Photo credit: Canva
In celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day and National Indigenous History Month, the CPA Western School of Business hosted a unique and immersive Spirit Animal Workshop led by Matricia Bauer, a knowledge sharer and entrepreneur originally from Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation.
Matricia and her daughter Mackenzie Brown, run Warrior Women, a 100 percent Indigenous- and women-owned business that offers cultural education, tourism experiences, workshops and a line of culturally inspired products.
During the workshop, Matricia shared her own journey of discovering her spirit animal as a young girl and recounted how meaningful the experience was for her and her family. She explained that spirit animals—also known as animal guides—hold deep spiritual significance in many Indigenous cultures. They are believed to embody traits that resonate with an individual’s personality or life path, offering insight, protection, and guidance.
Participants learned that a person may have more than one spirit animal over the course of their life, as these animal guides can shift depending on personal growth and life experiences. Spirit animals often reveal themselves through dreams, meditation, or moments of strong connection with nature. Matricia guided the group through a gentle meditation with rhythmic drum beats and singing to help participants begin exploring their own connections.
Following the meditation, several staff members shared their visual, auditory and sensory experiences. Many expressed a newfound understanding of their personal traits and were deeply moved by how closely their insights aligned with Matricia’s interpretations.
National Indigenous Peoples Day and National Indigenous History Month are dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous communities. Events like this workshop serve as reminders of the importance of listening, learning, and honouring Indigenous knowledge and traditions. By engaging in respectful learning, we take a step toward reconciliation and understanding.
Matricia’s visit left many participants with a deeper appreciation for Indigenous knowledge and a desire to continue the journey of learning, not just about spirit animals, but about the cultures and traditions that have shaped this land for generations.
Matricia and her daughter Mackenzie Brown, run Warrior Women, a 100 percent Indigenous- and women-owned business that offers cultural education, tourism experiences, workshops and a line of culturally inspired products.
During the workshop, Matricia shared her own journey of discovering her spirit animal as a young girl and recounted how meaningful the experience was for her and her family. She explained that spirit animals—also known as animal guides—hold deep spiritual significance in many Indigenous cultures. They are believed to embody traits that resonate with an individual’s personality or life path, offering insight, protection, and guidance.
Participants learned that a person may have more than one spirit animal over the course of their life, as these animal guides can shift depending on personal growth and life experiences. Spirit animals often reveal themselves through dreams, meditation, or moments of strong connection with nature. Matricia guided the group through a gentle meditation with rhythmic drum beats and singing to help participants begin exploring their own connections.
Following the meditation, several staff members shared their visual, auditory and sensory experiences. Many expressed a newfound understanding of their personal traits and were deeply moved by how closely their insights aligned with Matricia’s interpretations.
National Indigenous Peoples Day and National Indigenous History Month are dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous communities. Events like this workshop serve as reminders of the importance of listening, learning, and honouring Indigenous knowledge and traditions. By engaging in respectful learning, we take a step toward reconciliation and understanding.
Matricia’s visit left many participants with a deeper appreciation for Indigenous knowledge and a desire to continue the journey of learning, not just about spirit animals, but about the cultures and traditions that have shaped this land for generations.
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