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Empowering Indigenous Youth through Yoga and Representation
Shayla Stonechild, a Cree-Métis yoga instructor from Saskatchewan, has made history as the first Indigenous woman to grace the cover of Yoga Journal magazine. Her mission extends beyond personal recognition; she aspires to foster greater representation and empowerment within the health and wellness industry for Indigenous communities.
Stonechild’s journey with yoga began at the age of 19, and she swiftly progressed to becoming an instructor. Driven by her experiences navigating challenges faced by Indigenous youth, she set her sights on being featured in Yoga Journal, one of the world’s leading yoga publications. Her vision became a reality when she appeared on the March-April issue’s cover.
Challenging Stereotypes and Inspiring Change
Stonechild laments the limited representation of Indigenous perspectives within the health and wellness industry. “Indigenous women are often portrayed in a vulnerable light,” she observes. “I aimed to challenge this narrative by showcasing the strength and resilience of our communities.”
She emphasizes, “When I reflect on my communities, I see women who are trailblazing, supporting their families, and uplifting their surroundings.” Stonechild’s presence on the cover of Yoga Journal serves as a powerful symbol of breaking down stereotypes and inspiring Indigenous women.
Expanding Opportunities through Partnerships
Stonechild joined Lululemon’s diversity and inclusion committee in November, hoping to create a path for other Indigenous individuals to join the company. “I am committed to passing the torch,” she declares. “My goal is to ensure that Lululemon becomes a more inclusive and diverse workspace.”
She has collaborated with organizations such as the Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto and Paris Jewellers, offering online yoga classes and launching a custom necklace with proceeds benefiting the Matriarch Movement.
Matriarch Movement: A Platform for Indigenous Women’s Empowerment
On International Women’s Day, Stonechild launched the Matriarch Movement, a non-profit organization and podcast. Inspired by her social media platform of the same name, the podcast provides a platform for Indigenous women to share their stories and experiences.
The podcast’s guests include Sierra Baker, a lead design consultant, and Denita Gladue, a photographer and creative director from Island Lake Cree Nation. Gladue believes that the Matriarch Movement “provides much-needed resources for Indigenous women’s health, fostering well-being through Indigenous perspectives of wellness and medicine.”
Conclusion
Shayla Stonechild’s unwavering commitment to amplifying Indigenous voices and empowering youth is a testament to her unwavering spirit. Through her yoga practice, advocacy, and the Matriarch Movement, she is a beacon of hope and inspiration, working tirelessly to break down barriers and create a more inclusive and equitable society.
Credit and rights belong to OMG I Yoga
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