First Light Celebration - A Year In 8 Seasons - KW

Part 4 in a series of seasonal gatherings that connect land, people, and tradition.

FIRST LIGHT: DREAMING AND SHADOW DANCING - register by January 24th!

What puzzle is quietly asking for your attention, waiting for you to discover it? What subconscious hopes or dreams are developing under this cold, dark cover of Winter?

In Southwestern Ontario, we’d be forgiven for not noticing the days are gradually getting a little longer. After all, it’s still bitterly cold and we’re in the depths of the snowy Winter season. But make no mistake; the light is slowly returning. What might you need to figure out now, in order to be ready to sow new seeds this Spring?

Draw on Nature’s intelligence; ask for her guidance. Reflect on and share the wisdoms received. Use expressive art to create a personal reflection piece that explores the themes of the season. Tap into the wisdom of late Winter 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.

Let’s take some time to investigate what’s begging for our quiet attention right now. Join us as we wipe the sleep from our eyes, adjust our vision to the shadowy half light, and explore what’s going on beneath the surface, this First Light.

To avoid dissappointment, please REGISTER BY JANUARY 24TH!

Upcoming Gatherings - Save the Dates!

Part 5: Spring Equinox - Mar 21

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!

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher A YEAR IN 8 SEASONS