Rites of Nature: Gathering of Earth Keepers

Welcoming all genders, ethnicities and ages ~

This Sacred Land is inviting YOU to come and remember how to be in relationship with the land, water air and fire. We will explore the RIGHTS of nature through ceremonial nature RITES. Those who choose to join will learn more about what “What rights does nature have?”  This gathering offers us the amazing opportunity to be in communion with Mother Earth. We can invite nature’s magic into our lives, and our exchange of energy will be to commit to the conservation and protection of nature.

This powerful picture of obiigomakakii (toad) came from the first retreat in the fall of 2022. Elder Toad came through from another dimension to be with us; moving in the circle, he touched all four directions of the legume medicine wheel we had created on the ground. Afterwards Elder Toad slid down another portal that opened the ‘voice of the land’. Hearing that voice has changed me forever.

The Sacred Land covers 135 acres located next to Gichigami (Lake Superior) in northwestern Ontario Canada with watershed running through the property. It is a very beautiful, peaceful, secluded space that offers complete Spiritual privacy. The retreat will be guided through Spirit and the other guests to amplify the power of your manifestations with other like-minded folks.

You may arrive at the retreat not knowing anyone, but many have found by the end of the retreat, they have found new lifelong friendships.  There could be many Spiritual transformations taking place for guests at varying times. Just know that once you commit to joining the gathering, your Spirit could be open and ready for expansion, beauty and new beginnings that unfold from this special time on the Sacred Land.  We are happy to share this memory book from the June 2024 retreat or a video from the 2025 June retreat created by PZ Creations.

You are being invited to attend this magical event hosted by the Blue Sky Community Healing Centre and Niibing Tribal Tours. We are grateful for funding contributions from Superior Shores Gaming Association. I am Standing Strong of the Caribou Clan of the Anishinaabe people aka Cindy Crowe, and I am delighted to welcome you to this Sacred Land that I call Niibing (it is summer). The cost of the gathering covers your cabin accommodations, activity resources, catered meals and snacks.

Activities
 

Each day is relaxed and Spirit guided. One of the highlights of the retreat is the minimal importance of ‘time’. The connection with nature and the animal beings that come provide confirmation for various ceremonies lending blessings and magic to the activities we partake in.

Monday – After a delicious catered lunch, we will have an Opening Ceremony with Spirit Bear drum song and introductions using the Eagle Feather. Guests receive special gifts from the Lodgekeeper Standing Strong. These include miniature copper water pails, retreat journals and individual fairies elaborately created with acorns. We will create necklaces with the copper water pails signifying that you are a water conservationist and protector. Guests will be bringing spring/natural water from their homelands around the globe. We will do a Water Ceremony with and for the waters – in which all will be blessed, sung to and released into Gichigami (Lake Superior) along with gifts for the Water Beings that each guest can bring with them. The Water Beings like sweet and shiny gifts.

Tuesday – After a light breakfast, we begin preparing for all genders and all ages Sweat Lodge. This is an all-day activity. Preparation guidance notes are provided ahead of time. The first step is to light the Sacred Fire holding the Grandmothers and Grandfathers (stones) that will be brought into the Sweat Lodge for seven rounds. After smudging ourselves and all our sacred items that have been placed on the altar, we will feast your sacred items that you arrived with. There will be plant medicine offerings to the Sacred Fire and to the land. After drumming and singing around the outside of the Sweat Lodge four times, we enter the lodge and get comfortable. Your hostess, the Lodgekeeper will guide you through all the steps. After completing the seven rounds, we will enjoy a feast and celebrate the guidance received in the lodge. Many find the Sweat Lodge ceremony to be transformative, and many come back year after year to pay their respects to the land.

Wednesday – After breakfast, we will create a Medicine Wheel on the earth with dried legumes that you will bring with you. Following the creation of the Medicine Wheel, there will be a group sharing circle. After lunch, we will make magic wands with items from the forest and other items provided. Then we take our magic wands into the area known as the Fairy Kingdom to have a visioning activity through a guided meditation. This activity often serves to clarify your steps moving forward after the gathering. Our Closing Ceremony will include singing the Traveling Song. We don’t say ‘good bye’, we say ‘mii na waa ga waa ba min’ (see you later). Guests can start departing after the celebrations.

Throughout the gathering, we can be learning hand drumming songs. If there is no fire ban, there may be evening fires that you can attend to connect with Grandmother Moon. After dinner, guests can enjoy the campfire and singing karaoke if so inclined.

Dates – September 7, 8, 9, 2026 (earlier arrival and later departure can be organized).

Location - Niibing Tribal Tours at 356 Little Trout Bay Road, Neebing, Ontario, Canada. We are located 10 minutes north of Minnesota border and 45 kilometers south of Thunder Bay, in Northwestern Ontario. International airport available in Thunder Bay.

Accommodations – There are 13 new cabins for a rustic stay. 13 representing the 13 lunar moons, the 13 grandmothers. You are also welcome to bring your tent or use one of ours, bring trailers, or rented campers. To reconnect with nature, it is best that you stay on the land. Please note this is not considered ‘glamping’. If it is more to your liking or needs – you may stay at a local hotel if you have procured a rental vehicle to travel back and forth daily. Drinking water; porta potty with flush toilet/sink and nearby swimming is available. Coming in 2026 is a permanent washroom and shower. Stay tuned for further updates.

Catering – Delicious nutritious meals and snacks are provided by an Indigenous caterer (vegan and gluten free options offered). Guests bring their own water bottles, cups, plates, bowls and utensils to eliminate the need for paper plates and plastic utensils etc.

Pricing – Registration needs to be completed by July 1, 2026 (confirming numbers). 10 new guests welcomed. There will also be returning guests attending that will be supporting the activities. The cost of the retreat of $789US includes catering, all retreat supplies, your cabin accommodations, snacks plus ceremonial gathering supplies. You may reserve your space with a non-refundable deposit of $79US and the balance is to be paid no later than August 1, 2026.

If you would like to book your spot, please complete the registration form.

For more information, you can contact me (Cindy Crowe) at crowe@tbaytel.net. More information will be provided to you with recommended things to bring as we get closer to the retreat.

Add this to your google calendar.