The Matriarch Movement x Medicine Circles (Calgary)

Matriarch Movement x Indigenous Wellness Series
Join us for a deeply nourishing Medicine Circle rooted in Indigenous teachings, collective care, and embodied healing. This gathering is an intentional space for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit relatives to come together in community- to reconnect with self, spirit, and one another.

Guided by Indigenous wellness practices, this circle will weave together meditation, breathwork, gentle movement, and reflection, alongside teachings that honour the wisdom of our ancestors.

Together, we will explore pathways of healing that support emotional release, nervous system regulation, and reconnection to our inner strength.

Each circle is grounded in the principles of wahkohtowin (kinship and interconnectedness), creating a safe and supportive environment where participants are invited to show up as they are.

Through shared experience, storytelling, and ceremony-informed practices, we cultivate space for healing, empowerment, and collective resilience.

No prior experience is needed- just an open heart and willingness to receive.

What to expect:

• Guided meditation and breathwork

• Gentle, accessible movement (yoga-inspired)

• Indigenous teachings and reflection prompts

• Community connection and sharing circle

Come as you are. Leave feeling grounded, supported, and reconnected.

Please bring a yoga mat, water bottle and journal and/or pen. We won't have any yoga mats on site.

Shayla Oulette Stonechild (she/her)
Shayla is a Red River Métis and Nehiyaw iskwew from Muscowpetung First Nation and the Founder of Matriarch Movement. A global yoga ambassador for lululemon and the first Indigenous person on the cover of Yoga Journal, Shayla has over 800 hours of training and leads wellness experiences across North America. She also serves on lululemon’s Global Advisory Board for Mental Health.

Elder Vinnia Van Overdyk (Wapis Bena Si Qua) is a Saulteaux Spiritual Healer and Cree Elder. She was born in Pinaymootang First Nation, Manitoba, and has resided in Calgary, Alberta, since 1968. She has dedicated many years to supporting various organizations and enjoys working with people of all ages in the community. Vinnia has a deep love of helping people, and a great sense of humor. She loves cats and enjoys travelling.

Anita Crowshoe (she/her)Anita Crowshoe (Sisti) is a registered band member of the Piikani Nation. Her parents are Reg and Rose Crowshoe, and her grandparents are the late Joseph and Josephine Crowshoe, and Julius and Elizabeth English.Sisti also holds numerous Indigenous transfers and in 2004, she was transferred “Napi and Buffalo” tipi at a Okan in Piikani territory. Prior to this transfer, Anita was recognized as the child of her father and mother's tipi transfer. She holds this honour in high esteem and takes great care to protect the process and protocols of this responsibility. As a transferred Tipi holder, Anita is proud to be active in ceremonies and community gatherings.Anita holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Montana Western. Her employment history ranges from dancing at the Fort in Fort MacLeod and being a greeter at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, to serving as a community constable for the RCMP. Anita has also been an Elementary school teacher and BNAS teacher specialist on the Blackfeet Nation. Presently, she is the Senior Indigenous Engagement Advisor for Heritage Park.

Date: April 26, 2026
Time: 6 pm to 9 pm (MST)
Location: Heritage Park, Railway Orientation Centre

Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat, water, a journal, and an open heart.

Info: Lysandra Nothing (Program Coordinator) will open the circle with a smudge and intention settings, followed by housekeeping rules and an agenda overview.

Info: Join Shayla Oulette Stonechild (she/her) for a heart-led yoga and meditation experience inspired by the Four Directions of the Medicine Wheel. Through a gentle yoga flow, breathwork, and guided meditation, participants will explore the emotional body, connect to spirit, and align with the natural cycles of renewal. Open to all levels of experience.

Info: Enjoy a break to connect with another and enjoy some light refreshments and food. Please note this session will only be 15 mins.

Info: Join Anita Crowshoe and Elder Vinnia Van Overdyk as they draw upon traditional knowledge to facilitate culturally appropriate learning in relation to women's traditions and teachings, wellness and their communities.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Heritage Park, 1900 Heritage Drive Southwest, Calgary, Canada

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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