Transforming the Culture of Power Through Love and Compassion

May 9-10-11, 2023

Woolman Hill Retreat Center
on the Pocumtuck Ridge

Rites of passage for all ages 

Decolonizing, transformative, restorative circle practices

Featured presenters:
Grandmother Mary Ellen Baker (Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation, WI), Grandmother Mildred “Tinker” Shuman (Lac du Flambeau, WI), Grandmother Loretta Afraid of Bear Cook (Oceti Sakowin), Grandmother Nancy Andry, Grandmother Isabelle Meawasige (Serpent River Ojibwe), Danielle LeBlanc, and Joseph Davis

Organized by Visioning B.E.A.R. Circle Intertribal Coalition

For more information: connect@visioningbear.org

What is the conference about? 

The Third Annual Transforming the Culture of Power Conference will focus on teachings about the Seven Fires Prophecy, which speaks about the “Lighting of the Eighth Fire,” when people from all races will unite as one to build a Nation based on equity and justice where all races will live in brotherhood and peace. 

How can I participate? 

The Transforming the Culture of Power Conference will be presented as a hybrid event. The in-person event will be held at Woolman Hill Retreat Center in Deerfield, Massachusetts, on 110 acres of land. In addition, the event will be live-streamed via Zoom and provide ASL interpretation and Spanish interpretation. 

What can I expect?

The Seven Grandfather teachings, Walking in Balance with All Our Relations, and the importance of Storytelling and Ceremonies in healing trauma will be highlighted. There will be teachings about the thirteen moons for both men and women. Workshops will cover youth voices and the importance of prevention strategies and healing interventions for those who harm and those who have been harmed in relationships. Other workshops will deal with human trafficking and its systemic roots. After the day's teachings are done in the evening, there will be opportunities to participate in healing ceremonies with the elders. The venue can host 150 people. The online access will accommodate 500 people. In-person registration will be limited to the first 150 registrants on a first-come-first-serve basis.

What does it mean to transform the culture of power? 

We are transforming the culture of power means, among other things, understanding that treating each other equally is not the same as treating each other equitably. A one size fits all equality model doesn’t account for the fact that everyone is different, occupies different positions of relative power (or lack thereof), and has different needs. Treating people equitably involves supporting each other to meet our unique needs and doing our best to rectify power imbalances when we see them. 

What does equity mean in this context? 

Genuinely transforming the culture of power in which we live means we take a critical look at where we stand on the scales of privilege and oppression and ask ourselves what we need and can do to help balance those scales. To that end, for BIPOC, registration for this conference involves no charge (though you are still welcome to donate if you would like). VBCIC acknowledges that many white participants may be unable to donate, so there is no mandatory cost. However, white participants who have the means to do so are strongly encouraged to reflect on that privilege, consider this an opportunity for both transformation and reparations, and make a donation that you feel is reasonable (suggested amount $25-$100), to help offset costs and provide equitable admission for BIPOC and others with less access to wealth.

How do I register?

Register at visioningbear.org/conference and indicate whether you wish to attend virtually or in person. If you need any special accommodations, please let us know.