b'FITNESScommunities. A memorable moment for her occurred during a corporate event where tensions were running high, and she held an impromptu class. As the pow wow music started, participants began moving to the beat. Everyone felt the rhythm, stood those steps, and remembered who they were, even in a [non-Indigenous] corporate setting, Fox recalls. The moment highlighted to her the transformative power of culturalAmanda Fox helps people stay fit with classes programming to heal individuals andand workshops in pow wow dancebring communities together.For his part, Simpson focuses strongly on connecting with the land. Historically, our people didnt need gyms because we hunted, gathered and moved with purpose, he says. I try to recreate that sense of natural, fulfilling movement. Simpsonenvisionsonedayestab-lishing training camps and retreats that empower Indigenous trainers toThese barriers will hopefully soon create thriving wellness networks inbe a thing of the past. As the well-their communities. Indigenous commu-nities, he says, have long faced a heavyness industry increasingly embraces lift when it comes to accessing well- Even in todays supposedly inclusiveholistic health solutions while finding nessfrom their remote locations andlandscape, however, barriers persist. Foxviable business models in doing so, limited resources to systemic inequi- recalls a painful experience when a localIndigenous-led fitness providers like ties. And mainstream fitness can alienatecommunity invited her to offer sessionsSpirit Fit and Pow Wow FitNish are Indigenous participants.but later cancelled. "They explainedpositioned to set a new, inclusive stan-that pow wows werent allowed in theirdard. By blending physical, emotional BRIDGING THE GAP community because of its Catholic roots.and cultural wellness, theyre leading Programs like those offered by Spirit FitIt was heartbreaking to know that thesea movement that embraces empow-and Pow Wow FitNish are important inbarriers still exist, Fox shares. Thereerment and sustainability. They are helping bridge these gaps, and there iswere even protests outside of their firsthelping reshape the wellness industry, a growing market for their services. Aannual pow wow. I was the head dancerredefining it through an Indigenous lot of people feel out of place in gyms,there, and it was so discouraging to seeworldview. By championing mentor-Simpson says. My goal is to createpeople protesting something so beau- ship and collaboration, says Simpson, spaces that are free of judgment andtiful and meaningful. The communitywere proving that Indigenous-led full of positivity.hasnt held another pow wow since. fitness isnt a fleeting trend. The Leaders in Railway Maintenance and Construction Services Across CanadaREMCAN is committed to building positive, respectful, and sustainable relationships withWhere community and career come together Indigenous communities. Our focus is on promoting employment opportunities, pre-employmentwww.remcanprojects.com/careers training, and business ventures or partnerships through community engagement.COMPETITIVE REWARDING CUTTING-EDGE PAIDCOMPENSATION WORK EQUIPMENT TRAININGIndigenous BUSINESS REPORT61'