miyomahcihowin

miyomahcihowin

me-yo-mah-chee-oo-win
ᒥᔪᒪᐦᒋᐦᐅᐃᐧᐣ
miyomahcihowin is nehiyawewin (Cree) for “well-being”

Looking for community and connection? We're an Indigenous student outreach program run by the Wellness Supports team at the University of Alberta and we're all about creating spaces where you can thrive.

What we're about

We know that wellness comes from connecting with your culture, meeting other students who get it and learning something new along the way. That's why we organize events and programs throughout the year—from hands-on beading workshops and cooking classes to ribbon skirt-making sessions and paint nights. Need to unwind? Join us for pizza parties, mental health discussion circles, and self-care workshops where you can relax and recharge!

How we support students

We work closely with Indigenous student groups and university partners like First Peoples House to make sure you have access to mental health and wellness resources that honour who you are. Whether you're looking for cultural activities or just to share a good meal with fellow students, we've got something for everyone.

get connected

Our team

Hailey Blood (she/her)

miyomahcihowin Student Wellness Mentor 

tan’si! nitisiyikason Hailey Blood nehiyaw iskwew  ohci nîya Salt River First Nation 

Hi! My name is Hailey Blood, I am a Cree woman who is from Salt River First Nation in Treaty 8 Territory. I am the miyomahcihowin student intern who is passionate about fostering cultural and language revitalization within the Indigenous community on campus. I am currently finishing an undergraduate degree in Native Studies and have aspirations to go into Law to advocate for Indigenous rights within the justice system. When I’m not in classes or co-hosting cultural events with the program, you can find me beading earrings, reading, or spending time outside.

If you have any ideas about cultural programming you would like to see on campus, or just want to have a chat, please let me know.

Crystal Pennell (she/her) 

miyomahcihowin Program Coordinator

tan'si! My name is Crystal Pennell. I am a Dënesųłı̨né and nehiyaw iskwew (Cree woman) from Cold Lake First Nations in Treaty 6 territory. I have been working with Indigenous students and communities for over ten years, and recently completed my MEd (Indigenous Education) at UBC. As the Coordinator for miyomahcihowin Indigenous Student Wellness, I get to support students by creating opportunities to connect with culture, meet new people, and learn to care for their mental health and well-being. In my free time, you can find me at the park with my pup, reading, or working on my next crafting project.

If you're in need of support, I can connect you with resources on campus or in the community. If you have ideas for Indigenous wellness activities at the U of A, please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you!

First Nations, Métis and Inuit Helping Resources

Here is a list of mental health supports available to everyone.

If you or someone you know is looking for Indigenous-specific mental health supports, you can use this list as a starting point:

Additional resources

Explore this curated collection of community and online wellness resources, organized by topic.