OUR MISSION

the Natural Destination provides an

environment for the exchange of knowledge and experiences.

Presentations, workshops, ceremonies, and retreats are delivered from

Eastern, Western, and Indigenous perspectives in a unique natural setting.

This exchange brings the light of understanding and healing to those who participate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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OUR STORY

Darlene and Rob Shura have been the stewards of the land for over 15 years where the Natural Destination is situated.

On their life journey together, they have found a deep sense of connection and healing through their relationship to the natural boreal forest within its 66 acres.

As followers and practitioners of Indigenous and Tibetan Buddhist traditions they experienced first-hand the healing power of nature and wish to pass it on to others through the Natural Destination.

 

WHAT WE DO

DAY RETREATSbuddha

Day retreats combine a rich blend of ancient wisdom teachings with modern psychology and address a variety of relevant topics in an experiential, interactive style.

The retreats are designed for small intimate groups of ten and facilitated in a beautiful, spacious loft setting in a rustic 2600 sq ft log home.

...more about retreats, click here

 

 

SWEAT LODGE CEREMONIESsweat lodge

the Natural Destination hosts Indigenous Sweat Lodge ceremonies with Henry McKay as the Knowledge and Lodgekeeper.

The Sweat Lodge ceremony is a sacred, Indigenous spiritual practice where participants directly experience both physical and metaphysical healing through ritual, natural medicines, sound, and sensation.

Ancient knowledge and traditions passed on through generations, provide a deep connection between oneself, community, ancestors and the 7 Sacred teachers (Eagle, Wolf, Bear, Turtle, Beaver, Buffalo, Sasquatch).

Participation in the ceremony can eliminate toxins from the mind and body. When participants emerge from the lodge, they are often refreshed and renewed in a state of profound wellbeing.

 

 

Functioning as both a hub and host, the Natural Destination provides workshops, presentations, retreats, and ceremonies for individuals seeking personal growth or people from organizations with a vested interest in health and wellness. The vision is coming to fruition by partnering with an array of like-minded people and organizations.

 

“Experience the Calm of the Wild”

 

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OUR FACILITIES

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the Natural Destination is in the heart of the North American continent,
approximately 80 km’s North of Winnipeg in the province of Manitoba, Canada. The Centre is accessible year-round and is nestled within a boreal forest close to the edge of Lake Winnipeg.

 

While the Natural Destination will provide a unique wilderness experience, there are many amenities available in the region that will complement the Centre. Multiple beaches, wooded parks, trail systems and common amenities for food, lodging and fuel are all close by.

 

The current lodge (a 2,600 sq. ft. log home) houses day retreats and overnight stays for longer programs. Grounds of the lodge are beautifully finished with an 80-foot-long water feature, firepit area and manicured gardens that may also serve specific needs of program attendees.

 

 

 

lodgebackyard

 

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

 

As the Natural Destination continues to develop and grow, further walking trails, firepits and amenities will be added including some significant infrastructure as briefly described below. A site plan and building renderings have been completed and appropriate costing applied in a project plan for implementation.

• The grounds will include the 1,216 sq. ft. Chickadee Hall where up to 80 people can gather for online and/or in-person presentations, teachings, workshop deliveries and mediation practice.

• Nuthatch Nook is a stand-alone building that will contain kitchen and dining amenities as well as washrooms and showers for all guests within its 1,152 sq. ft.

• There will also be six to eight small cabins as well as numerous un-serviced camping spots for those on retreats or requiring overnight stays. Numerous walking trails and firepits will be provided for ceremonial purposes as well as informal gatherings.

• Parking will be available for 40 vehicles.

 

Chickadee Hall Drawings

CHICKADEE HALL - MEETING SPACE, IN DEVELOPMENT

 

Nuthatch Nook - Dining Hall

NUTHATCH NOOK - DINING HALL, IN DEVELOPMENT

 

Cottages - Healing and Wellness

COTTAGES - HEALING AND WELLNESS, IN DEVELOPMENT

 

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DEVELOPING OUR VISION

Peace through intimate understanding of all nature’s creation.

 

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As part of this vision, Darlene and Rob are providing:

  • Guidance to find and form a controlling governance of partners
    that will have the necessary autonomy to develop and operate the Centre.

  • The titles of both the residence and adjacent land.

  • Plans for construction and launch of the complete physical Centre.

 

 

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PARTNERING

 

Foundational Partners log in stream

 

Preliminary design, business and operational plans have been completed to streamline the development of a Non-Profit organization made up of a variety of entities referred to here as Foundational Partners.

Foundational Partners would contribute a small amount of secured investment and make up the controlling aspects of the Board of the Natural Destination.

Ideally, the Board would consist of a balance of the following interests:


• Local (Manitoban) Indigenous traditions
• Ancient wisdom teachings
• Eastern traditions
• Environmental and climate concerns
• Blended/alternative western healing approaches
• Aligned philosophical interests
• Related educational programming

Any potential Foundational Partners are encouraged to contact us directly at TheNaturalDestination1@gmail.com for details.

 

 

Working Partnerstree silhouette

 

Working Partners are another critical spoke in the hub for the Natural Destination.

As potential service providers and end-users, these organizations would not have control over operations, but would mutually support and be supported by the Natural Destination through a variety of modalities from website links to in-person training and facilitations.

Working Partners may come from a variety of different backgrounds reflective of the Foundational Partners listed above.

Our current working partners can be found by clicking here

 

 

 

 

 

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