Red Tent Ontario: Reweaving Community Through Cooperative Circles

Across Ontario — and globally — women are navigating increasing isolation, emotional fatigue, and a culture that often prioritizes productivity over presence. In response to this growing need, Red Tent Ontario is relaunching as a cooperative network of local women’s circles designed to restore connection, resilience, and shared leadership.

Founded in 2015 by Debra Jones, Red Tent Ontario began as a grassroots initiative offering sacred, welcoming spaces for women to gather in authenticity. Now, with renewed vision and infrastructure, the initiative is expanding into a sustainable province-wide model led by trained Circle Stewards — women equipped to hold safe, semi-structured gatherings rooted in mutual respect and shared wisdom.

The Need: Safe, Consistent Spaces for Connection

Modern life often leaves women carrying immense responsibility without consistent emotional support. Many are seeking:

• Non-judgmental spaces for authentic expression

• Meaningful in-person community

• Reconnection to nature and seasonal rhythms

• Opportunities for reflection, storytelling, and renewal

Red Tent Ontario answers this call by creating structured yet welcoming circles that may include sacred fire ceremonies, meditation, storytelling, and seasonal gatherings. These are not retreats from the world — they are spaces that strengthen women’s ability to participate in it with clarity and resilience.

The Vision: A Cooperative Network Model

Rather than remaining a single-circle offering, Red Tent Ontario is transitioning into a cooperative framework with:

• A Circle Steward Handbook

• Facilitation training and orientation

• Shared governance agreements

• Ongoing peer support gatherings

• Sustainable revenue pathways

This model allows the work to scale thoughtfully while preserving integrity and depth.

Ketchum House Support: Seed Funding for Growth

At this pivotal stage of expansion, Ketchum House was honoured to support Debra’s plan with a $500 scholarship grant.

This seed funding serves as catalytic support for Phase 1 of the relaunch, helping to fund:

• Design and layout of the Circle Steward Handbook

• Development of training materials

• Hosting of the first orientation session

• Outreach to invite aligned women into the pilot cohort

The intention is not dependency on grants, but ignition — providing the foundational resources needed to transition from a single facilitator model into a scalable cooperative network.

Community Impact

The anticipated impact extends far beyond individual gatherings:

Restored Connection

Women gain consistent spaces for authentic dialogue and mutual support.

Leadership Development

Stewards receive training and peer support, strengthening grassroots leadership capacity.

Ecological Awareness

Seasonal ceremonies and reconnection to the earth foster shared responsibility and reverence for nature.

Ripple Effect

Women who feel nourished and heard carry greater compassion, stability, and creativity into families, workplaces, and civic life.

A Shared Commitment to Community

Ketchum House believes in investing in initiatives that strengthen the social fabric at a grassroots level. Supporting Debra’s vision aligns with a deeper commitment to community building, shared leadership, and the renewal of spaces where people can gather with intention and respect.

Red Tent Ontario’s next chapter is not simply a relaunch — it is a reweaving. Through cooperative circles and trained stewards, this initiative aims to cultivate a sustainable network of women supporting women across Ontario.

And sometimes, meaningful transformation begins with a single circle — and a seed of support.

Debra stepped forward, submitted a powerful application, and is now bringing her vision to life.

Do you have an idea that needs a little funding — and a spark to get it moving?

Reach out.

I’d be happy to support you - Bill