Learn in person with Woniya
I am thrilled to announce that we now have a land base in and are developing our new learning center in Nevada City, California. Returning to my home town region to create the skills school I have always longed for has been a dream come true!
We are thrilled to welcome you to our beautiful 90+ acres for a unique learning experience and immersion in the beautiful, wild nature of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Trails, a year round creek with dipping spots, hiking to the magnificent Yuba River right from the land, and more, are all part of the coming to learn with us!
We are thrilled to welcome you to our beautiful 90+ acres for a unique learning experience and immersion in the beautiful, wild nature of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Trails, a year round creek with dipping spots, hiking to the magnificent Yuba River right from the land, and more, are all part of the coming to learn with us!
2025 Class Schedule
Surthrival Series: Plants Intensive May 17&18
Plants are one of the most abundant and generous members of our wider communities, but they are a largely mystery to most of us. Woniya has spent a lifetime studying and working with plants and this class will be on her home turf of the beautiful Sierra Nevada Foothills of Northern California. Our weekend will be a deep dive into the green world, and spring is a wonderful time to do it!
We will be building relationships with local plants not just by doing walks to learn plants for food, medicine, cordage, dye and more, but also discussing ethical harvest and wild tending as ways to give back to the plant communities that offer us so much. We will be learning to make tinctures, to make cordage from plant fibers, to naturally dye silk with a variety of different plant based techniques, and will craft compact, belt worn foraging bags. Fee includes instruction, camping, and materials.
$375
Course Closed
Plants are one of the most abundant and generous members of our wider communities, but they are a largely mystery to most of us. Woniya has spent a lifetime studying and working with plants and this class will be on her home turf of the beautiful Sierra Nevada Foothills of Northern California. Our weekend will be a deep dive into the green world, and spring is a wonderful time to do it!
We will be building relationships with local plants not just by doing walks to learn plants for food, medicine, cordage, dye and more, but also discussing ethical harvest and wild tending as ways to give back to the plant communities that offer us so much. We will be learning to make tinctures, to make cordage from plant fibers, to naturally dye silk with a variety of different plant based techniques, and will craft compact, belt worn foraging bags. Fee includes instruction, camping, and materials.
$375
Course Closed
Feral Feet Footwear May 31-June 1
There is no substitute for feeling ones bare feet on the earth, but most of us can't go barefoot everywhere. The next best thing is homemade footwear, custom tailored to your feet and made from simple, natural ingredients.
In this two day workshop you'll about rewilding your feet and why it matters, and you'll make two different styles of minimalist footwear: Surthrival Sandals, using both leather and modern sole materials, and Side Seam moccasins of brain tanned buckskin.
$355 for whole weekend including camping and materials, or $135 for Sandals on May 31 $255 for moccasins June 1.
Course closed
There is no substitute for feeling ones bare feet on the earth, but most of us can't go barefoot everywhere. The next best thing is homemade footwear, custom tailored to your feet and made from simple, natural ingredients.
In this two day workshop you'll about rewilding your feet and why it matters, and you'll make two different styles of minimalist footwear: Surthrival Sandals, using both leather and modern sole materials, and Side Seam moccasins of brain tanned buckskin.
$355 for whole weekend including camping and materials, or $135 for Sandals on May 31 $255 for moccasins June 1.
Course closed
Buckskin Soulstitch June 21-26
Spend the week surrounding the Summer Solstice diving deep into buckskin artistry with the Buckskin Summer Soulstitch! Whether you are a beginner or have been sewing for some time, this course will take you from craft to artistry!
Fundamentals of buckskin sewing, garment construction & skills for taking your creativity to the next level. We will begin with a simple hands-on project to learn the basics, then each student will receive one on one guidance in creating a custom garment of your choice. Fee includes camping, tools, & instruction, but not materials. Students provide their own brain tanned hides $1250
Course closed
Spend the week surrounding the Summer Solstice diving deep into buckskin artistry with the Buckskin Summer Soulstitch! Whether you are a beginner or have been sewing for some time, this course will take you from craft to artistry!
Fundamentals of buckskin sewing, garment construction & skills for taking your creativity to the next level. We will begin with a simple hands-on project to learn the basics, then each student will receive one on one guidance in creating a custom garment of your choice. Fee includes camping, tools, & instruction, but not materials. Students provide their own brain tanned hides $1250
Course closed
Women's Surthrival Intensive July 6-12
Wilderness skills and survival courses can often be taught from a more macho approach that many women feel less comfortable with. This course is taught by women, for women, and highlights women's unique gifts and strengths. It will cover the basic elements of Wilderness Survival, but instead of focusing just on keeping ourselves alive, we will focus on how to feel safe, healthy and at home in the wild.
You'll come away knowing the difference between just surviving and truly thriving!
Surthrival Philosophy, Sheltercraft, Campcraft including lashing and knots; Water, Fire, Wild Foods, Tool use and maintenance, Building Health and Resilience from the inside out, and more. Students will be responsible for their own cooking, but we will also enjoy some potluck meals and lots of community camaraderie. Fee includes camping, instruction, and basic materials. $1475
Register here
Wilderness skills and survival courses can often be taught from a more macho approach that many women feel less comfortable with. This course is taught by women, for women, and highlights women's unique gifts and strengths. It will cover the basic elements of Wilderness Survival, but instead of focusing just on keeping ourselves alive, we will focus on how to feel safe, healthy and at home in the wild.
You'll come away knowing the difference between just surviving and truly thriving!
Surthrival Philosophy, Sheltercraft, Campcraft including lashing and knots; Water, Fire, Wild Foods, Tool use and maintenance, Building Health and Resilience from the inside out, and more. Students will be responsible for their own cooking, but we will also enjoy some potluck meals and lots of community camaraderie. Fee includes camping, instruction, and basic materials. $1475
Register here
Earth Skills Weekend July 26&27
This course is designed as an introduction to earth skills. We will learn and practice some of the most basic and ancient ancestral skills- cordage from plant materials, cutting edges from stone, fire by friction, as well as some of the less tangible skills like awareness and nature connection practices. The goal is to help you feel more connected to the environment around you and give you knowledge of more ways to meet your basics needs using wild resources and your own two hands. $375
Register Here
This course is designed as an introduction to earth skills. We will learn and practice some of the most basic and ancient ancestral skills- cordage from plant materials, cutting edges from stone, fire by friction, as well as some of the less tangible skills like awareness and nature connection practices. The goal is to help you feel more connected to the environment around you and give you knowledge of more ways to meet your basics needs using wild resources and your own two hands. $375
Register Here
Brain Tanned Buckskin August 1-3 2025
Join me for this 3 day course on learn how to transform raw deer hides into Brain Tanned Buckskin, one of the most wonderful, resilient and natural materials on earth.
By working in groups, students will have community support, a big help when tanning your first hide! Everyone will participate hands-on in every stage of tanning, including hide prep, scraping, dressing, softening, and smoking. Everyone will go home with a piece of finished buckskin and some ideas of how to use it, as well as a wealth of knowledge about all things hide and buckskin related!
$645
Registration Link coming soon
Join me for this 3 day course on learn how to transform raw deer hides into Brain Tanned Buckskin, one of the most wonderful, resilient and natural materials on earth.
By working in groups, students will have community support, a big help when tanning your first hide! Everyone will participate hands-on in every stage of tanning, including hide prep, scraping, dressing, softening, and smoking. Everyone will go home with a piece of finished buckskin and some ideas of how to use it, as well as a wealth of knowledge about all things hide and buckskin related!
$645
Registration Link coming soon
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Surthrival Intensive August 24-30
It will cover the basic elements of Wilderness Survival, but instead of focusing just on keeping ourselves alive, we will focus on how to feel safe, healthy and at home in the wild.
You'll come away knowing the difference between just surviving and truly thriving!
Surthrival Philosophy, Sheltercraft, Campcraft including lashing and knots; Water, Fire, Wild Foods, Tool use and maintenance, Building Health and Resilience from the inside out, and more. Students will be responsible for their own cooking, but we will also enjoy some potluck meals and lots of community camaraderie. Fee includes camping, instruction, and basic materials. $1475
Register Here
More Fall and Winter Classes are being added
Terms and Conditions:
In order to check out for a course, you will be asked to type your name into the box, confirming that you have read and agreed to the terms and conditions written here:
This is an agreement for assumption of risk, waiver of claims, and indemnification arising out of taking classes and/or the use of the land, buildings, or other facilities owned and controlled by “Woniya” Dawn Thibeault, (hereafter referred to as "Woniya", Buckskin Revolution, and Timeless Ways.
FOR AND IN CONSIDERATION OF the opportunity to use or be present in classes or spend time on or in land, buildings, or other facilities (collectively referred to as "Timeless Ways") owned or controlled by Woniya Dawn Thibeault, I agree to the following:
1. I recognize that classes, activities and presence on the land known as Timeless Ways involves some inherent risks that cannot be totally eliminated. I agree to assume all risk, known and unknown, of injury to person, including death, and damage to property resulting from Undersigned’s use of or presence on or in Property.
I understand that taking classes from and spending time on the land of Woniya Dawn Thibeault, aka, Timeless Ways comes with inherent risks. Classes may include the use of sharp and potentially dangerous items such as knives, axes, awls, and other tools, ferro rods, fire, and more. I recognize that the land is a largely wild and rural space, and there are hazards inherent with being on there, such as steep and uneven ground, tripping hazards like low tree stumps and vines, poison oak, ticks, snakes, insects and spiders, wild animals, wild fire, falling branches, bad weather, and other potential risk factors.
I agree to take personal responsibility for my safety and wellbeing, to take steps to educate myself about risk factors, and to treat them responsibly.
2. I agree to waive all claims and rights of subrogation and to release, indemnify, defend, and forever hold harmless “Woniya” Dawn Thibeault, Timeless Ways and Buckskin Revolution employees and contractors, from any loss, liability, joint liability, several liability, or joint and several liability resulting from any and all claims, demands, or actions against “Woniya” Dawn Thibeault, Timeless Ways and/or Buckskin Revolution by Undersigned or any person or entity holding by or through Undersigned or any insurance carrier or organization or person for payment or reimbursement of any debts, obligations, liens, joint tort feasor claims, or claims for contribution or indemnity relating in any way to the matters covered by this Agreement.
3. The terms of this Agreement shall be enforceable to the greatest extent allowed by law with respect to student whose name appears here and “Woniya” Dawn Thibeault, Timeless Ways and/or Buckskin Revolution, each of which is defined to include its respective parents, guardians, heirs, executors, administrators, representatives, successors, assigns, trustees, receivers, agents, employees, officers, directors, stockholders, general or limited partners, joint ventures, parent or subsidiary corporations, related or affiliate entities, and all persons, entities, or parties claiming by, through, or under the named parties.
4. I agree to comply with Woniya’s requests and all applicable requirements, rules, and regulations of government entities, authorized licensees, and Timeless Ways while using or being present on or in Timeless Ways Property. I understand that violating any of these agreements will be cause for my leaving the class, activity and/or land and in such case I will not receive a refund.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
We hope that everyone who registers for a course with us is able to be part of it. We recognize, however, that life can be unpredictable and emergies do happen. If you find you are unable to attend a class you have registered for an give us 4 weeks notice, we will issue a full refund. If you cancel with 2 weeks notice we will refund the registration, minus the deposit. Cancelling with less than 2 weeks notice we will issue a credit for a future course equal to your course cost minus the deposit. Classes cancelled less than a week before the course will be handled on a case by case basis. We may be able to issue a partial refund and/or future course credit, but no refund is guaranteed.
Any classes cancelled by Woniya Dawn Thibeault, Buckskin Revolution or Timeless Ways due to low enrollment or unforeseen emergencies will be fully refunded.
Other Terms:
I understand that neither Woniya, Buckskin Revolution, Timeless Ways, or associated staff, are responsible for lost or stolen items, or for any damage to persons or property.
I understand that the Following are prohibited:
Entering your name as my digital signature when registering for classes indicates that you have understood and agree to comply with all the terms of this Agreement.
In order to check out for a course, you will be asked to type your name into the box, confirming that you have read and agreed to the terms and conditions written here:
This is an agreement for assumption of risk, waiver of claims, and indemnification arising out of taking classes and/or the use of the land, buildings, or other facilities owned and controlled by “Woniya” Dawn Thibeault, (hereafter referred to as "Woniya", Buckskin Revolution, and Timeless Ways.
FOR AND IN CONSIDERATION OF the opportunity to use or be present in classes or spend time on or in land, buildings, or other facilities (collectively referred to as "Timeless Ways") owned or controlled by Woniya Dawn Thibeault, I agree to the following:
1. I recognize that classes, activities and presence on the land known as Timeless Ways involves some inherent risks that cannot be totally eliminated. I agree to assume all risk, known and unknown, of injury to person, including death, and damage to property resulting from Undersigned’s use of or presence on or in Property.
I understand that taking classes from and spending time on the land of Woniya Dawn Thibeault, aka, Timeless Ways comes with inherent risks. Classes may include the use of sharp and potentially dangerous items such as knives, axes, awls, and other tools, ferro rods, fire, and more. I recognize that the land is a largely wild and rural space, and there are hazards inherent with being on there, such as steep and uneven ground, tripping hazards like low tree stumps and vines, poison oak, ticks, snakes, insects and spiders, wild animals, wild fire, falling branches, bad weather, and other potential risk factors.
I agree to take personal responsibility for my safety and wellbeing, to take steps to educate myself about risk factors, and to treat them responsibly.
2. I agree to waive all claims and rights of subrogation and to release, indemnify, defend, and forever hold harmless “Woniya” Dawn Thibeault, Timeless Ways and Buckskin Revolution employees and contractors, from any loss, liability, joint liability, several liability, or joint and several liability resulting from any and all claims, demands, or actions against “Woniya” Dawn Thibeault, Timeless Ways and/or Buckskin Revolution by Undersigned or any person or entity holding by or through Undersigned or any insurance carrier or organization or person for payment or reimbursement of any debts, obligations, liens, joint tort feasor claims, or claims for contribution or indemnity relating in any way to the matters covered by this Agreement.
3. The terms of this Agreement shall be enforceable to the greatest extent allowed by law with respect to student whose name appears here and “Woniya” Dawn Thibeault, Timeless Ways and/or Buckskin Revolution, each of which is defined to include its respective parents, guardians, heirs, executors, administrators, representatives, successors, assigns, trustees, receivers, agents, employees, officers, directors, stockholders, general or limited partners, joint ventures, parent or subsidiary corporations, related or affiliate entities, and all persons, entities, or parties claiming by, through, or under the named parties.
4. I agree to comply with Woniya’s requests and all applicable requirements, rules, and regulations of government entities, authorized licensees, and Timeless Ways while using or being present on or in Timeless Ways Property. I understand that violating any of these agreements will be cause for my leaving the class, activity and/or land and in such case I will not receive a refund.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
We hope that everyone who registers for a course with us is able to be part of it. We recognize, however, that life can be unpredictable and emergies do happen. If you find you are unable to attend a class you have registered for an give us 4 weeks notice, we will issue a full refund. If you cancel with 2 weeks notice we will refund the registration, minus the deposit. Cancelling with less than 2 weeks notice we will issue a credit for a future course equal to your course cost minus the deposit. Classes cancelled less than a week before the course will be handled on a case by case basis. We may be able to issue a partial refund and/or future course credit, but no refund is guaranteed.
Any classes cancelled by Woniya Dawn Thibeault, Buckskin Revolution or Timeless Ways due to low enrollment or unforeseen emergencies will be fully refunded.
Other Terms:
I understand that neither Woniya, Buckskin Revolution, Timeless Ways, or associated staff, are responsible for lost or stolen items, or for any damage to persons or property.
I understand that the Following are prohibited:
- Bringing individuals who are not registered for the course, unless approved prior by Woniya or Buckskin Revolution/Timeless Ways Staff
- Weapons of any kind outside of workshops
- Open fires outside of designated fire areas and without express approval by Woniya or Timeless Ways staff
- Alcohol unless explicitly approved, drugs, or Illegal or illicit substances
- Fireworks
- Professional audio or video recording equipment
- Unauthorized/unlicensed vendors and solicitation
- Pets (unless approved in advance)
Entering your name as my digital signature when registering for classes indicates that you have understood and agree to comply with all the terms of this Agreement.
