Indigenous Spring Equinox at GSS
Indigenous Spring Equinox event planners and hosts at GSS Cultural Center, Calista Boateng, Desiree Schimpf, and Carla Elder.
spring took on a special meaning for over 50 gss staff…
on March 20th. Through the day, staff shared in the meaningful and playful spirit of the Spring Equinox Indigenous Staff Workshop. The Workshop was an opportunity to personally experience the Spring Equinox as a season of renewal and rebirth so central to Indigenous cultural tradition.
Held at the Cultural Space in the Administration building, the heart of the event was a reminder and renewal of our connection to the earth. What better way to connect than by planting seeds? And there were plenty of seeds to choose from: traditional plants native to the area, wild and cultivated flowers, vegetables, herbs and even pet friendly Catgrass.
But before ‘digging’ into the planting process, staff were invited to connect that renewal to their own lives. For a few minutes, each person thought about and wrote down something they wanted to leave behind and something new they wanted to grow in their lives going forward. The notes were folded and placed at the bottom plant pots, then covered by the new earth and seeds.
The deeply personal and meaningful part of the workshop blended with a sense of sharing and play around the table. There was an inviting, relaxed spirit of celebration for the planting. In addition to ‘playing in the garden’, staff could sit back while coloring and chatting, and watch the animated movie, Brother Bear, in the background. Of course, there were snacks and treats to add to the festive mood.
In Indigenous culture, the Spring Equinox is a time of new life starting to grow. The hands on, joyful workshop helped all who attended to appreciate how this new season connects us to the earth and to our own potential for renewal. The Spring Equinox Indigenous Staff Workshop was organized and hosted by Calista Boateng, GSS Cultural Indigenous Worker, and Carla Elder, HF Indigenous Engagement and Caseload Support Worker, with the much appreciated help of Desiree Schimpf, Social Worker at the Clinical Access Team.
A special thank you to Calista, Carla, and Desiree for helping us experience the Spring Equinox in a new and personal way!
Staff from Admin and MSD at work and play during the Spring Equinox workshop.
Calista introduces the Indigenous context, planting and ‘play’ activities while Carla showcases the coloring creations staff relaxed with during the event.