Nurturing the Nurturers: 

A BIPOC Community Workers Retreat

The Program

A BIPOC Community Workers Retreat is a project that is designed for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community workers to take a break from their tireless work of serving their communities and be taken care of. This project is being led by QTBIPOC community workers from the Black Healing Centre and Young Roots Farm, two organizations that understand the unique challenges that BIPOC community workers face in their work and personal lives. This retreat is specifically tailored to the needs of BIPOC community workers who are often overworked, under-resourced, and underappreciated in their roles. Nurturing the Nurturers is a unique opportunity for Black, Indigenous and Community workers of Colour  to experience the restorative power of nature and to reconnect with the land while also fostering a sense of community and solidarity with others in similar roles. Throughout the retreat participants  have a chance to  take part in guided meditation and yoga sessions, enjoy forest walks, sit by the fire, and unwind by the lake. By being in nature, participants will be given the space to reflect and connect with the land and their bodies and transition into a more grounded, mindful and sustainable new season, supported by other community workers. Overall, the goal of  Nurturing the Nurturers: A BIPOC Community Workers Retreat is to provide an opportunity for Black, Indigenous, and Community workers of Color the space to prioritize their own health and wellbeing, and leave the retreat feeling renewed, refreshed, and ready to continue their important work with a greater sense of balance and resilience.

    • First Retreat:September 2023

    • ✨ Stay tuned for 2024 retreat. ✨

Overall Project Objectives

Foster a supportive environment that prioritizes the mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing of BIPOC community workers, offering them a break from their demanding roles and an opportunity to recharge.

Promote Wellbeing

Cultivate a sense of community and solidarity among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color community workers, providing a space for shared experiences, connection, and mutual support to combat the challenges they face in their professional and personal lives.

Build Community and Solidarity

Enable participants to experience the healing power of nature by incorporating activities such as guided meditation, yoga, forest walks, and lakeside relaxation. The project aims to create a space where individuals can reflect, connect with the land, and transition into a more grounded, mindful, and sustainable state.

Nature-Connected Restoration

Equip BIPOC community workers with tools and strategies to enhance their professional resilience. The project aims to help participants leave the retreat with a greater sense of balance, readiness, and resilience to continue their essential work in community service.

Enhance Professional Resilience

  • "I will never forget this stay"

    The Black Healing Centre is doing the Lord's work. My invite to the retreat felt like a gift that I had just dropped from the sky. I felt seen by my community and cherished. I truly needed this time to reset and recharge and be among such amazing and loving community organizers. I will never forget this stay. Thank you again so much. It was truly an honor.

  • "...has left me feeling resurrected"

    Like many of the attendees, it was my first retreat experience and I was blown away. The destination was so welcoming and relaxing that my stress started melting away as we approached the camp. Connecting with the Mama Earth, the trees in the forest and the plants of the farm, Fire and Water in this very special location has left me feeling resurrected. Food, freedom and friends provided nourishment on all levels. This retreat has fuelled me with a renewed sense of vigour and hope, a much needed experience to heal my tired body and battered soul. 10/10 would recommend. Sam, Ana, Tati, Chelsea, Erika, Martha, Chef Chelsea and Akinyi were stellar and I left feeling renewed and raring to return.

  • "...a deep and sincere lived experience of love, care..."

    This Nurturing the Nurturer Retreat was such a blessing - I truly felt deeply appreciated. Such a retreat makes recognition go beyond words or a plaque, but rather, a deep and sincere lived experience of love, care and connection. THE FOOD! was flavourful, thoughtfully prepared and reminded me of home. Different ways of connecting with the Land was my favorite part - both structured and freeflowing: the garden, the hike and the very location enhanced the care I experienced. I felt cared for in every way! Thank you to the whole Black Healing Center and Nuturing the Nuturer Retreat team!

  • "We were really immersed in taking care of ourselves in nature above all."

    I loved the whole experience. The team took care of me throughout the weekend. I have nothing negative to say because I needed a break. The selection of participants was great and the curation amazing. I also liked the location on the farm. We were really immersed in taking care of ourselves in nature above all.

  • "...travail extraordinaire lorsqu'il s'agit de répondre aux réels besoins au sein des communautés noires..."

    En tant que professionnelle ayant passé plus de 20 ans en milieu communautaire au Québec, je n'ai jamais été invitée à une retraire cherchant spécifiquement à encourager le repos et le bien-être pour des personnes travailleuses communautaires. Black Healing Center (BHC) fait un travail extraordinaire lorsqu'il s'agit de répondre aux réels besoins au sein des communautés noires et ce de manière pratique - avec une profonde bienveillance. En ligne et en personne, l'impact réel de leurs activités est indispensable au maintien d'un meilleur équilibre et bien-être au sein de communautés diversifiées. Le travail effectué par cet organisme à but non lucratif est nécessaire et se doit d'être lourdement financé afin d'assurer une continuité à leur programmation.

  • "This retreat should happen every year."

    This retreat should happen every year. It made me realise I had been taking my "rest periods" in the city, always in 'on-mode'. Here at the retreat, I was able to take a break - pause and reflect on nature and empty out my being.

  • "It was a needed break, I felt cared for and appreciated."

    It was a needed break, I felt cared for and appreciated. We all need care and support and BHC recognized that those who tend to give a lot of care and support sometimes forget or overlook the care and the support they need for themselves. Thank you for being the reminder and creating that space.

  • "...an amazing experience!"

    Being pampered, without having to attend to routine tasks and responsibilities all being away from the city was an amazing experience!

Thank you to Sustainable Action Fund Concordia

and

QPIRG-Concordia for sponsoring this retreat ❤️