Elder’s Retreat: A Journey of Healing, Self-Care, and Cultural Reconnection - November 22-25, 2024

The Returning Home Project Team hosted its first Elder’s Retreat from November 22-25, 2024, at Sandy Beach Resort, near Beauval, Saskatchewan. Organized by Wehkees Durocher, the retreat gathered 22 elders from the northwest region for four days of self-care, healing, and cultural reconnection. The retreat focused on creating a supportive space for meaningful conversations, sharing experiences, and exploring ways to preserve Indigenous knowledge and traditions.

Several notable facilitators led sessions throughout the event. Dr. Marie Mihalicz and her team guided self-care practices and emotional healing. Janette Bugler addressed traditional knowledge self-care, discussing the challenges elders face. Max Morin explored how cultural teachings support well-being and identity healing, while Vice Chief Bruce McIntyre led a Sweat Lodge Ceremony for spiritual cleansing. Darlene Rediron and Robert also shared teachings on self-care and birch bark, respectively, linking the retreat to nature and traditional practices.

In addition to these educational and spiritual sessions, participants enjoyed restorative activities like bingo, haircuts, fiddle music by Ralph Opikokew Sr., and foot care by Margaret McIntyre. These activities nurtured both physical and emotional well-being.

Wehkees Durocher emphasized the importance of creating opportunities to build relationships with elders and pass on their cultural teachings to younger generations. The retreat successfully fostered intergenerational healing and cultural rejuvenation, strengthening connections between elders and younger community members.

The retreat was made possible thanks to various individuals and organizations, including Bruce and Judy of Sandy Beach Resort, Cynthia and Chris for supporting elders with traditional foods, Beauval Recreation, Beauval Pharmsave for donations, English River First Nation Leadership, and Brian Sandberrie for his cultural teachings. This event marked a significant step in ongoing community healing and cultural reconnection.