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storytelling. healing. yoga.

Manifesting Movement

Manifesting Movement is a unique endeavor that intertwines healing, movement and storytelling to create transformative journeys. It is an expansive series that merges storytelling, breath-work, and a trauma-informed yoga and movement practice that is rooted in an Anishinaabek worldview and decolonial framework. 

Manifesting Movement seeks to create connection, awareness and empowerment, thus allowing individuals to better navigate trauma, racism and colonialism. Services are offered in Thunder Bay and the surrounding region to Indigenous individuals, groups, and organizations.

“One of the clearest lessons from contemporary neuroscience is that our sense of ourselves is anchored in a vital connection to our body”

— BESSEL VAN DER KOLK, M.D. THE BODY KEEPS SCORE

Closeup image of Michelle Derosier's hands holding burning sage as she prepares to smudge her studio prior to a session

offerings

Sessions are tailored to your needs; 

  • Individual / Group / Organizational Sessions;

  • 30, 60 or 90 minutes

  • Workshops

  • Private therapeutic sessions @ 90 mins

  • All sessions are tailored to meet your needs.

Image of Michelle Derosier as she begins leaning forward during a Manifesting Movement session

The Benefits to Manifesting Movement

  • Increase of body awareness

  • It eliminates barriers by travelling to and meeting people where they are (removing barriers of access to services, trust, transportation, discrimination)

  • Creation of a safe and comfortable space for all people and abilities and ages with a focus on Indigenous people, BIPOC, and vulnerable humans

  • It is an alternative health and well-being program

  • Increase healthier patterns, thoughts and behaviours

  • Increase of techniques for managing mood, anxiety, and stress

  • It is an opportunity to develop a new personal story by connecting to body, mind, breath and spirit

  • Being a part of a healthier and caring community

Yoga dates back thousands of years, originating in ancient India as a spiritual practice that aims to unite mind, body, and breath.

Community Testimonials

  • "Sometimes you just can't find the words to express the way your body is feeling. Michelle through 'Manifesting Movement' has the innate gift of helping to heal the soul by transforming those emotions that your body is feeling. "

    Mary Kozroy (Program Coordinator, Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario)

  • “Having a fellow Anishnaabe kwe create a space for other Anishnaabe kwe is so healing. By this way of engaging her community, Michelle brings validation, personal experience, and humour into the experience.”

    Leanna Marshall

  • "Manifesting Movement allows participants to heal using intersecting practices while removing barriers. Instructing free flowing movement this practice for individuals has allowed them to connect to both emotional and physical spirit. Michelle helps participants direct ways to move trauma blockages through their bodies"

    Lindsay Martin (Executive Director, Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario)

  • "I really love taking Michelle’s yoga classes. With her guidance, energy and calming voice, it really makes my practice quite magical. I am grateful for this Kwe."

    Helen Pelletier, Fort William First Nation

  • "Michelle truly stood out as an exceptional collaborator and presenter. She has a natural ability to connect with the participants and create an inclusive and engaging learning environment. Her passion for the healing power of movement and creative pursuits was contagious, and it left us all motivated to apply what we had learned."

    Sami El-Sibaey (Training Specialist at Right to Play Canada)

  • "Ocean breathing to where the pain lives and releasing and letting go is healing my whole being from traumatic pain and grief! Gitchi miigwech Michelle for inviting me into her world of healing and letting go through Manifesting Movement"

    Audrey DeRoy, Anizaatikoong First Nation

  • "High school students are experiencing higher levels of anxiety, pressure and stress than ever before. The Manifesting Movement sessions with Michelle helped DFC students to learn breathing techniques to help them feel calm and relaxed. She guided them through movements and breath work that allowed them to not only release their immediate stress, but also provided advice, guidance and confidence that they could carry with them when they left the session. We are definitely looking forward to our next session together!”

    Aaron Guthrie (Teacher - Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School)