At the end of June, the Matriarch Movement celebrated Indigenous History Month and the conclusion of the “Medicine Circles” series with an unforgettable experience: the “Matriarch Movement x Takaya Canoe Tour”.
This special event, held on June 25th, 2024, invited 30 BIPOC women, two-spirit, and gender-diverse participants to reconnect with the lands, waters, and kinship in a meaningful way.
Upon arrival, participants were welcomed by the Takaya Tours team and provided with life jackets and safety instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. The 35-foot traditional-style ocean-going canoes set out from the beautiful and historically significant waters of Burrard Inlet (Səl̓ilw̓ət), navigating through Belcarra Park, known as Tum-Tumay-Whueton, and Whey-ah-wichen (Cates Park), an ancestral village site in North Vancouver. These locations, deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the Tsleil-Waututh people, provided a rich backdrop for the day’s activities.
As the two canoes glided across the water, the experienced guides from Takaya Tours shared captivating songs, and stories, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the history and traditions of the land. These narratives fostered a deep sense of connection to the land and water, as well as to the rich cultural heritage within these territories.
Throughout the two-hour journey, participants were encouraged to reflect on their own relationships with the land and water, recognizing these connections as integral to spiritual practice and well-being. The tour provided a space for communal healing, where everyone could share in the experience of reconnecting with the earth and each other, furthering the sense of kinship and collective healing fostered during the “Medicine Circles” series.
Despite the day’s activities coming to an end, the sense of unity and shared experience lingered, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
The Matriarch Movement x Takaya Canoe Tour was more than just a tour; it was a celebration of Indigenous history, resilience, and the power of kinship. It honored the spirit of the “Medicine Circles” series by continuing to foster connections between participants and the land, water, and each other. The event highlighted the Matriarch Movement’s mission to amplify diverse voices and make wellness accessible to all. As this event was donation based only.
As we look forward to future events, we remain committed to creating spaces that honor Indigenous wisdom and foster connection, healing, and empowerment. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this remarkable experience, and to Takaya Tours for their incredible guidance and hospitality. We hope to continue these journeys together, celebrating and reclaiming our relationships with the lands, waters, and each other.
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I'm Shayla, Founder, Advocate, and Champion of the Matriarch Movement—a non-profit online platform, podcast dedicated to amplifying the voices of Indigenous women and two-spirit individuals. Kahkiyaw niwâhkômâkanak, all my relations.
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