This is a free weekend mini-retreat that takes place at Biblioterre (169 Chem. Parent, Alcove, QC J0X 1A0) on Saturday September 2nd and Sunday September 3rd. The goal of the retreat is to offer a space/time where people can lovingly connect with their bodies and the land through creative play — specifically by testing out a "game" called HAWAK created by Lukayo Bito'on (there may be opportunities to try other games and to play mini-games). I will be centering and prioritizing Filipinx peoples and experiences, but this gathering is open to all.
Registration deadline is
Friday, August 18th, 2023 but I will be accepting late registration until the day before the retreat. Late registration means we cannot guarantee assistance with transportation, accommodations, food, and other access needs. (Note: The retreat was originally supposed to be on July 29 & 30, however it was rescheduled due to illness).
The retreat would start with a collaborative opening ceremony that discusses indigenous stewardship, the land, and the stewardship of our bodies. I would also share some cultural pieces from my own ancestry and teachers. Participants would then introduce themselves to each other using games, and that would lead into a larger game where we arrange the schedule of the day together by organizing the main pieces of the agenda into the time left that we have at the retreat. The agenda pieces would include bodywork practices, creative/creation rituals, and playing games. We follow this agenda we’ve co-created, and then have a collaborative closing ceremony.
Tentative times:
- 10am-6pm hawak activities (Saturday Sep 2)
- Optional evening activities (Saturday Sep 2)
- 11am-2pm closing ceremony and feast (Sunday Sep 3)
Access Notes:
The venue has uneven terrain-- sometimes grass, sand, earth, rocks, or swamp. Depending on the access needs of participants and their availability, we may be able to stay in one location that is closest to a compost toilet. If you are staying overnight, you will need to bring your own tent and accommodations, though if you don't have access to camping supplies, you can request that as an access need below and we can try to get some for you. Transportation will be arranged via carpool or renting a shuttle bus depending on registration numbers. Please bring your own food and, if possible, some food for sharing that would feed 3-5 people. I will be providing breakfast foods for participants for both days and will focus on providing food for the feast on Sunday. If you need assistance in storing or acquiring food, please also add that in your access needs.
This is not therapy or a therapeutic retreat. This retreat is meant to be a healing experience through connection and play, but it does not replace a participant's existing health plans, the directives of their health care team, or therapy.I am accepting donations to help run this retreat through https://www.patreon.com/lukayo.
For more information about Lukayo (and to get updates on the games that will be played), please visit
Lukayo.com.
If you have questions about bodywork, role playing games, or anything about this retreat, you can email Lukayo.estrella@gmail.com.
Image description: Against a dark green background, on the left there is a dark-skinned smiling person with blue hair wearing pink clothes and glasses, who is holding a potted plant. There is a tiny trans flag in the pot. On the right, on top of a flower, is a dark-skinned person with purple hair, their hands posed underneath their chin. Both people are smiling with their eyes closed, have flowers in their hair, and stars glittering around them.
