Obsidian Healing Camp is rejuvenating minds in deep West Oakland

by JR Valrey, Editor in Chief

Currently in the Bay Area, there is no other space that I have been to that can compare to Obsidian Healing Camp in West Oakland. It is one of those places where the words in this article can’t do it justice; they can’t truly describe what the creators and participants have been able to capture. Writers call it “capturing lightning in a bottle,” but in Obsidian Healing Camp’s case, their activities are culturally and spiritually in tune with nature and the natural order, rather than in line with Western science and pharmaceutical companies. 

There are different healing modalities taught by expert practitioners, such as yoga, writing, sound healing, sauna services, healing tea classes and more, that the public is invited to take part in to heal the mind, body and spirit, in a 420 cannabis friendly environment. Check out why the founders – Dre, Steven and Val of Obsidian Healing Camp  – created this place, and find out what goes on here. 

JR Valrey: What is Obsidian Healing Camp and how was it created?

Steven: Obsidian Healing Camp is a Black and Indigenous owned collective founded by Dre, Val and myself (Steven). We came together and had a vision to empower practitioners, healers, activists and other people in the community as a whole. As firm believers in the Prophecy of the Eagle and the Condor, this is a way for us to help bring our community together and be a safe place in Oakland. After lots of planning, in 2024 Obsidian was cultivated as an alcohol and drug free space for the community to congregate and share healing works, knowledge, arts and music.

JR Valrey: Why did y’all decide to do it in Oakland?

Dre: Oakland has always represented a spirit of community organization and empowerment. Being from Oakland, it is a blessing to build a community center at home down the block from where the Black Panthers were founded, to show that it can be done and be a model for other communities; in showing the power we have in coming together.

JR Valrey: What does Obsidian Healing Camp offer?

Val:  We offer a wide variety of classes and activities such as

1. Yoga by CJ, Gibran and Barbara
2. Sound healing by Shantice
3. Body work and massage therapy by Sonia
4. Self defense by Leo
5. Tattoos by Tigre
6. Sewing classes by Chaz
7. Writing classes by CJ and Deli
8. Cypher by DJ Infinite Link 
9. Music lesson by Shefa
10. Dance classes by Roshonda

Check the calendar at Obsidianhealingcamp.org for updated times and dates.

JR Valrey: Besides classes, what are some of the other services that you offer the community?

Steven: Being over a quarter acre of space, we have lots of services that we offer to the community:

1. Movie nights by Salamander Productions
2. Sauna services by Sonia
3. Music studio by Josh Olds (RIP) and Alan
4. Gym
5. Library
6. Tea shop
7. Red market
8. Bike repair
9. Food bank
10. Meditation
11. Indigenous-led workshops

JR Valrey: How much do these classes and services cost? 

Dre: Most services and classes are free and we also allow community members to organize donation based classes and events. The membership here at Obsidian Healing Camp is also free, so with a gym, library and multiple lounge rooms on site, it’s a great tool available to the public. Tattoo services, sauna services, studio time, and certain workshops do cost as it pays the practitioners, artists and experts involved.

JR Valrey: What is the philosophy behind Obsidian Healing Camp?

Val: Everyone who is looking for a safe third space and likes being around art, plants and community is welcome. We believe in the Prophecy of the Eagle and the Condor that calls for all people of the earth to come together in unity to heal each other and the planet. We have bredren and people from all walks of life here and we encourage that.

JR Valrey: What is Obsidian?

Steven: Obsidian is a valuable mineral in native communities that was traded between many tribes and symbolizes the connection between each other. Indigenous tribes often use camps to organize communities around a specific purpose. War camps and medicine camps are deeply entwined in indigenous traditions. 

The specific reason for our community to gather is to heal. Furthermore, myself being a member of the Obsidian Collective in LA that was founded at Standing Rock, with the purpose of environmental activism. We have been involved in many fights from lithium mines, pipelines, water protection, and social justice fights. 

We seek to provide refuge and healing for front line activists who are struggling to protect the Earth and everyday struggling community members here in Oakland. Many become addicted to drugs and alcohol and after years of uphill battles become defeated and deflated. We want to bring awareness, empower those bredren and sistren, and also give them a safe place to rest and grow at Obsidian Healing Camp.

JR Valrey: How could people find out more about Obsidian Healing Camp?

Dre: The best way is to stop by 1200 24th St., Oakland, CA 94607 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. Otherwise we post regularly on IG @ObsidianHealingCamp and update our luma calendar monthly. Of course you can check out our website Obsidianhealingcamp.org or email us at Obsidianhealingcamp@gmail.com. You can also find the Obsidian Collective @Obsidian_Collective on IG. Peace and blessings to all.

SF Bay View Editor-in-Chief JR Valrey is a veteran journalist who can be heard weekly on Wednesdays on 89.5FM KPOO or KPOO.com from noon to 3 p.m. His work can also be heard on www.blockreportradioworld.com.

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