Hamingja (Icelandic for Happiness) - A hobby farm for awareness & preservation of the ancient Soay Sheep breed & landrace Icelandic chickens through education & experience. Nestled in the mixed wood forest of Central Alberta, and within the Medicine River Watershed, Hamingja (HAM-ing-ja) is adjacent to an Environmental Reserve, Healing Forest and in proximity to agricultural lands, several golf co
urses, heritage museums and facilities, the Eastern Slopes and the Rocky Mountains. At Hamingja, we acknowledge Treaty 6 territory—the traditional and ancestral territory of the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux and Nakota Sioux. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Settlements and the Métis Nation of Alberta, Regions 2, 3 and 4 within the historical Northwest Métis Homeland. Throughout the old growth forest, Hamingja hosts several bird feeding stations, duck nesting boxes, bluebird and wren nesting areas, bat houses, trout pond, a greenhouse, garden and flower beds, and a small music stage. Over 70 species of wild birds have been identified here throughout the seasons, and at least 14 species of large mammals. Hamingja embraces a "Dark Sky At Night" policy to provide amazing star gazing opportunities. Our flock of unique Soay sheep are heritage feral sheep here at Hamingja, adding to their story with regards to maintenance/conservation breeding, fibre flock and sustainability. Other inhabitants of Hamingja are the Icelandic chickens, Rouen ducks, and bunnies. The freshwater ponds (the largest of which flows from a natural spring) support many forms of aquatic life while the main pond is stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout. Hamingja also features Solsirkelen - Standing Stones, the Skogsveien Longhouse (picnic shelter), and a small beekeeping project (Free Range Honey of Hamingja). In Spring of 2022, Hamingja expanded its Nature Preserve into more land (about 3.5 acres) to the north with the intent of creating a meditation area (labyrinth) and access to quiet, beautiful forest space. On Earth Day, Jode Roberts of the David Suzuki Foundation linked the National Healing Forests Initiative to an email that would change the focus significantly... and over the next few months, the northern parcel of Hamingja has become a Healing Forest - a green space in which people may meet, heal in Nature, and open conversations about Truth & Reconciliation. Hamingja is a perfect place to hike, take respite in nature, create art and music, do journaling, and enjoy photography, peace, starry nights, and a chance to rest one's soul. Visitors to Hamingja are connected to the land and have the opportunities to network with a variety of experiences and facilitators including but not limited to: Drum Circles, Flute Making, Sound Journeys, Reiki, Yoga retreats, Sharings with Indigenous Elders, Nordic heritage, Naturecraft, Fleece and Felting…
