Spring Equinox Celebration - A Year In 8 Seasons - KW

Spring Equinox Celebration - Register by March 15th!

Part 5 in a series of seasonal gatherings that connect land, people, and tradition.

lay all your aches and yearnings

at the feet of this New Sun

give them over

to this bright new Light

where, as yet, undreamt

beloved things might be found

- Niki André

This is a time of year when people in the northern hemisphere, while still experiencing the persistent cold of Winter, are noticing the growing light and preparing for the sowing of Spring seeds.

Gather over a seasonal beverage and treat. Draw on Nature’s intelligence; ask for her guidance. Reflect on and share the wisdoms received. Explore the themes of the season. Tap into the wisdom of early Spring with a 'Jam Ceremony' infused with embodied practices, inspiring reflection, resonant spoken word, and circle singing around the bonfire! Then, stay for some social time over a warm beverage and simple, seasonal snack.

Join us in taking cues from this season’s balance of night and day, as we practice holding our own balance while transitioning from the wintry season of rest to the season of new starts.

To avoid disappointment, please REGISTER BY MARCH 15TH!

Upcoming Gatherings - Save the Dates!

Part 6: May Day - May 2nd [LINK]

Part 7: Summer Solstice - June 20 [LINK]

Part 8: August Harvest - Aug 1- venue TBC [LINK]

The Venue:

Camp Ki-Wa-Y Outdoor Centre: Proudly serving the Three Rivers’ community (Guelph-Wellington, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Region), this YMCA Camp is a place to seasonally return to again and again. Nestled on 77 acres of breathtaking wilderness along the shores of Paradise Lake, just minutes from Waterloo, Camp Ki-Wa-Y has been providing outdoor recreation experiences for people of all ages since 1924. Encouraging a love and stewardship of the outdoors and nurturing belonging, Camp Ki-Wa-Y offers the perfect space for communities to come together, reconnect with the earth. spark creativity and inspire reflection.

Find out more about Camp Ki-Wa-Y at: https://www.ymcathreerivers.ca/camp-and-outdoor-centre

Your Host

Niki Andre | is a songstress, poet, and JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) facilitator, trained by the Forum for Intercultural Leadership and Learning, in 2015. Her lay, interfaith, intercultural and intergenerational ministry uses embodied practices to connect people across diverse cultures and spiritual traditions. She designs and facilitates spirituality and nature-based programming, including her signature "A Cappella Jam Ceremonies," infused with embodied practices, resonant spoken word, and interactive circle singing.

Niki is a student of nature, the seasons, and ecology. She’s an ardent advocate for sovereign food, energy, and affordable housing and has collective homesteading aspirations. Niki is a member of the National Farmers Union (NFU) and completed her New Farmer training with The Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO) and the Ignatius Jesuit Centre in 2021. She tends a diverse, small-but-mighty plot in the shared backyard of her triplex apartment in Stratford. She practices small-scale seed saving, canning, and fermentation and volunteers at a local three-acre community farm.

A loving cat mom, passionate cook, and "foodie," Niki loves to laugh and spend time with trees.

See/hear more of Niki's work on

YouTube (@NikiAndreMusic) & ReverbNation: (www.reverbnation.com/nikiandre)

New website coming soon! www.sheilluminatesit.com

FOSTERING A SAFER SPACE
We encourage both self-care and community care at our gatherings.

This is a Fragrance-Free Event
To help ensure a safe and comfortable space for all, please refrain from wearing scented products.

COVID Protocols
Please sanitize your hands upon entering and before helping yourself to refreshments. Hand sanitizer will be available. While masks are not required, this is a mask-friendly event, and you are welcome to wear one if you prefer.

Sliding scale for registration

If cost is a barrier, Camp Ki-Wa-Y and AYI8S are collaborating to subsidize a limited amount of spaces for

• low income individuals ($33)
• students and individuals on gov benefits (ODSP/OAS/OW) $20

PLEASE REGISTER EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!

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