About the Course
Elders is a deeply respectful and supportive program designed specifically for the wisdom keepers of our communities. This free, 6-week program focuses on healing, strength-building, and fostering holistic wellbeing among our Elders. By integrating cultural connections, traditional practices, and ongoing development opportunities, the Elders program ensures that our revered leaders continue to thrive and serve as the pillars of our community. This program provides access to online resources, motivational support, and a dedicated community space to share experiences and wisdom.
Program Objectives:
Healing and Wellbeing: To support the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health of Elders through traditional and contemporary practices.
Cultural Connection: To deepen the connection to cultural roots and heritage, ensuring the preservation and transmission of knowledge.
Ongoing Development: To provide continuous opportunities for personal growth, learning, and community engagement.
Community Support: To create a supportive network where Elders can share their experiences, wisdom, and guidance with each other and the wider community.
Course Structure:
Week 1: Welcome and Introduction
Overview: Introduction to the program, setting intentions, and creating a supportive community space.
Activities: Welcome circle, sharing personal stories, and discussing the significance of cultural heritage.
Week 2: Physical Wellbeing and Traditional Healing
Overview: Exploring traditional healing practices and contemporary methods to support physical health.
Activities: Workshops on traditional medicine, gentle exercise routines, and discussions on holistic health.
Week 3: Emotional and Mental Health
Overview: Addressing emotional and mental wellbeing through traditional practices and modern therapeutic techniques.
Activities: Mindfulness exercises, group therapy sessions, and cultural storytelling.
Week 4: Spiritual Connection and Practices
Overview: Deepening spiritual connections through traditional ceremonies and practices.
Activities: Smoking ceremonies, meditation, and discussions on spiritual heritage and personal growth.
Week 5: Sharing Wisdom and Cultural Knowledge
Overview: Encouraging Elders to share their wisdom, stories, and cultural knowledge with each other and the community.
Activities: Storytelling circles, cultural workshops, and creating resources for future generations.
Week 6: Moving Forward Together
Overview: Reflecting on the journey, setting goals for continued growth, and celebrating the collective achievements.
Activities: Vision board creation, goal-setting workshops, and a closing ceremony with reflections and commitments.
Online Resources and Support:
Videos: Weekly instructional videos featuring cultural knowledge, practical skills, and motivational talks from community leaders and Elders.
Motivational Support: Regular check-ins and encouragement from facilitators to keep participants engaged and inspired.
Online Community: A dedicated online space where participants can share their experiences, ask questions, and support each other. This platform will host forums, discussion groups, and live Q&A sessions with facilitators.
Additional Benefits:
Ongoing Development Opportunities: Continuous access to development opportunities and resources to support personal growth and community engagement.
Beautiful Handcrafted Clap Sticks: Each participant will receive a pair of handcrafted clap sticks, symbolizing their connection to the program and serving as a tool for ongoing mindfulness practices.
Continued Support: Access to a supportive community and resources beyond the initial 6-week program to ensure lasting impact.
Expected Outcomes:
Enhanced Wellbeing: Elders will experience improved physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health through the integration of traditional and contemporary practices.
Deepened Cultural Connection: Participants will strengthen their connection to cultural roots and heritage, ensuring the preservation and transmission of knowledge.
Ongoing Personal Growth: Elders will have continuous opportunities for learning and development, fostering personal and community growth.
Strengthened Community Bonds: The program will create a supportive network of Elders who share their wisdom and guidance, enriching the entire community.
Join Us: The Elders program is a journey of healing, growth, and cultural reconnection. By integrating traditional practices with modern wellbeing strategies, we ensure that our Elders remain the strong, guiding forces within our communities. Join us to heal, share wisdom, and continue your vital role as the foundation of our cultural heritage.
Your Instructor
Yanggu
Yanggu, also known as David Reid, is a dedicated cultural consultant and trauma healing specialist with over two decades of experience working with Indigenous families, men, and youth. As a humble facilitator, Yanggu deeply respects and honors the wisdom and presence of all Elders who share their stories and time with us.
Growing up without a father and navigating his own journey of healing, Yanggu understands the profound impact that Elders' guidance and traditional knowledge can have on one's path to wellbeing. His approach is grounded in the teachings he has received from wise Elders throughout his life, and he strives to create spaces where their wisdom can be heard, felt, and integrated into everyday life.
Yanggu's work is characterized by a deep sense of humility and gratitude for the Elders who sit with us, share their stories, and guide us with their lived experiences. He believes in the power of listening deeply, feeling our way through healing, and honoring the interconnectedness of all things. By holding space for others to learn and grow, Yanggu continues to walk the path of healing and cultural preservation, always with the utmost respect for the Elders who light the way.