Movement is Medicine: Connecting Wellness, Culture, and Community Through Physical Activity

Movement is a powerful tool for wellness, connection, and self-expression. That belief was at the heart of WSD’s inaugural ‘Movement is Medicine’ Student Wellness Day. Organized by the division’s Indigenous Education and the Physical and Health Education learning support team, with the support of Winnipeg Sea Bears Basketball as a community partner, the event welcomed around 200 Indigenous students from Grades 9–12 at the Canada Games Sport for Life Centre for a day focused on Mino-Pimâtisiwin, the Good Life. Through sport, games, dance, and cultural teachings, the event highlighted how movement can nurture both physical and mental health while strengthening cultural identity.

The inspiration behind Movement is Medicine

The idea behind the event grew from a belief that movement can transform how young people experience wellness. Robyn Boulanger, WSD Indigenous Graduation Coach and one of the event organizers, said her own experience with sport helped shape the initiative. “I saw the power of sport growing up in a family that played basketball and hockey,” she explained. “Incorporating movement into my daily life helped me live the good life and be open-minded.”

Robyn Boulanger, WSD Indigenous Graduation Coach and one of the event organizersBoulanger added that traditional teachings also emphasize caring for the body, which is why they were included in the programming for the event. “Our traditional ways of medicine include moving your body, drinking water, and eating healthy food. That’s what stemmed from this day.”

Exploring sports, culture, and connection

Throughout the day, students rotated through breakout sessions that combined physical activity with cultural learning. Activities included basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, boxing, circuit training, Powwow dancing, jigging, and traditional Indigenous games. The variety allowed students to explore both familiar and new forms of movement while connecting with peers from different schools.

Cory Kiyewakan and Masen Spence, Grade 11 students from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute who are part of the drumming group that opened the event, said the day was both active and enjoyable. “It’s fun getting exercise done, and everyone has been really nice,” said Cory. Masen, who participated in the lacrosse session, added that staying active is important in his daily life. “It’s good for me because I play football,” he said. Both students shared simple advice for younger students: “Stay active whenever you can.”

For Jessica Moustarzak, a teacher at Elmwood High School, the overall impact on students was clear. She noted that the event encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones. “Some of my students chose volleyball because they play it already, but others tried Powwow dancing and they’d never done it before. Now they are telling me, ‘Miss M, you’ve got to do this in Phys Ed class.’”

Cultural teachings were also woven into the sessions. Teresa Byrne, an Indigenous Way of Life teacher who led jigging workshops, explained that dance can bring cultures together while celebrating Métis traditions. “Jigging comes from First Nations dance moves as well as Irish, French, and Scottish stepping,” she said. “Dance for us is not just one culture, it’s everybody.” Byrne said students were shy at first but quickly joined in. “By the end, they were up dancing together. It really becomes a celebration of culture and movement.”

Student creativity featured in event design

The event showcased student creativity through the official Movement is Medicine logo, which was designed by Ashlyn Anderson-Williams, a Grade 12 student at Elmwood High School. Anderson-Williams said the artwork reflects both medicine and motion. “The arms are meant to look like braids, like sweetgrass, because I wanted that medicine imagery,” she explained. “The bird on top represents movement.”

Seeing hundreds of participants wearing the design was a powerful moment. “I didn’t realize how many people would be wearing what I made,” she said. “It’s really empowering.”

Ashlyn Anderson-Williams, a Grade 12 student at Elmwood High SchoolAs the day wrapped up, students left not only with new experiences but also with a deeper understanding of how movement can support their well-being. For teachers like Moustarzak, the message is simple but powerful. “Movement is everything,” she said. “If you don’t move your body, you’re not going to feel healthy. You need to move to feel comfortable in your own skin.”

Events like Movement is Medicine show how bringing together culture, community, and physical activity can help students build confidence, connection, and a stronger sense of wellness. More importantly, it’s guiding them to use this knowledge in their everyday lives.