Grounded in Freedom 2026

Grounded in Freedom 2026 is a three-day gathering, with community and connection at the heart of our celebration. This event will take place from July 24 to 26 at Ayeko Farm in Enumclaw, WA, and will feature a series of workshops that explore the principles of land stewardship, the movements of Capoeira Angola, Samba, and Bhangra, skills shares in herbal medicine and sourdough bread making, kids' activities, and the communal joy of sharing meals made with fresh ingredients from the farm.

Our workshops are designed not just to share knowledge but are hands-on experiences that encourage participation, learning, and the exchange of ideas. They aim to inspire us to deepen our connections to ourselves and each other, the land, and our cultural practices. We are honored to have the presence of master teaching artists who come to share their skills, insights and joy with us as we explore the connections between the land and the cultural arts as tools of liberation, nourishment, and healing.

UPDATE NEEDED: The theme for this year is “Vamos Aquilombar." Quilombos, also known as Maroons in the US, are free societies built by Africans who escaped enslavement, along with Native Brazilians and Europeans looking for a life outside of colonialism. Key elements of Quilombos are self-governance, collectivism, having access to land, growing your food, martial arts and self-protection, spiritual practice, and music. We are dedicating this Grounded in Freedom to learn and share the Quilombo way of fighting for freedom and communal survival. Read here for more information. (link to Marcus’ article).

Check out the website for more information. https://www.unionculturalcenter.org/workshop-event-program/grounded-in-freedom

Info: Come as early as 12pm to check in and setup camp.

Info: Learn some basic movements of Capoeira Angola and get comfortable to jump in the opening roda or learn Cumbia basics.

Info: All are welcome to participate.

Info: Continuing our tradition of local salmon. Vegan options available.

Info: Priya and Thalay bring their monthly jam to Grounded in Freedom. See this link for details! https://www.plazaartistastudio.org/moon-jamz

Info: deliciousness

Info: A big part of connecting to land is caring for it. Join us as we give love to the land and to the site where we will be together for the weekend. Learn through doing. Guided by Larisa Jacobson of NEFOC and the land stewards of Ayeko Farm.

Info: Plate up and get ready to sit and eat while listening to the panel and discussion.

Info: We will hear from each of our esteemed guests and teaching artists about their own story, how they got on their path, and their thoughts about the connections between the land and the cultural arts. Then, we will break into small groups to get a chance to hear from one another.

Info: Capoeira Angola for Beginners, Capoeira Angola for more experienced students, Samba, and Bhangra. Sourdough bread making.

Info: Capoeira Angola for Beginners, Capoeira Angola for more experienced students, Samba, and Bhangra. Sourdough bread making.

Info: Options for Sourdough Bread Making, Herbal Medicine, Qi Gong, Land Stewardship.

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Host or Publisher Ayeko Farm & Union Cultural Center