SEPT. 28 – 29 ~ Reclaiming Our Sacred Wisdom: A South Asian Women’s Healing Retreat

You are warmly invited to a weekend of restorative healing and community building with other South Asian women. As we transition with the Autumn Equinox, join us for two days of ceremony, joyful expression, and deep healing.

Our heartfelt intention is that you leave the retreat feeling resourced, renewed, and reminded of your inherent gifts and divine nature. Through ancestral healing practices, embodiment, ritual, nature exploration, creative expression, and guided relaxation – we will weave together our common threads of sacred wisdom.

This weekend retreat will focus on creating a safe, nurturing space to reclaim our voice, explore creative expression and be in nature. Connection to our ancestors and each other will be the heart of our time together – and delicious, nourishing garden-fresh meals will be shared.

We welcome you to this beautiful opportunity to connect to a supportive community, activate wellness, and fill your cup – while tapping into our shared ancestral strength and joy.

Our weekend will include:

Circles with the opportunity to share from the heart in a safe space

Ancestral ritual and practices

Trauma-informed movement including asana

Creative expression

Nature reconnection

Deep relaxation and integration time

Storytelling and reflective writing

Four delicious and nutritious vegan meals over two days

Onsite camping (or you may choose to organize alternate accommodation nearby)

A beautiful and sacred earthen studio setting

This intentional gathering is a rare opportunity to reflect on your connection to your roots, share challenges and celebrate growth – while exploring the many facets of who we are, and how we want to evolve.

Being a part of the South Asian diaspora comes with unique challenges, and together we can start to unravel our struggles, release what no longer serves, and reclaim the gifts of our heritage – while bringing upliftment and balance to our whole selves.

Dharti Mata Centre is located on 5.5 acres in a natural forest and farmland setting – just 10 – 20 minutes from all three ferry terminals – on the outskirts of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, BC.

A CLOSER LOOK AT LOGISTICS

SCHEDULE

Day 1 (Saturday, September 28)
10:00am – Welcome + Activities (includes short morning break)
12:45 – 1:45pm – Lunch
1:45 – 5:30pm – Activities (includes short afternoon break)
6:00 – 7:00pm – Dinner
7:00pm – Day Retreat Ends
*7:30pm Informal Evening Activity (Optional)

Day 2 (Sunday, September 29)
8:30am – 9:30am – Breakfast
10:00am – Welcome Back + Activities (includes short morning break)
12:00 – 1:00pm – Lunch
1:45 – 5:00pm – Activities (includes short afternoon break)
5:00pm – Weekend Retreat Ends

*The above schedules are subject to change.

MEALS

Four delicious and nutritious garden-fresh, vegan meals (lunch on Saturday to lunch on Sunday), chai, and snacks are included.

ACCOMMODATION

Camping is available on the land, and included in the retreat rate (please bring your own gear).
Alternatively, click her e for a list of accommodation near our venue.

TRANSPORTATION

FERRY: VANCOUVER – NANAIMO

Hullo Passenger ferry from Downtown Vancouver – Downtown Nanaimo, see schedule here
Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay ferry schedule here
Tsawwassen – Dukes Point ferry schedule here

Need help with a ferry terminal pick up? Please ask.

TRAVEL FROM ANOTHER LOCATION:
We can also help organize a ride share from another location – please ask.

YOUR RETREAT FACILITATORS

Satya Amrita Kumari Jehman (Vedic Priestess Temple)

Born into the Vedic lineage, Satya has been living the traditional path of yoga all her life – with a more concentrated practice over the last 22 years. Satya carries the gift of fire ceremony and ritual by the grace of her ancestors from North India. She completed a year-long Yoga Apprenticeship in 2015 (Vijnana Yoga RYT200), and a deep dive study into jnana yoga (Vedic scripture study/self inquiry) with her teacher in her ancestral homeland of India amid a trio of winters from 2011-2013. While there in 2016, Satya was initiated into the Sidh Kunjika Stotram – the highest call to Maha Shakti (Divine Mother). She has been furthering her yogic studies in India with regular trips there for the past 15 years.

Satya recently completed a leadership training with a focus on Trauma-informed Leadership, Transformational Leadership, and Coaching.

Encouraged by her teachers, Satya is a facilitator of Retreats, Workshops, Ceremony, Ritual, One-on-One Guide on Salt Spring Island and surrounding communities, in India – as well as online. She offers from the deepest place in her with utmost respect and reverence to her ancestors, to You, to the Divine, and to the Self.

Learn more about Satya’s offerings at @vedic_priestess_temple (Instagram) + @vedicpriestesstemple108 (Facebook). Sign up for Satya’s newsletter at www.vedicpriestesstemple.com.

Emmy Chahal (Healing with Emmy)

Emmy was introduced to yoga as a child through her grandmother and mother. Her ancestors are from North India, and the practice of yoga continues to connect her deeply to her heritage. With a steady yoga practice for 20 years, she has been teaching yoga internationally for the past 12 years. Emmy is particularly focused on yoga for mental health, trauma-informed approaches, and supporting women and young people through embodiment, decolonization, and embodied pedagogy.

Emmy holds a BA in Cultural Studies, minor in Gender and Women’s Studies; and has previously worked in schools as a violence prevention workshop facilitator. Throughout her studies in yoga and the healing arts, Emmy has extensively trained in hatha, trauma-informed teaching, pre/postnatal yoga – and her yoga journey led her own research at the University of British Columbia on yoga in the university classroom. Emmy also facilitates cultural awareness training for yoga teacher trainings around the world. As a South Asian woman working in the North American yoga industry, her voice is dedicated to sharing the complexities of social inequity and building bridges between people of all backgrounds. Learn more about Emmy and her offerings at www.emmychahal.com.

YOUR CHEF & VENUE OWNER

Pamela Leila Rai (Dharti Mata Centre)

Pamela Leila Rai hails from a family of trailblazers in the Indo-Canadian community. She has been referred to as a champion of both sport and social justice. The daughter of the first Indo-Canadian to make an Olympic team, Harinder Jit Singh – Pamela Leila was a member of the Canadian National Swim Team for many years. She is proudly celebrated in the South Asian community as the first woman ever to win an Olympic medal. She is a retired high school teacher and a trained classical yoga instructor and aspirant, who embodies her ancestral wisdom traditions. Pamela Leila is a tireless environmental, human/animal rights and decolonization activist.

She is the owner/operator of Dharti Mata Centre, a sacred hand sculpted earthen gathering and yoga space in Nanaimo, BC. Pamela Leila also nurtures folks with organic vegetables from her garden and delicious meals carefully created with love. She is the recipient of many awards and accolades, and a volunteer inspirational speaker.

ENERGY EXCHANGE

Full Retreat – September 28 & 29

$350 Early Bird Rate Before September 7

$400 Full Rate After September 7

Single Day Option – September 28 Only

$175 Early Bird Rate Before September 7

$225 Full Rate After September 7

Reserve Your Spot Soon – Spaces Limited

*Weekend rate includes two full days of programming with two skilled facilitators, four delicious and nutritious garden-fresh, vegan meals (lunch on Saturday to lunch on Sunday), chai, snacks, dessert, and camping accommodation.

*Single day rate includes one full day of programming with two skilled facilitators, two delicious and nutritious garden-fresh, vegan meals (lunch and dinner on Saturday), chai, snacks, dessert, and camping accommodation.

*A few partial scholarships are available for folks experiencing financial barriers. Please contact Emmy to arrange.

*A couple of payment plans spots are available before September 7. Please contact Emmy to arrange.

Support the Reclaiming Our Sacred Wisdom Scholarship Fund – Help Increase Accessibility for South Asian Women

Would you like to support this initiative to help South Asian women attend, who otherwise are unable to?

If you have the means, your support would go a long way in breaking barriers for South Asian women!
Please send an e-transfer with your donation before September 7.
Your support will be deeply appreciated!

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED
WAITLIST ONLY

*Please e-mail us if you’d like to be added to the waitlist
and/or hear about the next South Asian Women’s Healing Retreat!

0“What a beautiful day in an absolutely beautiful place! Thank you so much for a wonderful day with amazing women including you two. I am so glad I met you. The venue, the hospitality, the food – an absolutely perfect place to hold such a retreat like this. I also appreciated that I was in a room with women who understand and get me. I felt like this was the safest space I have been in, in a while. There’s something about being around women that are different, but there’s still a commonality. I felt understood and like I didn’t need to explain myself, or that I was “different” or the “other”. Thanks again so much. I look forward to future events.” ~ Sonya B, Past South Asian Women’s Healing Retreat Participant

1“The South Asian women’s retreat was a very special day. We all had varying origins and of Indian ancestry, and regardless of where and how we were brought up, we often experienced similar challenges. Of course, we had unique experiences too, which we were able to discuss in the safe space provided. For me, I went in feeling “not Indian enough” based on my mixed ancestry and a lack of traditional foundation. But I was not alone. And, in the end, this turned out to be a retreat that I felt most comfortable at. Not to mention the incredible studio we were supported in.” ~ Tamara G, Past South Asian Women’s Healing Retreat Participant

2“It was very meaningful to attend an all South Asian women’s retreat for the first time!” ~ Daisy C, Past South Asian Women’s Healing Retreat Participant

3“I appreciated everything from the variation of activities, to the lunch, to the sacred space that was created. I most appreciated it was culturally/spiritually authentic. Your knowledge, study and lineage was important to me, to attend.” ~ Leila R, Past Living Shakti Retreat Participant

4“I loved the whole retreat! The highlight was the knowledge that you shared. I have never met anyone as well versed in Vedic history/culture/ceremony. So much fun to be a part of this.” ~ Heidi S, Past Living Shakti Retreat Participant

6“Coming together in circle was one of the most impactful things about the retreat. The time to share considerations from the carefully crafted questions and be in ritual together. I really appreciated and felt Satya’s direct lineage to the teachings she shared. The food was delicious!” ~ Tali H, Past Living Shakti Retreat Participant

7“Thank you for sharing the wisdom/traditions of your lineage, Satya. I appreciated the chance to participate in a ritual that is outside my culture and spiritual background. I appreciated the sense of sacred community and sharing, the joining of voices in chanting – and the beautiful space, and our wonderful facilitators. The food, chai and sweets were lovely – as well as the beauty of the altar!” ~ Shawna K, Past Living Shakti Retreat Participant

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I DON’T KNOW MUCH ABOUT THE SACRED WISDOM OF MY CULTURE. IS THIS GATHERING SUITABLE FOR ME?

Yes, this gathering is suitable for those who are not presently familiar with our sacred wisdom, as you will learn and share a lot. All are welcome.

I HAVEN’T DONE MUCH YOGA. IS THIS RETREAT SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS?

Yes, the asanas (physical postures of Yoga) we will be doing are suitable for both beginners and experienced folks, and modifications will be included.

DO I HAVE TO BRING MY OWN FOOD?

Dharti Mata Centre will serve four delicious and nutritious, garden-fresh vegan meals (lunch on Saturday – lunch on Sunday), chai, snacks, and dessert.

AM I WELCOME TO THIS RETREAT IF I IDENTIFY AS NON-BINARY OR GENDER NON-CONFORMING?

Yes, folks who identify as non-binary and gender non-conforming – as well as anyone who identifies as a woman, is welcome.

WHAT ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE?

We will have onsite camping available on the acreage, and this included in the registration fee (you will need to bring your own gear). There will be access to an indoor bathroom, shower, and kitchen – as well as a lovely outdoor space to spend the night.

Alternatively, we have compiled a list of nearby Airbnbs and alternate accommodations that may be of interest to you. This would be an additional cost that you would organize independently, and is not included in the price of the retreat.

IF I DON’T WANT TO CAMP, DOES MY RETREAT RATE CHANGE?

No, it is the same price whether or not you decide to camp.

HOW DO I GET TO THE VENUE?

The venue is located in South Wellington on the outskirts of Nanaimo, at the Dharti Mata Centre at 2021 Brothers Road. It is a short 10-20 minute drive from Duke Point, Departure Bay, and Hullo-Nanaimo ferry terminals. Ride shares will be available from the ferry terminals, and more details on this will be provided after registration. We can also assist with ride share from another location – please let us know what your needs are.

WILL THERE BE A RIDE SHARE OR FERRY SHUTTLE?

Yes, if you need support with transportation from the ferry or another location, we can certainly assist with that. Just let us know your needs once you register.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SATURDAY AND SUNDAY?

Both days will involve community building, wellness activities, discussion, cultural reclamation, creativity, amazing food, and lots of relaxation. Sunday will be a continuation and deepening of our journey on Saturday.

CAN I JUST ATTEND SATURDAY?

Yes. It is $175 to attend Saturday only.

CAN I JUST ATTEND SUNDAY?

Unfortunately, no. Sunday will be a deepening of our Saturday programming. If you wish to come for only one day, Saturday is your opportunity for that.

DO YOU HAVE A SAMPLE SCHEDULE OF THE WEEKEND?

The schedule will include plenty of group discussion, trauma-informed asana and other wellness practices, guided meditation, storytelling, cultural reconnection, creative exercises, and nature activities.

WHY IS THIS EVENT FOR SOUTH ASIANS? CAN I ATTEND IF I AM ONLY PARTIALLY SOUTH ASIAN?

Having specific wellness spaces that are for South Asian people is important for our healing and strength after many years of collective oppression and racism. The wellness industry in North America frequently appropriates our culture; gatherings like this allow us to feel a greater sense of safety and foster culturally specific healing from our shared colonial history of violence and subjugation. This retreat is for South Asian people because we will be focusing on the specific historical and cultural factors that contribute to our holistic wellbeing as South Asian people.

Those who identify as women and non-binary/gender fluid folks with any amount of South Asian ancestry/mixed ancestry are most welcome.

WILL THIS RETREAT BE CASTE-RELATED?

Please note that our work is absolutely not identified with the caste system at all, and we will not be focusing on caste at the retreat. For us, the caste system indicates separation and therefore, does not uphold the understanding of unity. Though Satya was born into the system, she rejected the system. However she honours, celebrates and practices all that is Vedic/Yogic – which upholds the understanding of unity.

Furthermore, our participants come from all walks of South Asian culture, including Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Anglo Indian, Ismaili, etc. We have had folks come to the retreat with roots in Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, India, Pakistan, Trinidad, Canada, etc. And folks range from early 20s to late 60s so far. It is truly an amazing gathering of the South Asian diaspora!

IS THIS THE SAME OFFERING AS THE LAST SOUTH ASIAN WOMEN’S RETREAT BACK IN APRIL 2024?

No, this weekend retreat is a new offering, and will also include some foundational elements of our last gathering. While our general intention and structure are similar to our day retreat back in April 2024, our upcoming weekend retreat will include a bunch of new programming, and build and expand on our last retreat. Furthermore, we have carefully and thoughtfully planned a weekend of activities informed by the previous retreat participant’s feedback and suggestions, so we can deepen our healing and grow together. If you attended last time, we hope that this gathering will be refreshing yet familiar, as well as deeply inspiring! If it is your first time joining us, you are so welcome!

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?

Full refund minus a $35 admin fee until August 30.

50% refund, minus $35 admin fee August 31 – September 6.

Unfortunately, we cannot issue any refunds after September 7.

For questions please contact hello@emmychahal.com