The Saskatoon Tribal Council and the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools released plans for a new fitness and wellness academy at E.D. Feehan Catholic High School today.

The miyo machihowin Academy (Cree for healthy living) is for First Nations students and complements existing Indigenous language and cultural programming at the school.

The Academy offers First Nations students a hands-on, land-based program that includes fitness, wellness and nutrition.

“As a result of our people being sent to residential schools, many generations have been affected; we lost our identity, culture and language. In the spirit of reconciliation, this partnership offers an extraordinary opportunity to put the Indian back in the Indian by working side by side with our partners at Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools to launch this unique First Nations fitness and wellness academy that centers around elite training and incorporates our First Nations’ culture,” said STC Tribal Chief Mark Arcand through a statement.

A small gym will be renovated to accommodate donated professional training and fitness equipment. Applications for the 2018-19 school year are now being accepted.

Photo courtesy of Saskatoon Tribal Council