Join Columbia Slough Watershed Council and Ceci Orozco of Temenos Rising for a nourishing canoe experience designed specifically as a safe and grounded space for the BIPOC community to slow down, practice embodied presence, and honor our deep connection to the Earth.
This free event is open to those who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color. Open to those 16 and older. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. No prior paddling experience required.
This is an opportunity to deepen and explore your connection with the natural world in a more embodied and adventurous way. Traveling by canoe, we will move slowly and intentionally through the landscape tapping into wonder, presence, and curiosity. We’ll weave together gentle paddling, mindful movement, and moments of stillness. By slowing down and paying attention, we create space to experience the quiet wisdom of the living world and remember ourselves as participants in, rather than observers of, the Earth community. This experience invites us to engage our senses, tap into awareness, and cultivate a deeper relationship with the natural world.
Research has shown that slowing down and being present in nature can help regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, improve mood, and foster a greater sense of calm and connection. The peaceful rhythm of paddling, the gentle movement of the water, and intentional pauses for observation create ideal conditions for restoration.
This experience is not about paddling a certain distance or learning technical canoe skills. Instead, it is an invitation to explore the water and surroundings with curiosity, playfulness, and attention. Together, we'll create space for quiet reflection, shared discovery, and meaningful connection ~ with the landscape, with ourselves, and with one another.
About the facilitator:
Ceci Orozco is a mover, systems thinker, and lifelong learner. In her 10+ years of practice facilitating body- and earth-based offerings, she has centered trauma-informed learning approaches to holistically tend to the whole self, inviting embodied presence with Self, each other, and the world at large. Ceci is a certified yoga instructor, and for the last couple of years, she has been co-leading yoga and wellness retreats in her home country of Mexico -- an experience that brings her much joy and deep connection to the practice and her culture.
Getting there: This paddle will be held at Whitaker Ponds. We will be launching into the Whitaker Slough. Free parking is available on site.
Taking public transportation? Bus #75 stops at NE 47th Ave and Columbia Blvd. Walk north on NE 47th Ave about 0.25 miles, and Whitaker Ponds Nature Park will be on your right.
What to bring: Leave large bags and backpacks at home. Pack along water and come prepared for the weather. Boats, life jackets, and paddles will be provided. We will have snacks, drinks, and binoculars to share!
Accessibility: A porta potty is available. This event requires participants to be able to get into and out of a canoe from a dock as well as stay seated for ~1.5 hours. Previous paddling experience is not required. Expect full sun exposure. Gravel/dirt path to the dock. No elevation change.
Questions or want to join the wait list if the event is full? Reach out to Ced, at Cedrion.Gloria@columbiaslough.org.
