The following individuals give generously of their time and energy, as the Red Tent Circles are volunteer-run and a labour of love.
Lori Kublik Co-founder and Co-facilitator
Lori has enjoyed women's circles in Canmore, AB and Cortes Island, BC and craves female companionship in a safe space, creating an opportunity for heartfelt sharing and connection. She attended a Red Tent Event in Qualicum Bay in June 2013 and was inspired to create similar events in the Comox Valley, adding such elements as the round space and the red fabric "Arabian tent."
In reading the book The Red Tent, by Anita Diamant, Lori realized that she really envied the experience of women of multiple generations gathering together to learn from, nurture and support each other. Lori loves being a part of sacred rituals, and enjoys deep conversations and honest interactions. She is a professional gardener and an ecotourism guide, very connected with nature. Lori also practices Healing Touch and continues to explore numerous modes of healing. In recent years, Lori has been delving deeply into personal healing, psychology, somatics, new nervous system science and how it relates to connection, safety and belonging, and from her own journey is becoming trauma informed and compassionate of the challenges of others.
Lori is thoroughly enjoying helping facilitate the Comox Valley Red Tents! Providing a place for women to be more empowered in their true selves is very important to her. It is Lori's desire, enthusiasm, conscientious planning and tireless efforts that continue to sustain the Comox Valley Red Tent Circles.
In reading the book The Red Tent, by Anita Diamant, Lori realized that she really envied the experience of women of multiple generations gathering together to learn from, nurture and support each other. Lori loves being a part of sacred rituals, and enjoys deep conversations and honest interactions. She is a professional gardener and an ecotourism guide, very connected with nature. Lori also practices Healing Touch and continues to explore numerous modes of healing. In recent years, Lori has been delving deeply into personal healing, psychology, somatics, new nervous system science and how it relates to connection, safety and belonging, and from her own journey is becoming trauma informed and compassionate of the challenges of others.
Lori is thoroughly enjoying helping facilitate the Comox Valley Red Tents! Providing a place for women to be more empowered in their true selves is very important to her. It is Lori's desire, enthusiasm, conscientious planning and tireless efforts that continue to sustain the Comox Valley Red Tent Circles.
Co-facilitators
Gloria Gietz ~ was vital in stepping forward and sharing the responsibilities with Lori from late in the first season, into the fourth season, including expanding on the protocols. From 2022 on, Gloria has come forward again, providing important support, feedback and behind-the-scenes planning, plus participating in some of the ceremonial components of the circles. Along with Jackie, any occasional fabric repairs have been cheerfully attended to.
Jackie Greening ~ dedicated and reliable, Jackie has assisted with fabric set-up and take-down for several seasons, and in 2017 took on the added responsibility of speaking some of the Red Tent protocols during the circles and with helping in behind-the-scenes planning. Jackie's magic fingers and skill with fabric have been an added bonus, assisting with fabric repair as needed.
Four additional co-facilitators are helping out so far in the 2022 season, and we welcome more people to step forward and join us in co-creating these special circles.
Jackie Greening ~ dedicated and reliable, Jackie has assisted with fabric set-up and take-down for several seasons, and in 2017 took on the added responsibility of speaking some of the Red Tent protocols during the circles and with helping in behind-the-scenes planning. Jackie's magic fingers and skill with fabric have been an added bonus, assisting with fabric repair as needed.
Four additional co-facilitators are helping out so far in the 2022 season, and we welcome more people to step forward and join us in co-creating these special circles.
Guest Facilitators
Various local women have helped to introduce topics and guide activities during our circles. You can learn more about them by exploring the Past Topics page on this website, clicking on the highlighted names of each guest facilitator.
Acknowledgements
Sally Turner ~ generous owner of the yurt, whose enthusiasm and energy were critical to the foundation of the Comox Valley Red Tent Circles. Sally helped with acquiring the various pieces of red fabric, along with Lori, to transform the yurt into a special space of beauty for women. Sally was a vital planner and sustainer of the circles in the first season, and continues to be very supportive.
Past Co-facilitators
~ Theresa Brulotte helped establish the gentle atmosphere and supportive protocols used since the first circle in September 2013.
~ Joanne McKechnie ~ generous, cheerful and reliable "Fabric Fairy," who helped set-up and take-down the red fabrics many times. Looking to make new connections when she moved to Comox Valley in 2014, Joanne was grateful to find out about the Red Tent. Since then she has made a number of friends thanks to Red Tent gatherings. In early 2017, Joanne began speaking some of the Red Tent protocols during the circles and helping with behind-the-scenes planning.
~ Alma ~ a participant since the first circle, Alma cares deeply about women supporting and connecting with each other. She often helped with fabric set-up, and behind-the-scenes planning.
~ Bev Sparks ~ a passionate supporter of these Red Tent circles, Bev helped with fabric set-up and take-down, and with behind-the-scenes planning and occasional guest facilitating of topics dear to her heart.
Red Tent fabric decoration system ~ Seamstress Holly Brading and theatre set designer Timothy established the beautiful red tent decoration in 2013 after Sally and Lori acquired various red and burgundy fabrics from second-hand stores up and down Vancouver Island. Ross assisted with adding more pulleys to the ceiling system to ease the set-up and take-down of the fabrics in 2017.
All of our partners, family and friends who have contributed sweat energy, support and encouragement.
Past Co-facilitators
~ Theresa Brulotte helped establish the gentle atmosphere and supportive protocols used since the first circle in September 2013.
~ Joanne McKechnie ~ generous, cheerful and reliable "Fabric Fairy," who helped set-up and take-down the red fabrics many times. Looking to make new connections when she moved to Comox Valley in 2014, Joanne was grateful to find out about the Red Tent. Since then she has made a number of friends thanks to Red Tent gatherings. In early 2017, Joanne began speaking some of the Red Tent protocols during the circles and helping with behind-the-scenes planning.
~ Alma ~ a participant since the first circle, Alma cares deeply about women supporting and connecting with each other. She often helped with fabric set-up, and behind-the-scenes planning.
~ Bev Sparks ~ a passionate supporter of these Red Tent circles, Bev helped with fabric set-up and take-down, and with behind-the-scenes planning and occasional guest facilitating of topics dear to her heart.
Red Tent fabric decoration system ~ Seamstress Holly Brading and theatre set designer Timothy established the beautiful red tent decoration in 2013 after Sally and Lori acquired various red and burgundy fabrics from second-hand stores up and down Vancouver Island. Ross assisted with adding more pulleys to the ceiling system to ease the set-up and take-down of the fabrics in 2017.
All of our partners, family and friends who have contributed sweat energy, support and encouragement.