For Private Groups & Events
Fostering Understanding, Sharing Knowledge and Building Relationships
Interactive Workshops
All of our programs can be adapted for individuals or private groups. We can work with families, clubs, cottager and tourist organizations, resorts, museums, festivals and more. Our workshops can accommodate people of all ages and abilities.
A Journey Begins sessions are conducted in a safe and respectful learning environment. We aim to promote greater awareness and understanding, fostering an opportunity for a connection towards active and sustained Truth and Reconciliation efforts.
Our goal is to provide all of our workshop participants with real time experiences to increase your understanding of Indigenous culture, ways of knowing and being.
Experiences
Benefits
A Journey Begins workshops are:
- Interactive, engaging, inclusive and fun
- Connected to your learning goals
- Customized to your individual needs
About Christopher
Christopher Stock's teachings are rooted in Indigenous culture, history, and languages that have survived for generations. With over 30 years of experience working with learners of all ages, Chris has honed a unique teaching style that provides an interactive cultural experience, offering participants the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of indigenous ways of knowing and being.
More About Chris
“Recently I was gifted the honour to engage in a 2 day workshop with Christopher Stock (and his Family) from 'A Journey Begins' learning how to make an authentic wooden Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) water drum. He and his family were very welcoming, very organized and thoughtful in their preparations for us, offering different options for decorating our drums, so that they would be as unique as we are. They were very respectful and created an atmosphere of acceptance with warmth and encouragement. I would attend any other workshops through 'A Journey Begins' in the future in a heartbeat, and fully recommend both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people to attend one! You will not be disappointed. It was a great way to spend a weekend!”– Jennifer Fleming, Indigenous Correctional Programs Officer
Truth and Reconciliation Indigenous Learning Through Indigenous Cultural Programs for Schools
Meaningful learning happens when people connect with culture through authentic experiences rather than simply reading about it. A Journey Begins creates opportunities for participants to engage with Indigenous teachings, traditions, and perspectives in a respectful and interactive setting. Through storytelling, hands-on activities, cultural teachings, and shared experiences, participants gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing and being while supporting ongoing Truth and Reconciliation Indigenous learning.
Whether working with schools, museums, families, clubs, festivals, or private organizations, A Journey Begins adapts its workshops to meet the needs of diverse groups while fostering awareness, understanding, and meaningful connections.
Begin the Journey with the Haudenosaunee Worldview
Understanding culture starts with understanding perspective. The Haudenosaunee Worldview workshop introduces participants to teachings that have guided Haudenosaunee communities for generations.
During this experience, participants gain insight into:
- Traditional teachings and original instructions
- Relationships between people, community, and nature
- Indigenous perspectives on responsibility and respect
- Cultural values that continue to shape daily life
For many participants, this workshop serves as the foundation for continued learning and reflection.
Experience Tradition Through Maple Syrup Making
The Maple Syrup Experience brings cultural teachings outdoors through an engaging and interactive workshop. Participants learn about traditional Haudenosaunee maple syrup practices while connecting those teachings to broader lessons about caring for the land.
Highlights of the experience include:
- Traditional maple syrup-making methods
- Stories and songs connected to the season
- Teachings about sustainability and stewardship
- Discussions about gratitude and tradition
The result is an experience that connects culture, history, and the natural environment in a memorable way.
Create a Traditional Water Drum by Hand
For groups seeking a deeper cultural experience, the traditional water drum workshop offers two days of immersive learning.
Participants will:
- Hand carves a traditional Haudenosaunee water drum.
- Use traditional tools and techniques.
- Share stories and teachings throughout the process.
- Enjoy meals and conversations around the fire.
- Learn about the cultural significance of the water drum.
This workshop encourages learning through participation, creating lasting memories while building appreciation for Indigenous craftsmanship and traditions.
Building Relationships Through Shared Experiences
Organizations looking for Indigenous workshops for private groups often want more than a presentation. They want experiences that encourage dialogue, understanding, and connection.
A Journey Begins supports these goals through:
- Customized learning experiences
- Inclusive and respectful environments
- Interactive participation
- Programs designed for various ages and abilities
- Opportunities for meaningful cultural exchange
These Indigenous relationship-building workshops help strengthen connections between individuals, communities, and organizations.
Museums and cultural institutions can also benefit from tailored Indigenous presentations for museums that provide visitors with authentic cultural knowledge and historical context.
Guided by Experience and Cultural Knowledge
With more than 30 years of experience working with learners of all ages, Christopher Stock brings Indigenous culture, history, and language teachings to life through an engaging and approachable teaching style. His workshops create opportunities for participants to listen, participate, ask questions, and build a stronger understanding of Indigenous perspectives that support ongoing Truth and Reconciliation efforts.