IndigeFit Kids

Why do you run? I originally started running to lose weight and get in better physical shape. I continue running because of the community and friends I have found and made along the way. Also, the endorphins are great. What does this project mean to you? When I started running and working out, I was newly sober, running gave me an outlet and showed me that life could be different than it had been. Running has literally saved my life. It gave me confidence, got me healthy, and proved to me that I could do difficult things. I believe that my people in the Native community need to see other people in running spaces so they can feel welcome and that it is possible for them to participate as well. If I can help bring other Native people into the larger community of runners, maybe some of them can have their lives transformed through running as I have. Is there anything else you want to share? Just gratitude. Gratitude for life. Gratitude for the opportunity to share with our youngest relatives the joy of physical movement.

Why do you run? Hello! My name is Allysia and I am from the Navajo Reservation in Arizona. I run because it is always something that brings me peace and confidence. It helps me to recenter myself in my beliefs and ground myself in knowing where I want to go. I also run because it helps me to persevere in all seasons of life, by become something I find strength in. Running can be a great way to become a whole healthy person: mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. What does this project mean to you? This project allows me to pass on the things I enjoy about running to the next generation. It helps me to hope that our youth will gain perseverance through the mentality of running. This project means that more youth will be taught the lifestyle of running and hopefully be blessed by that lifestyle. Is there anything else you want to share? I'm looking forward to this program and no matter where you are in your running journey, I hope you will come join us in Minneapolis or St. Paul!

Welcome Coach Grant!

Why do you run? I run to be my best self, to actively battle health disparities faced by Indigenous women & make sure I am fit & healthy to pass on good genes to my children & their children. What does this project mean to you? Being a youth coach is a part of my purpose, to actively encourage the next 7 generations to be their best selves. This project means a lot to me because I get to build something that I would have loved to see as a younger Native athlete. To me, this project is an opportunity to give back to the kids in my community as a way to honor those who invested in me as coaches. Is there anything else you want to share? I've grown up on the East Side of St. Paul all my life & look forward to sharing my favorite running spots with you!

Why do you run? I continue to run after over a decade because I am simply obsessed with it and have deep cultural goals tied to it, with my ultimate mission representing the Dakota and all Indigenous people at high profile races. What does this project mean to you? This project is my first stepping stone into my goal of promoting running into Indigenous communities, showing that we are meant to run, and what it can provide. Is there anything else you want to share? I started running in June 2015 and it has brought me to many different places, including a scholarship at South Dakota State. My passion for running is second to none and I love to share/include anyone to this sport!

Why do you run? I run because it reminds me that I’m capable of doing hard things. Running has taught me discipline, resilience, and patience, but it’s also become a way for me to clear my mind and reconnect with myself. Whether I’m training for a race, exploring new trails, or running alongside others, it always brings me back to a place of gratitude and growth. I also love seeing how running creates community and helps people discover confidence they didn’t know they had. What does this project mean to you? This project means the opportunity to help make movement feel welcoming and accessible for everyone. I’ve seen firsthand how physical activity can improve not only health but confidence, mental well-being, and connection. Being part of a project that encourages people to move, build relationships, and support one another is something I truly believe in. It aligns with the kind of work I want to continue doing—creating positive spaces where people feel encouraged, included, and empowered. Do you have anything else you'd like to share? I’m passionate about building community through movement. My experiences coaching youth, leading run clubs, and supporting fitness programs have shown me that every person starts somewhere, and sometimes all they need is someone who believes in them. I hope to continue creating opportunities that inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to move with confidence, celebrate their progress, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Why do you run? Running is important to me because it was what helped motivate me through high school and kept me grounded. Running is also culturally important me, both of my tribal heritages stress the importance of physical health for warrior men and I feel I exemplify this aspect through running. What does this project mean to you? This project is important to me because I am majoring in Physical Education while running track in college and it gives me the opportunity to share my love for running with children and the experience of working with them.

Why do you run? I believe that the frequency of our footsteps is longed for by the Earth beneath us. Dakota people have long understood that the energy from our dancing, running, laughing, and language is a necessary piece to our ecosystem. Our love is meant to be shared generously. I run to maintain the balance of my mind, body, and spirit. I run because the healthier my footsteps, the healthier the land will become, and the entire community who occupies it. I run to support a healthy lifestyle that is rooted in connection to community, land, and spirit. What does this project mean to you? As a Dakota auntie, this project is a dream come true. I am deeply passionate about modeling healthy lifestyles for Indigenous youth. Running is one of our oldest traditional practices used to maintain a healthy, strong, and vibrant community. It’s an honor to lead youth back to our community practices and protocols through modern day experiences. These opportunities provide a solid foundation of identity, empowering our community to live more generous lifestyles. Providing equitable access to health and wellness to our community is a gift that will span generations. I am honored to be part of this journey. Do you have anything else you'd like to share? ✦ My Running Philosophy ✦ Water is life. Life is presence. Presence is breath. Breath is strength. Strength is community. Community is generosity. Generosity is reciprocity. Reciprocity is consistency. Consistency is accountability. Accountability is integrity. Integrity is growth. Growth is healing. Healing is evolution. Evolution is prediction. Prediction is protection. Protection is nourishment. Nourishment is peace. Peace is joy. Joy is life. ✦ Running is simply a tool for understanding. ✦

Welcome Coach Wilson!