Reclaiming Wellness

2:00 - 4:00 PM

In many Indigenous cultures, health and wellness is defined as a balance between the physical, emotional, spiritual and mental spheres of one’s self. Like ripples radiating across the surface of a pond, wellness diffuses out to all our relations (both human and other-than-human) impacting the health and wellness of the entire ecosystem. The stronger the ripple, the stronger the relational network becomes. At the same time, a breakdown of one or more spheres of health, whether physical, emotional, mental or spiritual, destabilizes all our relations.


Although there is a growing movement to decrease social determinants that impede access to optimal health outcomes in Indigenous communities, there is a great deal of effort that must still be undertaken.  In this panel, we explore the critical importance of Indigenous voices in health and wellness movements nationally, asking: 1) What does it mean to be well, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually? 2) What are the customs, practices, cultural traditions, and experiences that build meaning, strength, and a sense of purpose in our lives? 3) How can institutions better support the health and wellness needs of Indigenous children, youth, families, and communities across all stages of the lifespan? 


Moderator: Quazance Boissoneau 


Panelists: Alexandria Bipatnath, Beany John, Gabrielle Fayant, Hillary McGregor, and Mekwan Tulpin 

Laughter is Medicine: Indigenous Comedy Showcase

5:00 - 7:00 PM