ANCESTORS WELCOME HERE: ANCESTRAL HEALING RETREAT FOR WHITE PRACTITIONERS COMMITTED TO RACIAL JUSTICE
Tuesday, December 3rd – Sunday, December 8th
Registration closes November 25th at 11:59pm Pacific Time
White people*: We need all the help we can get. Who can we be today to change the conditions of our world for the better, to right the wrongs of the past in the present, and to find the way to the future, so we can become good ancestors to the world to come? Working at the level of the body, we will welcome our wise and loving ancestors of blood and bone to extend their blessings to us, and to give us their full support and backing in our efforts to end white supremacy, and all its impacts, in our lifetimes. We are the representatives of our lineages here on Earth at this time, and our bodies know the way.
We all come from people who lived in interdependence with each other and connection with the Earth. Welcoming and honoring ancestors is an ancient spiritual practice found in many cultures and traditions, including those of European lands. This retreat invites a reconnection to our lineages through meditation, healing and repair, so that we can know ourselves and our inherent belonging more deeply.
In a container of silent and non-silent practice we will explore healing, and the action we can take to end injustice in the world, with the support of our wise and loving ancestors, the Earth and all our relationships.
Practices we will be in together include: directly engaging with our ancestors of lineage, including those we inherited by birth and those we claim such as spiritual and political lineages, working with unhealed patterns in order to relate more wisely and compassionately to ourselves and our people, inviting connection with the Earth through tending our relationship to land and spirit by offering gratitude, and listening and receiving the Earth’s wisdom. This ancestral healing work makes it possible for us to more fully embody our commitment to racial justice.
*For self-identified white people. If you identify as white and are committed to racial justice, land and liberation, this retreat is for you.
TESTIMONIALS FROM PAST PARTICIPANTS:
“Being invited into ancestor (re)connection in ways that feel authentic to my European-American heritage has helped me feel more grounded and resourced in all that I do.
I know that feeling the ancestral grief and longing for lost land and traditions that Whiteness disconnected me (and generations) from is essential to my healing and my activism. Being able to feel and speak to that grief has made me a more solid comrade in Land Back movements; it has given me more understanding for other people-assimilated-into-whiteness, which helps me bring people in; and it supports my parenting and teaching to feel the ancestors’ ancient grace, love, and humor always supporting me.”
Sady Sullivan – Nipmuc, Pocumtuc and Wabanaki Land, Conway, MA
“As a part of ancestors work with Ream, I have tapped into a deep sense of belonging that I didn’t think was possible. My commitment to liberation work and what moves to make has become even clearer.”
Dr. Monica Brown – Osage Land, St. Louis, MO
COST
*retreat fees do not include teacher dana-donations: more information below*
Accessible Rate: $500
Sustainer Rate: $1,500
Generosity Rate: $2,500+
Are finances a barrier to attend? We strive to make retreats as accessible as possible to anyone. Contact us if finances are a burden in any way, we have several options to make these retreats financially accessible to you. We ask that these be prioritized for those who self-identify as holding marginalized identities or in financial need. Contact us at guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org for more information.
