The Indigenous Mindfulness Coalition (IMC) is dedicated to revitalizing and advancing culturally grounded mindfulness practices that honor Indigenous knowledge systems, ceremony, movement, ecological awareness, and traditional ways of knowing. Rooted in the understanding that human well-being is inseparable from the well-being of the Earth, IMC brings together Indigenous teachings, contemplative practice, and contemporary science to support holistic health, community healing, cultural resilience, and sustainable leadership across Indigenous Nations and communities.
Our work is grounded in the belief that Indigenous contemplative traditions are inherently relational and ecological. Across many Indigenous cultures, mindfulness is understood not only as an individual practice, but as a way of living in respectful relationship with land, water, plants, animals, ancestors, and future generations. Through retreats, educational programming, research, coalition building, and community-based initiatives, IMC creates opportunities for participants to reconnect with the Earth through movement, ceremony, storytelling, language, outdoor practice, and community gathering.
IMC is committed to strengthening individual and collective well-being while supporting cultural continuity, ecological responsibility, and community-defined approaches to healing. By centering Indigenous leadership and lived experience, we work to cultivate deeper awareness of our connection to place, one another, and the living world.
Please see“IMC Key Activities” on this page and the “Work in Community” tab to see more of the projects directly related to IMC and our community partners.
IMC Board of Directors
Jacob Cousin
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President
Jeffrey Proulx
.Jeffrey Proulx, PhD (Mohawk, Haudenosaunee/Six Nations), is a public health researcher, contemplative scientist, and educator whose work brings together mindfulness, Indigenous knowledge, health equity, movement, and community-based healing practices. Dr. Proulx has held faculty appointments at Brown University across the School of Public Health, Warren Alpert Medical School, Contemplative Studies, and Native and Indigenous Studies, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his work and his commitment to bridging academic research with community wellness and Indigenous ways of knowing.
Dr. Proulx received his doctorate in Human Development and Family Sciences from Oregon State University and completed postdoctoral training in neurology and contemplative science at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), where he later served as a Senior Research Associate prior to joining Brown University. His research has focused on the integration of contemplative practice with behavioral medicine and public health, particularly among Indigenous and underserved communities.
Across his work, Dr. Proulx explores how mindfulness, movement, culture, language, art, and ceremony can support healing, resilience, emotional regulation, cardiovascular health, and community connection. He is particularly known for developing culturally grounded mindfulness interventions that integrate Indigenous perspectives and practices into evidence-based health programs. His projects have included mindfulness and hypertension reduction initiatives in Indigenous communities, intergenerational arts and mindfulness programming, contemplative approaches to racial healing and community wellness, and sound healing initiatives designed for underserved youth and communities impacted by chronic stress and violence.
As a founder and leader within the Indigenous Mindfulness Coalition (IMC), Dr. Proulx works to advance Indigenous-led models of contemplative practice and wellness that honor cultural knowledge while engaging scientific research, public health systems, and community-driven approaches to healing. His work emphasizes relationship, sustainability, intergenerational learning, and the belief that contemplative practice can emerge naturally through Indigenous ways of gathering, storytelling, movement, language, creativity, and connection to land and community.
Vice President
Cultural Director
Matagi Iatala
Creative and strategic in equal measure, our marketing director brings fresh ideas to every campaign. They turn insights into action and help our message resonate with the right audience.
IMC Key Activities
Activity 1: Culturally Grounded Mindfulness Workshops and Retreats
The Indigenous Mindfulness Coalition (IMC) develops and delivers culturally grounded mindfulness workshops and retreats that integrate Indigenous practices such as storytelling, ceremony, song, movement, language, and talking circles with evidence-based mindfulness approaches. These programs are led by IMC board members, Indigenous cultural practitioners, and collaborating community instructors. Activities are conducted within Tribal communities and partner sites across the Great Plains and other Indigenous communities. Through these offerings, IMC supports stress reduction, emotional well-being, cultural preservation, community connection, and access to Indigenous contemplative practices rooted in community knowledge and lived experience.
Activity 2: Community Healing and Wellness Retreats
IMC organizes multi-day retreats focused on community healing, resilience, leadership, and collective wellness. Retreats integrate mindfulness practice, cultural teachings, movement, talking circles, and community reflection to create spaces for restoration, relationship-building, and healing. These gatherings are facilitated by IMC leadership, Indigenous cultural mentors, and community volunteers and are held within Tribal communities, community centers, retreat spaces, and outdoor settings. This work supports IMC’s mission by promoting accessible wellness education, strengthening cultural connection, and fostering community-based approaches to healing and resilience.
Activity 3: Cultural Education and Leadership Development
IMC mentors emerging Indigenous leaders, educators, and community wellness facilitators through internships, youth programs, mentorship opportunities, and professional development in culturally responsive mindfulness and wellness education. Programs are conducted in partnership with schools, Tribal colleges, nonprofit organizations, and community groups. Through this work, IMC supports leadership development, intergenerational learning, cultural continuity, and the preservation and sharing of Indigenous knowledge systems and contemplative practices.
Activity 4: Research and Community Partnership Development
IMC collaborates with universities, Tribal health organizations, public health researchers, and community partners to support research and educational initiatives related to mindfulness, wellness, and health equity in Indigenous communities. This work includes community-based program development, evaluation, presentations, educational materials, and dissemination of findings that help advance culturally grounded public health approaches. IMC’s research partnerships are rooted in respect for Indigenous knowledge, community leadership, and relationship-based collaboration.
Activity 5: Administration and Community Outreach
IMC conducts ongoing administrative, organizational, and outreach activities necessary to support its mission and programs. This includes nonprofit compliance, financial management, communications, partnership development, fundraising, website and media coordination, and community engagement. These activities are carried out by IMC leadership and volunteers and help ensure transparency, sustainability, and effective delivery of IMC’s educational and charitable programming.