RISING THUNDER
Experiences
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One-of-a-Kind Offerings
At Rising Thunder, our goal is to connect our guests with the magic of our lands and share the knowledge of Indigenous cultures and traditions.
Our experiences are curated specifically to offer unique insights into all that has influenced our ancestors, cultures, and traditions. Whether looking for a tipi to add to your property or learn how to identify medicinal plants in nature, Rising Thunder will open your eyes to the heart of the North.
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The Pipe Ceremony is a sacred Indigenous tradition that creates space for prayer, reflection, and meaningful connection. Historically, the sacred pipe has been used to open negotiations between Nations as a symbol of peace, respect, and goodwill. Today, the ceremony provides an opportunity for truthful conversation, shared intention, and spiritual connection while honoring the traditions and teachings that have been passed down through generations.
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Gather in a welcoming circle to experience the power of traditional songs and drumming. In many Indigenous teachings, the circle represents balance, equality, wholeness, and our connection to one another. The heartbeat of the drum reminds us of our relationship with all creation, while singing and drumming together fosters community, healing, and a deeper connection to the land, spirit, and each other.
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Join the Standing Bear Community for sacred ceremonies rooted in Indigenous traditions, healing, and connection. Learn about Sweat Lodge Ceremonies, Vision Quest, Ghost Dance, and opportunities to participate in a welcoming community guided by Chief Bill Bertschy.
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Experience the wonder of the night sky through Indigenous teachings that have guided generations. For thousands of years, First Nations Peoples have looked to the stars as a map, a calendar, a clock, and a source of spiritual connection. During our guided evening experiences, you’ll discover new perspectives on familiar constellations, hear the stories and teachings woven into the night sky, and learn how the stars have long served as guides for life on the land.
When conditions are right, you’ll also have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking Aurora Borealis. In the teachings of the Ojibway and Cree, the northern lights are believed to represent the spirits of ancestors celebrating life and serve as a reminder of our shared connection to one another. Often referred to as the “Dance of the Spirits,” the lights are said to create pathways for souls as they journey onward.
Aurora Borealis viewing opportunities are seasonal and are typically offered during September–October and March–April, when viewing conditions are most favourable.
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“We are all related,” or “all my relations.”
Explore the interconnectedness and indigenous ways of know with guidance of Elder Bill Bertschy, as you immerse in land-based learning at the Payhonin Healing Forest. A 20-acre boreal forest parkland in Alberta features outdoor spaces for ceremonies, reflection, meditation, and prayer. Serene walking trails, designed like the Big Dipper, weave through an inland forest on farmland.
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Discover the teachings and symbolism of the Medicine Wheel, a sacred Indigenous teaching that reflects the interconnectedness of all aspects of life. For generations, the Medicine Wheel has served as a guide for understanding balance, relationships, personal growth, and our connection to the natural world. Through engaging educational seminars, participants will gain insight into the meanings of the four directions, the cycles of life, and the values that continue to shape Indigenous ways of knowing.
Our Medicine Wheel teachings offer a meaningful opportunity to deepen your understanding of Indigenous perspectives in a respectful and interactive learning environment. Seminars can be tailored for schools, organizations, workplaces, and community groups.
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The word tipi comes from the Lakota language.
The tipi is used in different communities for different teachings.
- In Lakota communities, one is taught to assemble the structure with each pole representing different traditional virtues.
- In Blackfoot communities, the design of the tipi is representative of their way of life.
- In Cree communities, the tipi represents the spirit and body or woman and the foundation of family and community.
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Rising Thunder offers private ceremonies for individuals, families, and small groups seeking a meaningful cultural experience. Guided by Chief Bill Bertschy, these ceremonies are thoughtfully planned to honour Indigenous traditions while creating a welcoming space for reflection, connection, healing, and celebration. Each experience is tailored to the occasion and conducted with respect for the teachings, protocols, and purpose of the ceremony.
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Every group is unique, and we are happy to create customized experiences that reflect your interests and goals. Whether you’re looking for a combination of cultural teachings, land-based learning, traditional crafts, storytelling, drumming, or guided nature experiences, we’ll work with you to design an authentic and memorable program that connects participants with Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and the natural world.
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We offer engaging cultural experiences for schools, corporate teams, community organizations, and retreat groups of all sizes. From educational workshops and team-building activities to immersive cultural learning and wellness-focused retreats, our programs are designed to foster understanding, strengthen connections, and inspire meaningful conversations. Each experience can be customized to suit your group’s objectives, schedule, and level of engagement.
OUKCHA HOTSUSK MYO MYO
Meet Bill Bertschy
Chief Standing Bear Elder & Chief Thunderbird Man
Coast Salish Elder & Knowledge Holder
Master Drum Maker, Carver & Ceremonial Leader
Founder of Rising Thunder Indigenous Experiences
