Kiistoonoon (about us)
Creating connections to the traditional lands of Indigenous people through movement, personal growth, and inclusive access to outdoor activities.
Soul of Miistaki (“Miis-dah-gee”) is an Indigenous-led nonprofit creating welcoming outdoor and cultural experiences that bring people together through Indigenous knowledge, land, and community.
We create opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to explore activities they may not otherwise have access to, while learning directly from Indigenous knowledge keepers. We also work with organizations through presentations and workshops that build understanding of Indigenous culture and meaningful allyship.
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the outdoors, feel a sense of belonging, and see themselves represented in these spaces.
The term “movement is medicine”, has been used in various Indigenous communities to encourage physical activity not only in prevention of disease but healing that Indigenous people need from the historical events and that has caused immobility Indigenous people experience on reserves.
“When individuals come together from diverse backgrounds, we create a pathway to forming ally-ship”
— Cassie Ayoungman, founder of Soul of Miistaki
Healing Through Movement
The Truth and Reconciliation call to action #89 calls on the Federal government to amend the Physical Activity and Sport Act policies to reduce barriers to sport participation and promote physical activity as a fundamental element of health and well-being.
When younger generations participate in hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and rock climbing, the connection to the land and identity are strengthened. Our culture and stories will live on as we create opportunities for our children to see themselves represented in these spaces. We belong to the land, and all it offers in our healing journeys.
