Ancestral Skills

In all of our histories are ancestors who crafted by the rhythm of the seasons and wilderness.

For us, learning the ways of our ancestors is much more than just learning a skill. While we do gain confidence and increase our breadth of knowledge, we also get to witness first hand the incredible mystery of this creation of life. We come into direct relationship with nature, acknowledge the original peoples of this land, and begin to discover some of the ancient ways that are deeply connected to our own sense of wellness, purpose and belonging.

We offer various workshops and classes throughout the season on these ancestral lifeways and arts. Join us in deepening your connection with the natural world through the ancient arts and wisdom of our ancestors. The following are some of our offerings.

 

Upcoming Workshops

 

What an incredible year of workshops we had in 2024! We are feeling filled up and grateful, and taking a wee little rest.

Featured
Wild Women on the Water with Callie Russell
Aug 3
Wild Women on the Water with Callie Russell
Wild Women on the Water with Callie Russell
Aug 17
Wild Women on the Water with Callie Russell

We will announce our workshops schedule for the coming season in early 2025. If you’d like to be on the mailing list to find out about our upcoming events, be sure to sign up below.

 

past Workshops

 
Featured
Gourd Carving Workshop
Jul 13
Gourd Carving Workshop

Join us for a 6-hour workshop to learn to carve bushel gourds into beautifully crafted and durable handmade bowls perfect for collecting wild harvested foods and herbs, mixing loose leaf tea blends, or serving your favorite salad in. In this class you will get to learn all the ins and outs of gourd crafting and how to utilize these amazing plants for everything from survival to decorative works of art.

Weaving Willow Tension Trays
Apr 26
Weaving Willow Tension Trays

Join us for a fun 3-hour afternoon workshop to learn how to weave willow tension trays from locally foraged wild willow! Happening in Fort Collins in conjunction with Golden Poppy Herbal!

Sweetgrass Basket Weaving Workshop
Nov 2
Sweetgrass Basket Weaving Workshop

Join us for a 6-hour workshop to learn to weave sweetgrass coil baskets in honor of and gratitude for our ancestors and friends in the other world. Nourishment and tea from the land will be provided, as well as all materials needed.

Spirit of the Elk - Elk Hide Tanning Immersion
Sep 29
Spirit of the Elk - Elk Hide Tanning Immersion

In this 7-day intensive, we will begin to explore what establishing right relationship with these animals could look, feel, and taste like. Throughout the week, we will be learning the art of brain tanning—tanning elk hides in a traditional way with fat and smoke—creating elk hock bags from the legs of the elk, and connecting more deeply to the more-than-human world through land-based practices and connection.

In the Field Herbal First Aid
Aug 1
In the Field Herbal First Aid

A 3-hour workshop to learn how to tend to wounds and ailments with the wild plants that grow right there in the field! This includes a gentle hike, medicinal plant ID walk, and some hands-on in the field preparations.

 

Ancestral Skills workshops and events most often happen in-person in the Boulder, Colorado area. However, we have traveled to Wyoming, Texas, Arizona, Utah and Montana for special occasions. Please reach out if you’d like to set something special up for yourself or your community.