2022 INDIGENOUS YOGA TEACHER TRAINING - APPLICATIONS closed

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**Applications are now closed.

200-Hour Certification

Pre-training requirement: (April - July)

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: (July 2022 )

10 hours reading and self study (will be assigned upon enrollment)

Online: August 2 - 5th via zoom (6 hours/day)

In-person training: August 8- 26, Monday - Friday, 8am - 4 pm (weekends off)

8 am - 4 pm will be in-person, with 2.5 hours of daily study time on your own (total = 10.5 hrs/ day)  

Post training:

1) Practicum 10 hrs (September)

2) Group check-in (1-2 hours in September)

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.

Graduates will be awarded an accessible/chair yoga certificate in addition to their 200 hour teacher certificate.  

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.   

Yoga is a healing and transformative way of life whose purpose is far beyond the asanas (postures). The SIYA Indigenous Teacher Training program aims to create teachers who understand and value of living yoga off the mat in your community.  We aim to create genuine change in the lives of Indigenous people and spark new vibrancy in communities. As a teacher and student, we aspire that you:

• become a living example of the healing and transformative power of yoga
• take the time necessary to become strong and grounded in your physical practice
• respect for yoga traditions while forging your own path

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

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

• A variety of knowledgeable, qualified guest teachers
• Daily practice
• Mixed days of lecture and practice, and homework
• Walking and outdoor time
• Sweat lodge ceremony, land based learning, and other offsite travel
• 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.

Tuition is valued at $2250 per student.

We would be happy to support those who need to pursue funding from their band or other possible funding sources. Download the student funding package to take to your funding source below. Please contact us if tuition is a barrier to your attendance.

Applications are now closed.

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

Deposit: $500 is due by April 15, 2022

Tuition payments (training cost minus deposit) is due on or by July 1, 2022

Payment plans are available.

If a seat should come available, the next selected applicant will be notified.

We are happy to work with communities and funding sources to ensure students don't miss this

opportunity. If you need support beyond what is provided in 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)