Grandmother Moon

Women's Wellness Weekend

$429.00 per person plus applicable taxes

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL - BOOK NOW FOR:

$399.00 per person plus applicable taxes

Group Size: 6 - 8
3 day, 2 night adventure

Dates:
May 16 - 18th, 2008 SOLD OUT

June 13 - 15th, 2008

July 18 - 20th, 2008

August 15 - 17th, 2008

September 12 - 14th, 2008

October 10 - 12th, 2008

Enjoy this secluded getaway on beautiful Manitoulin Island, home of the Ojibwe, Odawa, & Pottawatomi people. Immerse yourself in nature's embrace, rejuvenate your spirit, nurture your creative talents, savor the seasonal tastes of the region as you enjoy a women's wellness weekend.

DAY ONE

Late afternoon arrival at the First Nation community of Sheshegwaning where you will meet your Aboriginal host and be escorted to Nishin Eco-Lodge located a 10 minute drive into the remote wilderness of a maple sugar forest.

Enjoy the seclusion and comfort of this charming eco lodge facility with three private bedrooms and an open sleeping loft.  Beautifully furnished with hand crafted pine furniture, this eco-lodge boasts new amenities including an outdoor covered hot tub, sauna and showers.  A fully equipped kitchen includes a propane operated fridge, stove and lighting.

Meet your Aboriginal host and enjoy a sweetgrass welcome ceremony while savoring the refreshing flavour of wilderness tea and cold appetizers.  Enjoy the chanting of a women’s traditional hand drum singing group as they share the meaning of their songs, how the drum was made and where the songs come from.  Feel the pride of the singers as you are invited to share in their songs!

Let your taste buds relish in a delicious spread of seasonable foods and an evening’s sharing circle to become better acquainted with the members of your group.  Unwind beside the evening campfire and let the glow of the fire warm your spirit and a deep blanket of stars soothe you into a night of sleep.

DAY TWO

Take advantage of the fresh early morning air and listen to the birds wake as day breaks over the treetops.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast of healthy foods.  Meet a local Aboriginal craftsperson, knowledgeable and skilled in beadwork, leatherwork, and dream catcher making.  While creating your very own ‘medicine pouch’ learn about the teachings behind the use of deer hide. Take your ‘medicine pouch’ along on your afternoon Mother Earth Nature Walk.

Explore Manitoulin’s wilderness along one of Mother Earth’s trails.  Listen to your Aboriginal guide as they bestow the knowledge and wisdom their ancestors have passed down to them from generation to generation.  Learn the identification of various plants and their uses in cooking and as remedies.

Return to the lodge for some rest and relaxation.  Listen to the soothing sounds of native flute music being played as you enjoy a warm soothing foot bath filled with the scents of aromatherapy and cedar sprigs followed by a deep foot massage.  What a great way to unwind for this weekend of soulful awakening.

Further enjoy your afternoon by scheduling optional time for yourself with a certified local esthetician and/or manicurist. Please consult your GSCT Host to arrange to have these additional services added to your bill.

Enjoy a traditional Aboriginal feast of waawaashkesh (venison) stew served with bannock followed by a dessert of fresh seasonal fruit.  Gather around the dinner table and share stories of your day’s craft and hike experience.

Meet a local Anishnaabe kwe (woman) during the evening’s Grandmother Moon sharing circle.  Learn about the traditional values and concepts shared around the seasons and gain a new understanding of the societal roles of the Anishnaabe women.

Take an evening stroll to the nearby pristine waters for a panoramic shot of the day setting over the horizon and reflect over your discovery of the Aboriginal culture and heritage. Available to you throughout your stay is a 9 ft diameter hot tub accommodating one to eight people. Soak to relax and rejuvenate your hot tub experience with a cold shower followed by a dry sauna.

DAY THREE

Get an early morning start to make the most out of your day as you join in on an optional activity of yoga.  Feed your soul with ‘sun salutations’ and positive energy.

Celebrate the morning with a Sunday brunch and as this relaxing weekend comes to an end and you begin your journey home we bid you a fond farewell as we together Experience the Past, Enjoy the Present!                  

GRANDMOTHER MOON WOMEN’S WELLNESS WEEKEND INCLUDES:

Two Nights Accommodation

Anishnaabe Sweetgrass Welcome Ceremony

Women’s Hand Drum Singing Presentation

Deer hide Crafting Lesson with Aboriginal craftsperson

Mother Earth Nature Walk with Interpretive Tour Guide

Cedar Foot Soak and Massage

Grandmother Moon Cultural Presentation

 with an Ojibwe Grandmother

Meals Included - One Dinner, One Lunch,

Two Breakfasts and a

A Traditional Aboriginal Feast

OPTIONAL PACKAGE ADD ONS:

Manicure Treatments

Pedicure Treatment

 Sunrise Yoga Session

Massage Therapy

STAY LONGER ACTIVITIES MAY INCLUDE:

Hiking along the LaCloche Mountain Range

Indian Head Rock

Roosevelt Monument

Historic Route of the Voyageurs

M’Chigeeng Hiking Trail

Nimkee Hiking Trails

World’s Largest Peace pipe, Dream catcher & Drum

Manitoulin’s Second Oldest Anglican Church

Holy Cross Mission Ruins

De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group

Wikwemikong Heritage Organization

Trail Riding & ATV Wilderness Excursions

Scenic Boat Cruises & Fishing Charters

Canoe Expeditions

Rainbow Ridge 18 Hole Golf Course

Craft Shops and Art Galleries

THINGS TO BRING:

Comfortable walking/hiking shoes, bug repellent, warm clothes for evening campfires, comfortable clothes for yoga, long skirt for sharing circle

GUEST INFORMATION

The Nishin Eco-Lodge is a non-smoking property. We kindly ask our guests to please refrain from smoking in or around the property or buildings. Please make other accommodations for your pets before visiting. Alcohol consumption before and during your visit is discouraged. We kindly ask that no glass containers are used in or around the tub and sauna areas.  As therapeutic as a good hot tub soak can be, some people have medical conditions such as high blood pressure or heart conditions. Please refrain from feeding or getting close to wildlife. Leave all valuables at home as GSCT/Nishin Eco Lodge cannot be responsible for valuables on the property or in parked cars. Internet and cellular services are not available at this property.

Contact us today to book your memorable experience.

Tollfree in North America: 1-877-710-3211
Telephone: (705) 377-4404
Fax: (705) 377-4425
Email: info@circletrail.com

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