STORY ABOUT US
Our Story: Rooted in Tradition, Bound by Safety
We Are Sacred is a 9-week empowerment journey created by the founders of Rise Up Indigenous Wellness. It was born from the understanding that for Indigenous girls and women, safety is not found in clinical models, but in the reclamation of culture, the strengthening of intuition, and the honoring of our physical and spiritual selves.
A Holistic 9-Week Journey
Our program is structured around the Four Directions, moving through the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of the self. Each session is designed to be trauma-informed and culturally grounded, using:
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Mindfulness & Connection: Activities like “Breathe with Drum” and “Water Meditations” help participants connect with the heartbeat of the land and the medicine of the water.
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Cultural Movement: From the “Animal Imitation Game” to “Storytelling through Movement,” we use traditional symbolism to celebrate strength and survival.
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Reflective Growth: Guided journaling prompts help participants navigate complex topics like consent, healthy boundaries, and personal resilience.
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Practical Wisdom: Our “Girl Code” provides 10 essential takeaways for real-world safety—from trusting your intuition to the importance of the “leave with the friend you came with” rule.
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Meet The Team
Launa Payne is a member of Xa’xtsa First Nation. She is an Indigenous Educator with a focus on outdoor education. Launa teaches yoga and mindfulness in addition to Indigenous outdoor camps. Launa is the proud mother of two adult children. She has published 2 books on Indigenous teachings and connection to the land.
Sherrelle Anderson is a member of the Saddle Lake First Nation. She is a Social Worker with a focus on Indigenous wellness. Sherrelle is an Indigenous outreach Worker who also teaches a number of Indigenous programs throughout BC. Sherrelle is the proud mother of three school aged daughters.
