A S A N C T U A R Y O F B E L O N G I N G
YOUR RIVERS & ROOTS RUN DEEP
retreats, choirs, & community events that weave us together.
Alexis Nikole, @blackforager says:
“We take better care of the things we know.”
It’s really difficult to call this thing we do “choir” as it seems so much more. It’s part sharing circle, exploring themes that affect community care, seasons of life, and the village, local and global. It’s part organic song circle and shared exploration of our ancestral roots. It’s absolutely a creative collective where our conversations inspire poetry, song, art, essay, and provides a place where they can be shared.
It’s an opportunity to be seen, and an equal opportunity to practice deep listening, to the voices in the room and to the voice that is your highest self. We connect to the divine spark within and see it in each other. It’s an opportunity to share this wisdom that we are harvesting from the collective and from the found voices of our ancestors. Then, when we are ready, we share them with our broader communities: our families, our modern villages.
We go well beyond “self-care” and the result is “community care.” We get to know each other over time, and deepen our bonds. Our ancestral exploration is meant not only to find treasure in our roots, but to inspire others to be interested in theirs. Our voices join, soothing our collective. We experience friction and repair. We take care of each other, because we take better care of the things we know.
Are you interested in joining a choir, a retreat, or a community event hosted by the Elder Flower?
The Songkeepers
Kathleen Luchtan handed me some pages. On them were songs, sung by a Kootenay Elder who had just transitioned to the other side of the river. She asked if I could “keep them” so they would not be lost.
The weight of that gift and responsibility felt like something that should be shared, and that was the day our choir was named The Songkeepers. Sharing folklore, song and conversation prompts, week, after week, after week; and now tending the well with our own contributions.
When this choir was born, it was a place to explore and be curious, building trust over time. Something special happens when newcomers join our group now: they learn more quickly because others share their confidence in the music. New singers might have an appreciation that our relationships have been building around fire and river, and seasoned singers have an opportunity to try mentorship in a meaningful way.
The Songkeepers size will be contained this year, and new members will have some home study to catch up to our growing repertoire. It’s possible, should you choose, but this is not a choir you can just “try out” anymore. This is a group where you will dive deep, and maybe find a Siren or a Rusalka at the river-bottom of your heart. Are you ready to leap?
Malina
Exploring deep Doukhobor roots, tending the spark inside, and sharing it with each other. With a reverence for our ancestors, an honest look of painful aspects that no longer serve the Doukhobors today and a vision for what our culture can be if we live it vibrantly and together, we’ll be diving more deeply into Russian singing this season. The sister choir of The Songkeepers, we’ll be sharing that repertoire too. We have plans to explore our Doukhobor diaspora with some (optional) travel, local exploration (field trips!) and a repeat performance at the USCC festival. We’ll meet at a new date this season, 6:30, Tarry’s Hall.
F O R D O U K H O B O R W O M E N F R O M A F A R
Sisters of Malina
We have been doing deep exploration of the stories of women in in our diaspora. We have been telling their stories, writing them into “Baba Rock” songs, and we have only scratched the surface.
Our performances have resulted in an outpouring of interest from women wishing they had a group like Malina in their town. In this hybrid season, we’ll meet online, exploring some of the themes that resulted in rich sharing. You’ll have access to our practice tracks, and you will join us in May, 2027 in Brilliant for a ceremony, choral workshop and performance!
We “Move at the speed of trust”-Adrienne Maree Brown.
Our offerings are trauma-informed. You are given the option to share when you are ready.
I’M JEN,
My ancestors lived in villages. I think it’s why I love bringing people together.
I am a storyteller, connector & creator.
I grew up in a Doukhobor family and joke that I came from the womb singing five-part harmony. I was lucky enough to be loved by Baba’s and Deda’s with big gardens and a connection to my cultural and spiritual roots.
Most of my career has been spent in corporate leadership. That taught me a lot and gifted me with organizational leadership training and an exploration of systems theory. I have gained much steadiness on stage from my experience speaking at conferences, and I learned the power of a question moderating panel discussions.
I travelled the world learning Eastern philosophy, on a journey of recovery from substance use, disordered eating, codependency and burnout. I have facilitated nearly a decade of recovery programming for women and non-binary folks. I was surprised when my inner compass led me back to the Kootenays, to a river and land that holds the voices of my ancestors. I found others there, and together we have embarked in one of the most meaningful parts of my recovery yet: building a beautiful, life rooted in creativity, culture and community. I’ve reclaimed my story. Will you join me?
LEARN MORE→
READ THE BLOG
The Sharing Circle
Our stories bring us together. Here are some of mine, and some of hers and theirs.
Singers may submit an article to the Sharing Circle Blog
W H A T ’ S B E E N S A I D
“I cannot rave enough about this wonderful woman. She is a dedicated teacher and forever student who shares her practice with humility, courage, and generosity. If you are curious about connecting with her and the community we've been building no need to hesitate. You will be welcomed with unconditional love, non-judgment, and a warm embrace (flaws and all). She has created a space that is nourishing and safe! Sincerely grateful to have such a genuine and inspiring teacher and friend. She is one of a kind!”
- JORDANN KIAN, Therapist