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I acknowledge that I live and teach yoga near Wakpá Tháŋka (the Mississippi River) and Bdoté, the place where the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers meet. The Dakota people have lived in Mni Sota Makoce (Minnesota) for thousands of years.  The Anishinaabe migrated to this land as well, and reside throughout the state and beyond. This land was taken from them by invading Europeans violently, through genocide, dishonesty, and forced removal. 

 

Despite this history of colonialism and oppression, many individuals from Dakota, Anishinaabe, and other Native tribes reside presently in the Twin Cities and Minnesota. Their presence is vital and vibrant. Leaders from Native communities share of themselves in many arenas, including the yoga community. 

 

As steps because I acknowledge I work, live on, and benefit from stolen land, I will:

  • Pay 5% of my income as Real Rent to Native organizations sharing yoga in the Native community or supporting the LandBack movement 

  • Pursue the health of the planet in my professional and personal life 

  • Be open to additional commitments as I pledge to continue to listen, learn, and grow 

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I acknowledge that I am teaching yoga, a South Asian practice, as a white person. The combination of white privilege, capitalism, and yoga has caused harm. White yoga teachers and communities are guilty of appropriating and distorting the practice to gain influence and money. South Asian community members have been tokenized and oppressed for white gain.    

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Strong leaders in the South Asian community share yoga in each of our communities and nationwide. Many give deepy to empower other South Asian voices and educate those outside their background on how and why to honor yoga’s history and traditions.

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As steps because I acknowledge I am benefitting from a practice that is not of my culture, I will:

  • Pay 5% of my income to organizations supporting South Asian and BIPOC yoga communities

  • Teach with careful thought to my use of words and practices, and be open to critique and challenge

  • Offer yoga classes that honor yoga’s roots over fitness and trends

  • Be open to additional commitments as I pledge to continue to listen, learn, and grow 

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