I have attended 4, including the latest 2-day retreat, and, without a doubt, these are the kindest get-togethers I’ve ever participated in and the most intune with the struggles I face as an Indigenous person. If the goal is, “to restore and define Indigenous wellness practices by empowering Indigenous people to live healthy, holistic and authentic lives,” these two souls are accomplishing just that.
From Vina herself:
“At Copper Canoe Woman (CCW) we care about our community.
I started CCW as a broke college student with a vision and mission to support my family in moving out of the realms of socioeconomic poverty. The down-payment of my house came from selling my beadwork, and I saved everything I had from every sale. I have lived experiences within the impacts of intergenerational trauma, poverty, and understand what it is like to be in constant survival mode. I want better for my family, for my community.
My story is one of many among Indigenous experiences. This understanding and knowing of living in community is why I co-founded Rooted Resiliency with my best friend Anna Leigh Brady, another Indigenous woman who has a story of resilience, cycle-breaking, and healing.”
Empowerment, intuitive healing, and self-care through respect play vital roles in the journeys of the Rooted Resiliency Community. Through practices like yoga, journaling, altar offerings, cultural rituals, card pulling, art, and so much more, community members unlock new connections with themselves and each other as they share and explore within the safest space possible.
“Our journey began with the profound influence of community gatherings, such as potlatch, spiritual gatherings, and ceremonies, which played a crucial role in preserving our culture and strengthening our people. This inspired us to establish Rooted Resiliency, a place where these traditions could be honored and shared with future generations.
Built on a foundation of trauma-informed care, Rooted Resiliency ensures a safe and supportive environment for everyone. We collaborate with local entities like Lummi Victims of Crime and Northwest Indian College to extend our reach and impact, reinforcing our commitment to holistic wellness and cultural preservation.” – Rooted Resiliency.
Gatherings Rooted Resiliency has hosted until this point are:
A Land Acknowledgement Education
So you want to do a land acknowledgment to honor whose traditional Lands you reside on? This tackled the intentionality behind a land acknowledgment and how to move beyond curating well-intentioned word-based recognition toward action-based recognition that supports Indigenous people, tribes, their sovereignty and, their rights.
A Beading and Wellness Circle
Hosted by Vina and special guest Krista Jefferson, this was an invitation to bring current and new beading projects together and enjoy a circle of like-minded creatives. Food was eaten, art was envisioned, and supplies and belly laughs were shared all around!
A Self-Care Workshop
Starting with a meal of salmon we moved into a time of introductions and sharing followed by vision board building–with tactiles like stickers, magazine clippings, and paint. Each person designed a board around what they saw or wanted for the year to come. After which we shared a bit of what they meant to us before finishing the evening with a calming, blanket-wrapped meditation.
An LGBTQ+ Art EventCo-hosted by the sweet Joseph Hillaire Jr., the PRIDE event was a beautiful way to celebrate our Queer and Two-Spirit relatives. We had delicious NDN Tacos before diving into a discussion on, “What makes us proud,” and “If we were a living being on Land AND Sea, what would we be?” These questions brought out a beautiful array of revelations before we moved into a time of art.
As part of CCW’s initiative to “waste less,” we hold onto many of our acrylic sheets and cutouts to try and reimagine them. This project involved our cutouts and some small canvases. Community members then created skyscapes, mosaics, patterns, and people-like creatures and shared their work if they wanted to.
A 2-Day Restorative Retreat
Sharing space and holding room for healing and big feelings, we spent Labor Day weekend wrapped in restoration, warm blankets, and words of affirmation. Launching with an evening gathering at Bellingham Yoga Collective’s (BYC) new downtown space.
The atmosphere was warm and quiet, with yoga materials circled a centerpiece of cedar boughs and housing a collective altar. Vina, her sister Qatuwas, and Anna Leigh led us in movement, rich cultural gifts, and high vibrations. We closed with cultural brushings and food to fill our bellies before heading off for a good night’s rest.
Day 2 we met for restorative yoga, journaling, card pulling, and a sound bath in the BYC Granary Building location. Much like Night 1, this gathering curated a calming and care-filled environment with deep thought and shared healing rituals. We again finished with food, each time catered by CCW’s very own Samantha Wilson, a.k.a. Yummy Lummi Catering, with beautiful charcuterie displays, homemade desserts, and bagel sandwiches!
Each one of these events takes deep thought, massive amounts of time and planning, and funding.
That’s where you come in. Join us on this journey of healing, empowerment, and resilience. Together, we can cultivate a future where Indigenous communities not only survive but thrive!
We’re hosting our First Annual Fundraiser Gala on October 12, 2024, at Lummi’s Silver Reef Casino. It’s a night filled with fashion, culture, art, music, food, and more! If Rooted Resiliency is a cause you feel called to back, don’t miss this incredible opportunity to join in.
We’ll begin the night with a cultural sharing from the Lummi Blackhawk Singers with Candice Wilson on the mic as the emcee. Musical guest Swil Kanim will gift us with music before we hear from our keynote speakers, award-winning journalist Angela Sterritt and wellness thought leader Jessica Barudin. We’ll also enjoy a fashion show with Ay Lelum, Copper Canoe Woman, Hstry Mkrs, and Supernaturals Modelling as well as a silent art auction.
By spending the evening with us, you’ll be supporting:
- Cultural Preservation: Ensuring our traditions and knowledge are passed down to future generations.
- Holistic Wellness: Promoting well-being across mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health.
- Community Healing: Providing trauma-informed care and creating safe, empowering spaces.
- Empowerment and Education: Offering resources and mentorship that fosters growth and resilience.
So how can you get involved? Try some of these actions:
- Table or Ticket Purchases: Grab a table for 10 at $2000 or individual tickets for $250 each. Purchase your tickets here!
- Sponsorship: Sponsor the event directly to help make it a success
- Art Auction Donations: Contribute art pieces or other auction items to help us raise additional funds.
- Spread the Word: Share this invitation with your network or anyone interested in supporting the Rooted Resiliency cause!
In a world designed against us, we want to foster an environment where we reclaim our holistic wellness practices. Will you join us?
