Pop up to the outdoor oven at FireLoch for a hands-on evening of food, culture, and community. Come to enjoy cooking with our neighbour Aladdin and learn about Filipino dishes and treats! This is a hands-on cookout that invites participants to prepare and share a delicious Filipino meal together.

Working side by side and learning from Aladdin’s stories and experience cooking traditional meals, we’ll prepare delicious dishes including Shrimp and pork Siomai, Grilled Pork Belly Adobo and Chicken Inasal. If we are lucky we might get to try Ube Pandesai or Buko Pandan for dessert too! Once the meal is ready, we’ll gather outdoors to enjoy it together al fresco while sharing stories, conversation, and the joy of cooking in community.

This is more than a meal—it’s an opportunity to connect across cultures, learn new cooking techniques, and experience the warmth of gathering around food. If it is chilly, our cooking fire will keep us toasty warm too!

Limited to 12 participants to keep the experience personal and interactive.

Join Jillian from Exploring Embodiment at FireLoch for a grounding, activating & nourishing breathwork journey, followed by an immersive sound bath with crystal singing bowls & Koshi chimes. This session is themed with the full moon in Taurus.

This group session will help you to disconnect from the thinking mind to move stagnant energy through intentional breathwork and sound healing.

Yoga mat & bolsters provided. Please bring water bottle, blanket, journal/pen (optional) & anything else that feels supportive to your journey (thin pillow, crystals etc).

Doors open 15 minutes early for you to get settled.

3 Steps to Register:

1. If you have yet to complete the first-time waiver, please do so here: https://forms.gle/efXEmSfDCyMFLuMr5

2. Register your spot in the calendar here: https://calendly.com/exploring-embodiment/breath-sound-fireloch

3. Send EMT to exploring.embodiment@gmail.com

This session is not recommended for everyone. Contraindications for sound therapy include epilepsy, metal or mechanic devices such as pace maker, or if you are prone to severe headaches.

Sound therapy and Breathwork can surface trauma and energy in the body which may cause discomfort. If you are new to breathwork, check out some basic information & FAQs about Breathwork. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K8Ru4lU6T8MSVPTYTgmerpuJprAl38zC/view?usp=sharing

Fragrance policy: Please refrain from wearing fragrances as the chemicals in them can trigger reactions in some individuals.

Cancellation policy: Once booked this session is non-refundable. You can transfer your spot to someone else if you cannot attend or send me a message if you’d like to gift it to someone in need.

Tending the Spark. An Immersive Personal & Professional Development Day for Nurses

You spend your working days caring for others. This is a day designed to offer some of that care back to you.

Care for Caretakers is a one-day immersive learning experience for nurses working in hospitals, community clinics, and other healthcare settings. It brings together practical professional development with content from expert Dr Dayna Lee-Baggley, meaningful peer connection, time on the land, and restorative practices to explore a simple but important question:

How do we sustain ourselves while doing work that asks so much of us?

Throughout the day, we’ll explore the personal, interpersonal, and systemic dimensions of caregiving. Through facilitated conversations, experiential learning, creative and embodied practices, participants will explore tools for emotional regulation, healthy boundaries, resilience, self-awareness, and navigating the demands of caring professions.

Just as importantly, we’ll make space to rest.

The day intentionally moves between learning and reflection, conversation and quiet, movement and stillness. There will be opportunities to walk the land, gather around the fire, create, eat together, connect with other nurses, and simply have some breathing room.

During the day, participants will:

• Explore practical tools for emotional regulation, boundaries, and resilience
• Reflect on their own experiences of caregiving and what helps make this work sustainable
• Better understand the signs and patterns that can contribute to burnout
• Explore the relationship between personal wellbeing, workplace culture, and larger healthcare systems
• Connect with nurses working across different roles, settings, and stages of their careers
• Experience restorative practices that support body, mind, and spirit
• Make space for rest, play, creativity, nature, and good food
• Identify practices and intentions they can carry back into their everyday lives and workplaces

This is not a conference, a day of lectures, or another demand on your professional to-do list.

It is an invitation to learn differently: in community, through experience, and with enough spaciousness to actually notice what you need.

Whether you are early in your nursing career, have been caring for patients for decades, or are somewhere in between, you are welcome.

Come spend a day tending to the person who spends so much time tending to everyone else.

** Special Note: The psychologist-led portion of this event may be eligible for reimbursement through your extended health benefits. We do not offer direct billing to insurance providers. However, we can issue a $100 receipt for the psychologist-led portion of the event, which you may submit to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement. The receipt will be for psychological services from Dr. Dayna Lee-Baggley, Registered Psychologist. To receive this receipt, you will complete a consent form to become a client of Dr. Dayna Lee-Baggley for the purposes of issuing the required documentation. Reimbursement will depend on the terms of your individual benefits plan. **

Join Jillian from Exploring Embodiment for a transformational breathwork session supported by a team of Reiki practitioners.

We’ll begin with simple movement to release tension and get your body and fluids flowing, then lie down for a guided transformational breathwork journey set to beautiful music. Throughout the practice, Reiki will be offered—both hands-on and hover—to energetically ground and support your release and transformation.

3 Steps to Register:
1. If you have yet to complete the first-time waiver, please do so here: https://forms.gle/efXEmSfDCyMFLuMr5
2. Register your spot in this calendar page: https://calendly.com/exploring-embodiment/breath-reiki-fireloch

Yoga mats and bolsters are available. Bring along a blanket & water bottle. Doors open 15 minutes early so you can get settled.

What is Breathwork? Breathwork uses conscious & intentional breathing to awaken, to move & to process stagnant energy in the body that is causing us havoc. It supports our overall health by tending to the root of many mental, emotional, physical & spiritual issues. Some benefits of practicing breathwork: reduces stress & anxiety, improves mood, better sleep quality, enhances focus & clarity, feeling lighter, increases heart rate variability, increases resiliency, shifts our relationship to our emotions & enhances creativity.

What is Transformational Breathwork? Transformational breathwork is longer duration breathwork that allows us to really disconnect from the thinking mind & access altered states of consciousness.

What is Reiki? Reiki is gentle energy healing that uses hover & hands on touch to bring more life force energy into the body. This helps to harmonize and balance the energetic body supporting us mentally, emotionally, physically & spiritually.

This style session is not recommended for everyone. Breathwork can surface trauma and energy in the body which may cause discomfort.

Cancellation policy: This event is non-refundable. You can transfer this spot to someone else if you cannot attend. The transferred individual must complete the waiver prior to the event.

If you are new to breathwork, check out some basic information & FAQs: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K8Ru4lU6T8MSVPTYTgmerpuJprAl38zC/view?usp=sharing

Tourism Business Incubator: From Ideas to Action

Antigonish is running a Rural Tourism Business Incubator as a two-day learning experience designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners move from inspiration to practical next steps. By combining hands-on business incubation with direct access to regional support organizations, participants will leave with greater confidence, stronger connections, and a clearer pathway for growing sustainable businesses in rural Nova Scotia.

This gathering recognizes that many people have promising ideas but often struggle to know where to begin, who to ask for help, or how to navigate the many resources available to them. The incubator creates a welcoming environment where participants can test ideas, learn from experienced practitioners, and build relationships with organizations committed to supporting local entrepreneurship.

Day One

Idea Incubator 9:30am-4pm

(Facilitated by Mashup Lab)

The first day will focus on helping participants explore and strengthen business ideas through an engaging, collaborative startup incubation process.

Participants will:

• Explore opportunities and identify community needs.
• Test assumptions behind their business ideas.
• Clarify the value they hope to create.
• Receive constructive feedback from peers and facilitators.
• Develop a simple action plan for moving their idea forward.

If you are just beginning to think about entrepreneurship or have already started a business, the sessions will provide practical tools for validating ideas before investing significant time or money.

Day Two – 9:30am-4pm

Building Your Business Support Network

The second day will introduce participants to the ecosystem of organizations and professionals that support small businesses throughout Nova Scotia.

Through a series of short presentations and interactive discussions, participants will learn about the services, funding opportunities, training programs, and expertise available to help businesses succeed.

Potential presenters include:

• CBDC
• Mashup Lab
• Local bookkeeping and financial professionals
• Tourism Nova Scotia
• Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS)
• Ignite Atlantic
• Additional regional partners as appropriate

Topics may include:

• Financing and loans
• Business planning
• Marketing and tourism opportunities
• Financial management
• Digital tools
• Mentorship and coaching
• Innovation supports
• Government programs
• Networking opportunities

The emphasis will be on making introductions, reducing barriers to accessing support, and helping participants understand when and how each organization can assist them throughout different stages of business growth.

Objectives

• Encourage entrepreneurship and innovation in rural communities.
• Increase awareness of existing business development resources.
• Build confidence among aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Strengthen collaboration between business support organizations.
• Create ongoing relationships between entrepreneurs and regional support providers.
• Foster resilient, locally owned businesses that contribute to vibrant rural economies.

Intended Audience

The incubator is ideal for:

• Individuals considering starting a business
• New entrepreneurs
• Home-based business owners
• Side-hustle entrepreneurs
• Seasonal business operators
• Tourism operators
• Artists and makers
• Social entrepreneurs
• Existing businesses looking to diversify or grow

Anticipated Outcomes

Participants will leave with:

• A clearer understanding of their business opportunity.
• Practical next steps for launching or growing their business.
• Connections with regional support organizations.
• Greater confidence in navigating available business resources.
• A network of fellow entrepreneurs for ongoing peer support.

By bringing together entrepreneurial education and the organizations that exist to support business success, this two-day incubator will help strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem while encouraging more people to pursue sustainable businesses that contribute to the long-term vitality of rural Nova Scotia.

To register – purchase a ticket here then complete this REGISTRATION FORM. Your attendance will be confirmed when the REGISTRATION FORM is completed. Thanks!

Navigating the Change: A Perimenopause Retreat

A day of learning, conversation, connection and care for women navigating perimenopause.

Perimenopause can bring changes to our bodies, energy, sleep, moods, relationships, sexuality and sense of ourselves—often before we even recognize that perimenopause might be part of what is happening. And despite how common this transition is, many of us arrive here feeling surprisingly unprepared.

Navigating the Change is a one-day retreat at FireLoch designed to create space to better understand what is happening, ask the questions we don’t always get a chance to ask, connect with other women, and discover practical supports that can help us navigate this season with greater knowledge and confidence.

Limited to just 20 participants, the day will be led by Teresa from Root Cause – a naturopathic doctor who will combine accessible education about perimenopause with opportunities for reflection, conversation and rest. We’ll explore some of the physical and emotional changes that can accompany perimenopause and talk about the many different ways women experience this transition. There will be plenty of room for questions—including an anonymous question box available throughout the day.

We’ll also step away from information and into experience with a facilitated sound therapy session, offering an opportunity to slow down, settle the nervous system and simply receive some care.

Following lunch, we’ll welcome a group of local practitioners for an informal Perimenopause Round Table, bringing together different perspectives on some of the things that can become especially important during this stage of life, including:

• nutrition and nourishment
• anxiety, stress and emotional wellbeing
• sex, intimacy and changing desire
• relationships and communicating changing needs
• movement, sleep and physical wellbeing
• finding appropriate professional and community supports

Rather than a series of presentations, this will be an honest, facilitated conversation with plenty of opportunity for participants to ask questions and learn about tangible resources available locally. We’ll end our day by bringing everything back to ourselves: What did I learn? What might I want to explore further? What small changes could support me right now? And where might I need some additional help?

This isn’t a day about “fixing” ourselves or adding another long list of things we should be doing. It’s an invitation to understand this transition better, talk about it more openly, learn from one another and build a stronger circle of support around ourselves as we navigate it.

Your registration includes the full-day facilitated retreat, sound therapy experience, practitioner round table, lunch and refreshments, take-home resources, and plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings at FireLoch. A portion of the fees for this event can be submitted for reimbursement through most private health care plans. After you register, you can request an insurance receipt for ‘naturopathic services’ which will refund a portion of the cost (varies plan by plan). After registering, please indicate if a receipt will be needed.

No previous knowledge about perimenopause is necessary. Whether you’re fairly certain you’re experiencing it, just beginning to wonder, or simply want to be better prepared for what may be ahead, you’re welcome.

Registration for this event will open September 12th – to hold a spot you can email jennifer@fireloch.com

Join a Day of Rest and Care for Community Caretakers 

Community organizers, nonprofit staff, volunteers, and advocates are warmly invited to gather at FireLoch for a day of connection, reflection, and shared learning.

Across our communities, many of us dedicate our time and energy to caring for others. Yet the work of caregiving—whether through organizing, advocacy, volunteering, or supporting community initiatives—can also bring real challenges, including exhaustion and burnout. This gathering is an opportunity to pause together, share practical tools, and strengthen the networks that sustain our work.

Event Details

📅 Date: November 20th

⏰ Time: 2:00 – 8:30 PM

📍 Location: FireLoch (1442 Hwy 7, North Lochaber)

🍎 Snacks and Dinner will be served – sharing food is part of taking care of you!!

💙 This event is subsidized – partially funded by the Sisters of St Martha and private philanthropists

The event will include:

• An introduction to the core resources we have been collecting and sharing related to healing from burnout associated with caretaking work in community: Language of Emotions, Dynamic Emotional Integration, embodiment practices, and art for health resources too – many elements to support both personal and organizational care
• Opportunities to connect with others doing similar work in our region
• Delicious, shared treats and dinner together
• Forest bathing and rest practices in the woods at FireLoch
• Practical exercises and reflective activities focused on sustaining ourselves and our organizations
• A chance to help weave a stronger tapestry of local organizations committed to caring for the people who care for our communities

Our shared practices will include sound therapy and participants are welcome to stay after our event to participate in an optional sauna ritual too – all information about how to prepare will be shared after registration.

During the gathering, participants will receive a complimentary copy of our newly published resource guide, “Caring for Ourselves, Caring for Each Other.” This guide brings together insights and community-designed solutions for addressing burnout among those who serve as community caretakers—nonprofit staff, volunteers, organizers, and informal support people. We hope you will join us for this gathering of learning, conversation, and community care.

Space is limited to 24 participants. Please confirm your attendance by taking a ticket and grab extra tickets for any members of your team who will be joining you!

Experience a Transformative Sacred Hearts Ceremony where we gather in Sacred Circle!

Ceremony facilitators Jillian Marchand & Kristi Lyne Shayan will guide you through a heart-centered journey with the beautiful medicine of Ceremonial Cacao.

We will set intentions, breathe into our bodies, and consciously sip cacao, allowing its warmth to open our hearts. You’ll be guided through meditation & movement, sing medicine songs, be bathed in sound healing frequencies, and so much more!

Together, we create a space of heart-opening and connection, supporting each other’s journeys and celebrating growth.

After the ceremony there is time for integration, journaling, sharing potluck snacks, and connecting with participants (tea is provided).

Please bring: Water bottle Potluck snack to share Journal/pen (optional)

To Register:

1. Reserve your spot in the calendar below.

2. Send EMT to SacredSynergyCollective@gmail.com

This session is non-refundable. If you cannot attend, you may find someone else to take your place. You can reach out to us to see if we have a waitlist for the event.

Snow Storm policy: If we need to postpone the event due to weather, we will reschedule. If you cannot make the new date, you can use the credit towards a future Sacred Hearts Ceremony.

Contraindications: Those with severe heart issues are recommended not to drink cacao, as it can increase heart rate. You are still welcome to fully participate in the ceremony otherwise. Those with minor heart conditions, taking anti-depressants, or who are pregnant are encouraged to take only a few sips and pause before consuming more.