Gratitude | Honouring Our Community

Beautiful Beings, Bright rising, Beinvenido!

Upon entering Solstice Season, we are slowing down, resting, turning inward, taking deep breaths, reflecting on what we learned this past Sun cycle and what we want to carry forward. At Artistic Apothecary, we are recommitting to our values of advocacy, solidarity, authentic expression, genuine relationships, play, and liberation for all.

“hihanni waste! I just had a group of packages make it to my home, thank you SO MUCH! I will distribute these throughout my community and distribute to those in need of these great medicines!” –Sasha, two-spirit Osage and Lakota, Bvlbancha Indigenous Medicine Mutual Aid Collective

With your generous support, we have achieved many significant victories for our community in 2023. Through the distribution of hygiene, cash stipends, Seeds, mutual aide packs, videos, letters. We facilitated our first Indigenous Solidarity Trip by forming an epic team with the support of our funders and volunteers. Stay tuned for our Annual Reports.

In the midst of a navigating a society fearful of the truth, we take this moment to pause, give gratitude and value our wonderful community. We at Artistic Apothecary are grateful for:

• COMMUNITY – We exist to offer collective care to our amazing network of genderqueer People Of Culture, cis People Of Culture, genderqueer European folks, and those who love and support us! Those who have shown up over the last decade to receive services, return resources, attend programming, donate, volunteer, finance, live and pass on our teachings.
• RELATIONSHIPS – Over the last decade we have nurtured genuine relationships built upon trust, collaboration & witnessing the fullness of each member. Over the last Sun cycle we gained talentful staff and partnered with foundations that allow us to stay autonomous and community centered. A special thanks to everyone who supported our transition to become a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
• LEADERS OF CULTURE – We are so grateful for genderqueer Leaders Of Culture. We will continue to nourish your journey, network and unite us towards exponential rewards. Shine on! This world desires you and we love you! Thanks for sharing your gifts. A special thanks to our Council Members; yasmine and Maio.
• REST – As founding steward I was able to take two vacations this Sun cycle and am in the swing of my winter sabbatical! This is made possible by our wonderful staff, volunteers and partnership with Catchafire.
• STAFF STIPENDS – 2021 was our first opportunity in 10 years to give our staff and apprentices livable stipends for our work! We are so grateful to continue this narrative shift. Mutual aide work can be paid, restful and long-term. This was made possible by Trans Justice Funding Project, Resist Foundation and our Seed Pack (patrons) and community donations.

What is in the works:

• Kwanzaa Live! 3 part online series December – Crafts 26th, Listening Party 27, Comedy 30th – Get notified to join in LIVE!
• Last Episode of Liberation Meditation airs tomorrow!
• Big Mountain Fundraiser + Donation Drive April In-person Event
• Big Mountain Indigenous Solidarity Trip May
• Increase our connections with differently abled and Middle Eastern leaders
• Attending births
• Openings for new Council Members

As always we value you!