Rooted in rest retreat
A Gathering for BIPOC Climate Organizers
What is Rooted in Rest?
In 2024, YCL hosted the first Rooted in Rest retreat, a gathering that centered the experiences and wellbeing of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) climate organizers. By taking some time to connect with each other and with the land and waters, participants were able to refill their cups and slow down, breathe, and rest.
What happened at rooted in rest?
WhY rooted in rest?
BIPOC climate organizers need spaces rooted in the principles of radical rest. Between the harm of participating in environmental programming that so often fails to incorporate BIPOC youth’s perspectives and needs, and a flawed wellness movement that focuses on individualism rather than community and connection, there are very few spaces for BIPOC youth to truly tend to their emotions and access rest. Rooted in Rest is a place of solace for BIPOC climate organizers to tend to their burn out and to process challenging climate emotions, while held by community and nature.
Through collaboration with participants and local facilitators, and in the shelter of the ancient hemlocks, the Rooted in Rest retreat facilitated a co-created space for rest, community, learning, laughter, and solidarity. Participants co-designed the schedule to ensure their needs for rest were met, balancing a mixture of scheduled group activities and workshops, flexible free time, and intentional time with nature.
At Rooted in Rest, participants…
Achieved their personal goals for attending the retreat
Increased their ability to cope with climate-related emotions
Increased their connection to nature
Renewed their motivations to engage in climate work with a clearer sense of purpose
the location
Asitu’lisk is 200-acres of ancient forest, waterways, and the riparian zones in between, located in Mi’kma’ki on Nova Scotia’s South Shore. It contains a hemlock grove that is over four centuries old, and at least one tree – Grandmother Maple – that has been dated at over 530 years old; older than the arrival of Europeans on these shores. The Mi’kmaw people currently have care of this forest, but Grandmother Maple witnessed a long journey through time as the land was taken, settled, and then returned to its rightful caretakers.
Testimonials
“Rooted in Rest was one of the first times since working in climate that I've fully felt like my rest and well being was prioritized above all else.”
- Rooted in Rest Retreat 2024 Participant
“A wonderful experience for young folx involved in climate work to be intentional about resting, collectively. With time spent in nature, insightful workshops, and creative experiences, this retreat has reenergized me to continue moving in my work with a renewed sense of purpose.”
- Rooted in Rest Retreat 2024 Participant
“I would have never imagined being able to be in a space like the Rooted in Rest retreat. It was such a positive and unique experience that I hope more BIPOC youth in the climate space get to experience.”
- Rooted in Rest Retreat 2024 Participant
