Returning to Our Nature- Mindfulness Retreat

BC Association for Living Mindfully proudly presents…..

Returning To Our Nature:

A Meditation Retreat for Mind, Body, Heart & Spirit

with W̱’SÁNEĆ elder Ko Le Sa Luk Frazer Smith & Dr Krista Stogryn

“I learned to listen when I was given to understand how much can be heard in silence”-Richard Wagamese

Mount Tuam, Saltspring Island, BC

SEPTEMBER 4-8 2025

This is an invitation to join us for 5 days/4 nights of meditation and mindfulness development on Ts’uween (Mt. Tuam), sacred mountain to the W̱’SÁNEĆ people. There the KDOL Retreat Centre offers a vast wilderness landscape that supports expansion of the mind and heart, deep listening and connection with nature. It is a wonderful opportunity to slow down, delve more deeply into the gifts of meditation and develop skills to support your ongoing healing and resilience.

Guidance in practices of mindfulness and self-compassion will be provided during daily teaching sessions, while stories and teachings of the land are brought to life by elder Ko Le Sa Luk Frazer Smith. Opportunities for sharing and discussion will support the deepening of our practice and community. Those who are 21+, new to meditation or first time on retreat are encouraged to join. The small size of this retreat (14 participants) offers a friendly setting in which to explore and learn.

Arrival: Sept 4th, Orientation 2 pm (dinner to follow at 5:30 pm)

Departure: Sept 8th 12 noon (breakfast and mid-morning snack provided)

** This retreat will include extended periods of silence outside of teaching and sharing times **

Accommodation is provided in individual mountainside cabins that overlook W̱’SÁNEĆ lands and waters. The cabins are rustic with no heat or air conditioning. Facilities include shared sink, showers and outhouses. Delicious vegetarian meals will be provided 3 times daily. Please note: this facility is not wheelchair accessible and involves walking over uneven terrain, hills and stairs. There is no smoking on the premises.

Carpooling is encouraged. The road up the mountain to KDOL is gravel and can be rutted and rough. Low clearance vehicles may have difficulty. AWD vehicles are recommended. Ferry pick up from Fulford Harbour may be possible through KDOL for an additional charge.

Prices for accommodation and tuition are for single occupancy and attendance

4 Nights Cabin and Meals and Tuition $990 + GST

Early Bird Rate- first 5 registrants $950 + GST

*If you find the event is sold out, send us an email to be placed on stand! If a spot opens up, we’ll let you know

Krista Stogryn, tla-chit-ah-nilth-aqsa is a family physician, mindfulness teacher and ceremony holder. Krista began sitting meditation retreats in medical school and was inspired by an early teacher to bring mindfulness skills into her work with patients. She has spent her career living and learning in First Nations communities, and her worldview and approach to healing has been further transformed by land based practices founded in ‘All My Relations’. She has been facilitating the Art of Living Mindfully with BCALM since 2018.

Elder Ko Le Sa Luk, Frazer Smith from Tsartlip First Nation is a medicine keeper, fire keeper and knowledge keeper with many gifts passed down from his Elders. He enjoys guiding drum & rattle making workshops, plant walks, ceremonies, and talking circles. He has worked for many years in the correctional system and treatment centers supporting individuals on their healing journeys. Through his many roles as activist, policy changer, mentor, helper and adopted grandpa he has impacted the lives of many.

CANCELLATION POLICY

85% tuition refunded with cancellation notice of more than 4 weeks prior to program start date
50% tuition refunded with cancellation notice of 2-4 weeks prior to program start date
In order to assure minimum numbers in our courses, no refunds will be given for cancellations within 2 weeks of the program start date, or once the program starts