January 2024 Recap

On Saturday, January 29th, Matriarch Movement hosted a transformative event called “Full Moon Medicine”, a wellness workshop series designed to bring healing, reflection, and connection under the full moon. Sponsored by lululemon, this immersive experience was dedicated to BIPOC women, two spirit and gender diverse participants and featured the wisdom and teachings of four Indigenous wellness facilitators. With a focus on meditation, movement, and community, the evening brought together 30 participants for a night of personal and collective empowerment.

The event began with a beautiful opening prayer song led by Lydia Williams and Payton Gagnon-Stewart from Squamish Nation, setting a sacred and welcoming tone for the evening. The opening ceremony was a heartfelt reminder of the cultural roots and protocols that guide the work of the Matriarch Movement.

The first workshop, “First Moon of Creation Medicine Circle” with Asha Frost, took participants on a guided journey through meditation, energy healing, and personal oracle card readings from her own tarot deck “Sacred Medicine”. Asha’s session focused on helping participants reconnect with their inner medicine, embracing their unique gifts and the guidance of their ancestors. This intimate and reflective session set the stage for the powerful work to come.

Next, Shayla Stonechild led a “Medicine Wheel Vision Board Session”, where participants engaged in a grounding partnered meditation and created vision boards aligned with the teachings of the medicine wheel. This creative exercise allowed everyone to visualize their intentions for 2024, fostering a sense of purpose and direction for the year ahead. The session ended with sharing with a partner, where participants shared their visions and set collective goals for the future.

The evening continued with a “Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra” practice led by Malina Dawn and Sarah Anne Tourond. This 90-minute session embraced the winter season’s call for rest and rejuvenation. Malina guided participants through a slow, restorative practice, while Sarah Anne offered trauma-informed massage to deepen the relaxation experience. The practice concluded with a Yoga Nidra meditation that weaved together Indigenous storytelling and the stillness of the season, grounding participants in a sense of peace and connection to the earth.

The event wrapped up with a closing sharing circle and a meal featuring Salmon n’ Bannock, where participants gathered to reflect on their experiences and share their intentions for the upcoming year. The sharing circle created a space for community building, storytelling, and mutual support, emphasizing the importance of coming together to honor our collective journeys.

“Full Moon Medicine” was more than just a workshop—it was a celebration of community, culture, and the power of Indigenous wellness practices. It highlighted the mission of the Matriarch Movement to amplify Indigenous voices and promote healing through connection and culture. The event was made possible through the generous support of lululemon and other sponsors, who provided yoga mats, blocks, and gift bags featuring products from Indigenous brands.

As we continue to create spaces for healing and empowerment, events like “Full Moon Medicine” remind us of the importance of community, our teachings, and the healing power of the moon. Thank you to everyone who participated and made this night of wellness a success. We look forward to more gatherings that honor Indigenous wisdom and foster deep connections.