Name: The Africa Dreaming Retreat: Using African Myth as an Immersive Journey of Self-Discovery @ The Shire - Aug 14, 2025
Start: 2025-08-14T00:00:00-07:00
End: 2025-08-17T23:59:00-07:00
Location: The Shire

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The Africa Dreaming Retreat: Using African Myth as an Immersive Journey of Self-Discovery

An immersive storytelling retreat with master storyteller Jan Blake

In-Person Event

Literary Storytelling Cultural / Heritage Ethno-Cultural

Thu. August 14th 2025 - Sun. August 17th 2025 + Add to Calendar

The Shire (All Ages)

$995 CAD (Scholarships Available)

Artists

Jan Blake

Event Description

You're invited to a storytelling retreat centred around ‘Murille Takes Flight to the Moon,’ a myth from the Chagga People of Tanzania. This is a rare opportunity to learn from Jan Blake, a master storyteller visiting from the UK, held on beautiful private land near Skutz Falls, Lake Cowichan.

This retreat isn’t only for storytellers. It’s also for those whose lives have been touched by myth, folklore and fairytale. It’s for people who love making new friends, cold water swimming and delicious food cooked by loving hands.

‘Murille Takes Flight to the Moon’ is a myth rich with themes of self-realization, family dynamics, and personal growth. It raises important questions about the nature of identity and the role of family in shaping who we are. Can we ever truly become our authentic selves within the confines of our family structure? And if we choose to leave, is it possible for our new selves to be accepted and embraced on our return?

These themes will be explored in depth at the Africa Dreaming Retreat. Using workshop activities, discussions, and storytelling, we will provide a space for individuals to reflect on their own journeys of self-discovery and to consider the impact of family constellations on personal growth.
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Participants will be encouraged to use folktales to delve into the complexities of identity using these narratives to consider ways to harmonize their true selves with their familial relationships.

Note: Jan would be especially grateful if you did not read or research this myth in advance of the retreat.

ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE:

- Mandala Making
- Herb Walks
- Community Singing
- Fire Making
- Embroidery
- Storytelling
- Reflection & Relaxation time

ABOUT JAN BLAKE

Jan Blake is a storyteller, consultant, mentor & plenary speaker who has been performing world-wide since 1986. Born in Manchester, UK to Jamaican parents, Jan specialises in folktales and myths from the Caribbean, West Africa, North Africa, and the Arab regions. In 2021 she launched her own online storytelling school, the Akua Storytelling Project. The school is devoted to developing a new generation of international storytellers.