46 # R I S I N G Y O U T H C O M M U N I T Y I M P A C T
Kira Cheeseborough organized
a retreat at Vidette Lake
where they engaged youth in
traditional Indigenous activities
such as two sweat lodge
ceremonies, storytelling, and
a barefoot hike to the spiritual
"Centre of the Universe".
During the hike, the youth were
introduced to the spiritual
significance of all that was around
them. They were told the story of
a Tibetan monk who once traveled
to Vidette Lake and declared it the
"Centre of the Universe".
They also encountered
one significant tree where
people had left offerings. The
Indignenous leaders spoke to
the significance of the offerings
left behind, as well as the
spiritual and healing properties
of the surrounding forest.
The sweat lodge ceremonies
were a powerful experience
for all youth to confront
negative experiences, heal
from past traumas, and move
forward with the strength,
resiliency, and growth gained
from such experiences.
" The youth all had an
incredible time as some of
them were first introduced
to Indigenous culture,
traditions, and stories. The
impact was greatest for
the Indigenous youth in
the group, as they shared
feeling grounded and
connected to their culture
in a way they usually don't
experience day to day."
KIRA CHEESEBOROUGH
Centre of the Universe Retreat
Kira Cheeseborough | $1,500
Kamloops, British Columbia
BRITISH
COLUMBIA
Kamloops is located on
Secwepemc (Shuswap) territory.
LEARN MORE AT WWW.WHOSE.LAND
