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 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 often fails to incorporate their perspectives and needs, and a wellness movement that prioritizes individualism over community and connection, BIPOC youth have few spaces to truly tend to their emotions and access rest. Rooted in Rest provides a place of solace where BIPOC climate organizers can address burnout, process challenging climate emotions, and find support within community and nature.
Through collaboration with participants and local facilitators, and under the shelter of ancient hemlocks, the retreat was a co-created space by participants and staff to prioritize rest, community, learning, laughter, and solidarity. Participants played an active role in designing the schedule, ensuring their needs for rest were met by balancing structured group activities and workshops with flexible free time and intentional moments in 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
