Why join the Selkie’s Circle?

Many of our ancestors came here and left their rituals, language, and stories back in Scotland. Today many decedents feel disconnected from their ancestry and maybe even shame or grief from this loss of knowledge and ways of being. People may search for years to find belonging, connection, ritual, spirituality, and history in many places, not knowing their own ancestry is rich and waiting for them. This is a practice of both decolonizing and reclaiming.

Who is this workshop for?

The Selkie’s Circle is open to anyone who is curious about their Highland heritage, regardless of “how Scottish” you are or feel.

Who is Sìne?

Sìne is my Gaidhlig name, and Jayne is my anglicized name. I have worked in community and private practice as an inter-generational trauma counsellor for 4 years. Prior to this I have worked in the classroom and community outreach with children and youth for 7 years. I am a queer, tender-hearted, fiery-spirited, lifelong-learner. My mind loves to learn, read fantasy novels, and focus on the beauty of nature; my body loves to move, dance, and nap; and my heart loves creating art, writing, storytelling, and supporting community.

I come to you as a humble and eager sharer, not an expert. It is my intention to offer practices that I have learned from teachers, books, workshops, and friends that honour the authentic place-based practices of my ancestors, in a way that feels both empowering and therapeutic. I hope to also create a cauldron of care for all who choose to join; a space where people can be curious, creative, expressive, accepted, not-judged, and as safe as can be.

Accessibility:

The Selkie’s Circle will meet at the office of Ash Tree Counselling in Gastown, Vancouver.

The building is accessible for wheelchairs as there is an elevator.

There will be scents used in the space for the saining ritual.

There are gendered washrooms, but participants may choose whichever one they want to use.

Supporting the Community

10% of the proceeds from Selkie’s Circle will go to Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA), to support Indigenous youth.

Joining the Selkie’s Circle

The Selkie’s Circle is about both loss and reclamation, so there will be themes of grief and resilience. Therefore, it is important for us to create a container where all participants can express their emotions while also being able to witness others’. If this speaks to you, please see the information about registration below and you will receive an e-mail with a few questions to answer before registration is complete.

To register and join the Selkie’s Circle Workshop, please e-mail jayne@ashtreecounselling.ca.

Price: $75
There are 2 spots available for a sliding scale option. Upon registration, please let me know if you will be applying for one of these spots.

Tapadh leat! Thank you.

In wellness and reclamation,

Sìne