Rising Villages

07/04/2024

About last night…💛 Breath. Connection. Togetherness. Sunshine. Sound. Gratitude. Your’e in my village 💛

04/25/2024

Hard to believe. 3 years ago.
The universe is nudging 💛

04/17/2024

Sharing in the hopes of Stacey Tucker feeling her community’s arms wrapped around her and helping to make the journey just a tiny bit less heavy ❤️

We are reaching out to you on behalf of a beloved member of our Squamish… Deanna Wampler needs your support for Let’s Support Stacey During her Cancer Journey

10/26/2023

Alright community! If we were to get things going again in 2024 what would it look like? Open to alllllllll your ideas bug and small!

10/17/2023

Love these trust the journey

09/30/2023

Living, existing, working, playing, thinking, feeling as I do today is a privilege I have on lands that are traditionally not mine, nor my ancestors. They belong to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people and I have to remember each day that privilege comes with Responsibility. To educate myself, to respect my surroundings, to lead by example, to listen wherever I can and learn about what Truth and Reconciliation means.

In 2021 when I founded Rising Villages I had a vision of weaving cultural elements of learning throughout the days and your presence for our women’s retreat and our walk in the forests of was a tiny tiny window into that- and so powerful to experience

My heart aches for all those whose voice was silenced and for those who survived including their descendants.

I admire so much the strength of character and resilience of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh nation friends I have met who shoulder not only the weight of the atrocities of the past, but the weight of constantly educating settlers like myself to the past, it’s lessons and the vision of a way forward.

So today and every day I reflect inward and promise to keep finding ways to meaningfully incorporate reconciliation” into my community, relationships and work. Wishing peace, love and light to all today ̱wú7meshterritory ̱wú7mesh

09/24/2023

Yes, you amazing you 💛

11/16/2021

This week’s “Dear High School me” post authored by Briana Milia

Dear High School me

My dear; Baby Breezy.
First of all, you’re going to be okay.

Sure, You will go through times of darkness and pain but you will make it out on the other side stronger than you ever knew. It will make you a better version of yourself and help you connect with others down the road. It won’t always be rainbows and sunshine but through all the twists and turns, continue to stay positive and don’t ever stop doing the work: Spread love and kindness and everything will work out.

TRUST YOUR GUT! Follow your intuition and stop listening to the what ifs and the moments of doubt or feeling alone. You are strong, powerful and you are going to be okay.

Guess what?! YOU ALSO GREW LIKE TWO FEET AND ARE THE TALLEST OF YOUR FRIENDS! Score. Not that height matters, just thought I’d let you know that we are tall enough to ride rollercoasters. (You still won’t but you totally can)

Be kind to yourself, listen to your body. You only have one and it’s a bit broken but keep on dancing through it, continue to go to Physio/kin and don’t EVER listen to your inner demons and don’t you DARE give up.

I also know you feel like you’re too much for people sometimes. Loud, energetic, excited, overwhelming, weird. But guess what? That becomes and IS your SUPERPOWER. It helps you connect with dancers and peers of all ages and I think it makes for a pretty fun and inclusive dance class. Oh heck yah, that’s right! YOU HEARD ME! YOU’RE A DANCE TEACHER, BABY! All those years in the back yard doing choreography and countless hours in the studio paid off! EMRACE BEING WEIRD! Its so much more fun than being normal.

Never dull your shine, continue to live big and love loud.

Most importantly; I love you.
To infinity & beyond,
Your proud older self.

11/10/2021

You are surrounded by people who value you. You are not alone.

11/10/2021

Dear high school me ... Trigger warning, mentions of su***de.



Try to spend more quality time with your family, especially your mom and dad. You don't quite get this yet, but they are really important to you. You're going to miss them. Sure, you love them and you might say it often -- but there will come a time when you live across the country from them. Saying 'I love you' does not feel the same through a microphone. Learn to cook your favourite dishes. Learn how to change your own oil.

And don't worry, you're going to be OK. Actually, every year is going to be the best year of your life. You're going to find love (and lose it a few times, I won't lie to you). You're going to make some great decisions -- and you're going to make some really silly mistakes. You're going to grow in so many ways. And, yes, you will be able to grow a beard.

You're also going to come out. It will take time, and it will be so worth it. It doesn't really hurt as much as you think. You are going to be surrounded by friends, family, colleagues, acquaintances, and partners who are so happy you are alive. When you think to yourself "people would be so much happier if I wasn't in their life..." just know there are many people who are thankful to have met you. You can be a selfish jerk sometimes, and people still love you.

Lastly, don't worry about your eyes closing when you take a picture. One of your greatest qualities is that you are true to yourself. As much as you might not like it yet, this is who you are. And you are loved, as you are.

p.s, don't ... nevermind, you'll probably do it anyway.

10/26/2021

SO proud to be part of this team!

The first cohort of the Youth Council has been appointed. Fifteen youth aged 14 to 24 were selected among the applicants to serve on a 10-month committee term through June 2022

The Council will collaborate with District of Squamish Council, staff, and partner agencies on initiatives that support the implementation of the Squamish Youth Strategy.

Read the release: squamish.ca/first-squamish-youth-council-focused-on-taking-action/

10/19/2021

A special tag Tuesday to an account and company you will want to follow and get to know if you have kids or are a kid who loves “camp” at all times of the year not just summer, who likes leadership development, paying it forward and making a difference in your community and meetings new like minded friends in a positive atmosphere.

Owner and founder founded 6 years ago with a vision to grow young leaders in our community and make a difference.

Vanessa runs programs for littles and bigs after school, on proD days, winter spring and summer breaks, leadership retreats and so much more

In two weeks on Oct 31st she is putting on her annual 🎃 Halloween fundraiser which not only is a great event but also importantly raises money for kids to go to camp!

We talk about creating VILLAGES and Healthy Hearts Healthy Minds is absolutely a village for many many kids in our community.

You can also follow Vanessa’s entrepreneurial journey at .with.a.dream.squamish

If you are 15 or older and interested in working with kids - Vanessa is always looking for new team members as well!