More information about the Holding Space for Grief Retreat

Why we are gathering
Grief touches us all at some point in our lives, but the way we experience it will vary from one person to the next and from one circumstance to another.  The Holding Space for Grief Retreat will allow us to take the time and space we each need to reflect on, process and honour our unique experiences of grief and loss in the company of others who are on their own grieving journey.

What we can expect
This intimate gathering will welcome eight people to hold space for ourselves and each other in a spirit of support, comfort, compassion and care. We will be welcomed with comfortable and peaceful accommodations surrounded by trees and water, nourishing food, and thoughtfully planned activities designed to help us pause, be gentle on ourselves, and listen inward for what we need.  Activities are all optional, and you will also have the choice at any point to simply rest and relax on your own in your cozy cabin by the lake.

Who will be holding the space
Aanishinaabe healer Gerard Sagassige, along with helpers Robin Sutherland and Caralyn Quan, will be our guides as over four days we participate in a range of gentle and optional activities that draw on traditional Aanishinaabe spirituality, knowledge, ritual and ceremony but are applicable to and welcoming of people of all Nations and beliefs.  Learn more about Gerard, Robin and Caralyn below.

Activities may include:

• Opening, closing and sharing circles to hear each other’s stories

• Sunrise ceremonies to greet the day and set intentions

• Daily meditations on the land to reflect and process

• Nightly sweats / saunas to cleanse and purify

• Feasting of ancestors to honour those who have passed

• Aanishinaabe teachings related to grief and loss

Other activities may include time on the land and water, guided writing and creative processes, gentle movement, campfires and camaraderie.

Who should attend
Regardless of the nature of your grief - loss of a loved one, pregnancy loss, unexpected life changes, traumatic events, diagnosis of an illness, or something else - or where you are on your grieving journey, you will be welcome to participate in whatever way feels good to you, and to share however much or little about your grief as feels comfortable for you.

What it will include
Price per person is $500 to $700 plus HST depending on accommodation option* and includes three nights of accommodation, all meals, four days of retreat programming, and access to resort amenities (campfire, sauna, canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, Mini Makers Market).

Accommodations and price
We will be staying in three cozy winterized cottages that are part of Northern Skies Resort: Hemlock Cottage (3 bedrooms), Cedar Cottage (3 bedrooms) and Spruce Cottage (1 bedroom).  Each cottage overlooks Chub Lake and has a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom with shower and open concept kitchen/dining/living room.

Price options include:

• $500 + HST - Shared room with two twin beds in a 3 bedroom cottage (Two spaces available)

• $600 + HST - Private room in a 3 bedroom cottage for $600 (Five spaces available)

• $700 + HST - Fully private cottage (One space available)

Read more about each of the cottages here.

Notes about Pricing
Please let us know if you would like to attend but price is a barrier. We may be able to offer reduced pricing, energy exchange or bartering options. Indigenous attendees are eligible for Land Back Pricing (15% off the base price before HST).

For more information please email robin@northernskiesresort.com or call 705.206.4066.