Some in Saskatchewan are merging elements of culture with yoga philosophy in pursuit of physical and spiritual wellness.
The Saskatchewan Indigenous Yoga Association incorporates yoga philosophy and Indigenous culture into its instructor training as part of a unique program that helps participants learn, feel connected to their spirituality and culture through mediation, teaching and ceremony.
Jenny Gardipy, who is working toward her yoga instructor’s certification, says yoga and her Cree culture blend well together.
“When you’re in a ceremony, you’re in a meditative stage — in a sweat lodge, or Sundance, or even at a powwow. You do it for other people. It’s your connection with the Creator and you’re helping that person,” says Gardipy. “When you’re in a sweat you’re sacrificing your body as a way of praying for other people. And it’s the same with yoga.”
I get the idea behind it but isn’t this another form of appropriation? Has anyone spoken to an Indian yoga instructor to see if this adaptation is okay? It doesn’t matter if it’s being done “with good intentions” we all know what happens when that is done without consultation. Doing something in a good way means we seek the input and accept the decision, not the other way around.