Tour Packages

Wisdom of the Forest Session 1 

Immerse yourself into nature at the Payhonin National Healing Forest and be immersed in nature’s healing and inspiring offerings on this 3-hour nature immersion. Connect with yourself and the land. Take a deep breath and feel the heartbeat of the Earth. Nature is a place to both play and learn. In partnership with Rising Thunder, storyteller Bill Bertschy, the activities and storytelling instill traditional teachings of respect, resourcefulness, and humility through Indigenous ways of knowing, through the rustle of the leaves, songs, and the beat of the drum. 

Slow down to hear the whispers of the land.  All our relations and ancestors surround us. These are precious teachings passed down through generations. Explore the language of the animals, the teachings of the rooted nation and the wisdom of the land. The focus will be on integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge into your outdoor experience. You’ll learn about the medicine wheel, and the Four Quadrants: Inside the circle, there are four sections or quadrants, each representing different aspects such as the four directions (North, East, South, West), the four seasons, the four stages of life (childhood, adolescence, adulthood, elderhood), and other significant sets of four as you make one to wear.

Wisdom of the Forest Session 2

Attendees can expect to participate in sensory land-based activities focused on nature and the wisdom of all our relations, in a good way. Slow down and meet the land with Indigenous storyteller, Bill Bertschy. 

Learn about the forest and rooted nation that call this old growth Alberta parkland boreal forest home. You will meet many types of trees, botanicals and wild fruit as you learn reciprocity and the art of caring for one another.  Discover how humans and nature have been in relationship for thousands of years. 

Feel at home in the wild with sitting mats and blankets available for you to use. A large authentic tipi is available, for shelter from heavy precipitation.  Receive a Closer-to-Nature kit, crafted by your guide to use during the experience and take home with you, including an eco-friendly tote bag to carry your personal items, an eco-friendly nature journal and pencils to draw with.‍

Finish by celebrating your time in nature fresh made Bannock, wild flower jelly, and freshly brewed forest tea!

Wisdom of the Forest: Combo - Session 1 & 2

Book Wisdom of the Forest Session 1 and Session 2 and enjoy a gourmet picnic feast between sessions.

Forest Gourmet Picnic Feast features: Smoked Meats, Local Cheeses, Fresh Baked Bread, Foraged Nettle Soupe d'Ortie, Wild Mint and Rosehip Tea, Wildflower Compotes and Berries

Medicine of sharing stories -

Storytelling in Indigenous cultures is more than just entertainment; it's a way to preserve centuries of culture, to provide guidance for living a balanced and harmonious life. The act of sharing stories can be therapeutic, helping individuals process emotions, find strength, and foster a sense of belonging and identity.