I lost my father, Kevin Leslie Stonechild to suicide.

I lost my father, Kevin Leslie Stonechild to suicide. This was a catalyst to me asking deeper questions about life, relationships, family, consciousness, Creator, and why I was here on earth. I made a promise to myself that I would support Indigenous youth + people so they would never have to feel like that was the only option.

Competed in "Miss Teen Canada"

I competed in "Miss Teen Canada" and learned the power and strength behind my voice and advocating for something bigger than just myself.

2009

Moved to Vancouver with only $400

Graduated highschool and moved to Vancouver at the age of 18 with only $400 dollars in my pocket and a vision.

2012

Graduated from Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts

I was able to graduate from my acting program at Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts. I was able to afford to live in Vancouver and attend acting school because of funding from Muscowpetung First Nation. 

2013-2016

Experienced a dark night of the soul

I experienced a dark night of the soul, losing myself multiple times due to struggles with substance abuse while working in the hospitality industry. Despite these challenges, I remained committed to my passion for acting, continuing to audition frequently and investing in intensive acting training and workshops.

Was introduced to yoga for the first time

My journey to yoga started unexpectedly with my best friend. Reluctantly, I attended my first hot yoga class at YYoga, feeling out of place without the right attire, unable to afford classes or do a headstand, and not fitting the typical image of a yoga practitioner. However, persuaded by my friend, I went and soon found myself attending sessions five times a week. Gradually, yoga became a healthier alternative to partying, bringing new focus and balance to my life.

First Yoga Teacher Training

After a devastating breakup that shook my self-confidence and worldview, I found myself spiraling. In a search for clarity and community, I took out a $5,000 loan and enrolled in a 240-hour yoga teacher training at the Vancouver School of Healing Arts. Immersed in my studies, I sought healing and transformation during this challenging period.

2017

Journey and Observations at Vancouver School of Healing Arts

Completing my yoga teacher training, I recognized the shared values between yoga and my Nehiyaw (Cree) culture. Yet, I noted a lack of Indigenous representation in the programs I attended, often being the only Indigenous person present. Inspired by visions of what would become the 'Matriarch Movement,' I pursued further studies through scholarships, attending trainings in Saskatchewan, Vancouver, and Mexico, driven by the mission to bring yoga back to Indigenous communities.

Facilitating Wellness Workshops and Keynotes

Throughout this period, I led wellness workshops and keynotes across Indigenous communities in Canada, integrating the teachings from my trainings. These sessions also focused on my personal journey, linking them to suicide prevention and life promotion efforts.

Hosted APTN's "Red Earth Uncovered"

During this time I was filming and hosting three seasons of APTN’s “Red Earth Uncovered” alongside Tom Jackson. I had the opportunity to travel across the United States and Canada learning about Indigenous legends, myths and storytelling. Red Earth Uncovered won an AMPIA award for Best Documentary series.

2018 - 2019

Started teaching yoga!

Started teaching yoga at a studio called "CMMN GRND" in Vancouver.

Matriarch Movement was born

One night, I had a dream, and the only thing I remembered were the words 'Matriarch Movement.' I woke up at 4:00 a.m. that day and stayed up until 11:00 p.m., fully immersed in bringing the vision to life.

The first official Matriarch Movement interview series, which highlighted the stories of 11 Indigenous women within Vancouver, was filmed and produced by a small team of four.

2020

My first blog post “Reclaiming Our Roots’ went viral

My first blog post went viral called "Reclaiming Our Roots" for Jillian Harris' blog. I shared why I don't celebrate Canada day because of the traumas inflicted on my own father through the residential school system, the child welfare system and the prison system. I started advocating for Indigenous rights and wellbeing through public platforms, magazine features and talk shows including on Etalk, the Social, Hello! Magazine.

A Year of Firsts and Influential Partnerships

I took significant steps in my journey of advocacy and empowerment. I joined lululemon's diversity and inclusion committee to help deepen relationships with Indigenous peoples across Canada and advocate for Indigenous representation and inclusion within the health and wellness industry.

That year, I also had the honor of becoming the first Indigenous person to be featured on the cover of "Yoga Journal," where I shared my personal story and how yoga, my community and my culture has been pivotal in my healing journey.

During Indigenous History Month in Canada, I was proud to be part of a national "Sephora" campaign. Additionally, I began recording the Matriarch Movement podcast and co-hosted ET Canada's "Artists & Icons: Indigenous Entertainers in Canada" alongside Cheryl Hickey.

Matriarch Movement launched it’s first website, podcast and our first limited edition 3 piece yoga apparel set and sold out!

I collaborated with Paris Jewellers to create an arrowhead necklace for the Matriarch Movement, representing my lineage with 100% of proceeds going back to the non-profit.

 I began to collaborate with numerous other brands including: TELUS, Adobe, John Frieda, Facebook META, Airmiles Canada, RW & Co, etc. 

2021

A Landmark Year of Recognition and Impact

I'm honored to have been featured in a national Joe Fresh campaign and to become lululemon's first Indigenous global yoga ambassador in Canada. In this role, I led a significant lululemon campaign for National Indigenous People's Day, highlighting Indigenous talent in every department.

I received the prestigious Indspire's First Nations Youth Recipient Award from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and I co-hosted ET Canada segments for National Truth and Reconciliation Day and Orange Shirt Day, advocating for Indigenous issues. Throughout the year, I taught yoga both online and in-person, and my work with ET Canada's "Artists & Icons" earned two Canadian Screen Awards, celebrating the power of collaborative creation.

Additionally, I produced and launched the "Seventh Generation Wellness" series with lululemon’s Here to Be program, featuring seven Indigenous wellness leaders across Canada. Each session combined wellness with one of the seven sacred teachings, amplifying Indigenous voices in the health and wellness industry.

2022

Expanding Horizons and Influential Achievements

I traveled to Rishikesh, India, where I completed a 300-hour Ashtanga yoga teacher training at Vinyasa Yoga Ashram and learned from the community and culture of where yoga comes from. I also completed my first sound bowl training.

That year, I also competed alongside my brother, Joel, on Amazing Race Canada advocating and representing for Indigenous youth.

During June, I produced, directed, and taught the "Four Directions Yoga Flow" at BC Place Stadium, bringing together over 600 attendees for National Indigenous People's Day x International Yoga Day and thousands online. This event, in partnership with lululemon, featured seven Indigenous and one South Asian wellness facilitator, ensuring Indigenous representation in every department. 

Additionally, I successfully hosted three sold-out Indigenous-led wellness retreats with the Matriarch Movement called the "Matriarch Rising Retreats" in Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver, marking a year of significant growth and community engagement.

I continued to collaborate, write and create campaigns with brands such as Indigenous Tourism Alberta, Crave, Mazda, Peloton, always ensuring to highlight my personal story, Indigenous advocacy, language revitalization, matriarchy, and/or healing.

2023

Global Influence and Expansive Reach

This year, I had the honor of leading an interactive wellness session, 'Weaving Generational Wellness,' at TEDx Vancouver, sharing insights on holistic health across generations.

I reached new milestones in my international teaching, including leading a mindful movement session for 1,500 at lululemon’s Leadership Summit in Las Vegas and teaching at my first yoga retreat in Sayulita, Mexico.

Additionally, I produced, wrote, and directed the Matriarch Movement video podcast 'Imagining Indigenous Futurisms' with the Indigenous Screen Office and a team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous creatives.

Matriarch Movement also launched our first in-person four-week wellness series, 'Medicine Circles,' in Vancouver, BC, and celebrated with a canoe event in partnership with Takaya Tours on unceded Coast Salish territory.

In collaboration with lululemon, we organized the first in-person Indigenous-led wellness event for National Indigenous Peoples Day in Toronto.

Currently, I am completing a 300-hour yoga teacher training with Susanna Bartaki, a somatic teacher training with Lez Tenuto, and a production program at Capilano University.

2024

Continue to find deep healing

Throughout my journey, I've always sought healing, finding solace in both yoga and my own culture. I've also discovered profound healing by traveling to different parts of the world and learning from other cultures.

I've participated in ceremonies in Canada, India, South America, and Mexico. The teachings and ceremonies of my culture and others continue to guide me. I see myself as a vessel and a channel for wisdom and medicine that has existed since time immemorial. When I'm not posting, sharing or facilitating, it's likely because I'm engaged in deep internal reflection and healing along my path and/or within my community.

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