2024 INDIGENOUS YOGA TEACHER TRAINING

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**Applications are open! Applications close at 12 PM CST on March 30 2024

200-Hour Certification

Pre-training requirement: April - July 2024

Applicants must have a well established yoga practice of at least 3 hrs/ week prior to attending the training. Links to pre-recorded practices will be provided upon enrollment.

Pre learning: June - July, 2024

Reading and self study (will be assigned upon enrollment)

Online Weekend: July12, 13, 14, 2024

Online kickoff weekend

In-person training: August 12 - 22 in Saskatoon, daily times to be announced.

Post training:

1) Practicum (Sept - Oct)

2) Post-practicum check-in and certificates (Oct)

In-person location in Saskatoon:  TBA

This 200-hour SIYA-certified course is designed to equip students specifically to teach yoga to Indigenous people communities.  Emphasis is on teaching community based yoga in a variety of styles with emphasis on accessible yoga for all body types and age groups.

 Within this training, graduates will earn:

• 200 hr certification
• Chair/accessible yoga certificate
• Modules on teaching to children/youth

 Designed with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders, this program explores Indigenous world views and yogic philosophy to create a transformative and powerfully resonate training approach for Indigenous students. The curriculum emphasizes the unique needs of Indigenous people and communities by focusing on accessible, trauma informed yoga. Emphasis is on community-based yoga and making yoga available to all people regardless of where they live, their age, or health status. 

Indian and Indigenous Elders and knowledge keepers will participate to lead a comparison between yogic teachings and Indigenous spirituality and culture. Students will embody the practices while also learning how to share and teach yoga, which can have a transformative effect on individuals and society.  

1.    A strong commitment and drive to bring yoga to a community after the training  

2.   Six months practice of yoga, including time in class with a qualified instructor

3.   Age 18 or older (or letter of consent from parent or guardian)

4.   Reliable means of transportation for all hours of the in-person training

5.   Accommodations, childcare and any other necessary supports to ensure full participation in all 200 hours.

 15 applicants will be selected based on the following criteria:

• readiness and willingness to teach in the community
• experience with yoga and having established a yoga practice
• existing leadership role in their community, or leadership potential and character as demonstrated by the application
• current/ past service in First Nations/ Métis/ Inuit communities
• the quality and feasibility of how the certification will be used
• plans for serving a community as a yoga teacher (clear concept of who will be taught yoga using the SIYA certification).

People from northern communities are particularly encouraged to apply. In the spirit of reconciliation, there are two available spots for non-indigenous applicants, and three spots for out-of-province applicants. Priority will be given to not-yet-certified applicants, however, there may be space available for certified yoga teachers.  Maximum 15 students.

Special emphasis will be on generating the presence of yoga within Indigenous community settings and creating yoga classes that are accessible to able bodied people, youth, seniors, and those with chronic conditions. Students will learn and experience in depth: asanas (postures), breathing, meditation; teaching methodology including trauma informed yoga, anatomy and physiology including yoga for chronic conditions; chair yoga; yoga for youth; philosophy and ethics including both Indian and Indigenous world view; the subtle (energy) body; the business of yoga, and practice teaching.

Cultural aspects such as land-based learning, smudge, medicine wheel teachings, sweatlodge, and storytelling have been part of the program and the Indigenous component is held in equal priority with learning about yoga philosophy and postures.  

* Due to the unique nature of this training, it is not able to be registered with Yoga Alliance.

• Daily practice
• Mixed days of lecture, practice, and homework
• Daily outdoor time and walking
• Sweat lodge ceremony, land based learning, other offsite travel
• A variety of knowledgeable, qualified guest teachers
• Group teaching experiences to a variety of audiences
• Full days, sitting on floors
• Onsite photography and video recording, possible media interviews
• Changed outlook and personal transformation.

We are happy to work with communities and funding sources to ensure students don't miss this opportunity. Please contact us directly to work out a way to make it happen. Payment plans are available. Please contact us if tuition is a barrier.

Tuition is valued at $3250/ student.

Special Rate: $2450 (for those with demonstrated need)

Full Tuition: $3250

Applications will close at 12 pm CST on March 30, 2024.

Deposits and tuition payments will be accepted by e-transfer, credit card/Paypal, certified cheque, or cash.

Deposit: $500 is due by April 15, 2024 (*deposits are non-refundable)

Tuition payments (training cost minus deposit) is due on or by July 1, 2024

Payment plans are available.

We are happy to work with communities and funding sources to ensure students don't miss this opportunity. If you need a letter of support in addition to the student funding package, please contact us directly at indigenousyogask@gmail.com

• Application form (online)
• Letter of intent (online in the application form) stating age, education, work experience, experience with yoga, and other relevant experience such as leadership positions, social service, commitment to Indigenous culture;
• Media release form (online)