Wellness program fosters fitness and learning for Indigenous clients and student volunteers – Folio
February 02, 2024
When Donald arrives at the Indigenous Wellness Clinic weekly exercise session at the University of Alberta’s Saville Community Sports Centre, he heads straight to the bike for a warm-up session before his workout.
But not before he is greeted by his physiotherapist Allyson Jones and the student volunteers who are committed to guiding him and the other program participants through their fitness regimen.
Donald was recovering from a virus and experiencing serious lung issues when he made his way to the clinic. “I was miserable, but through prayer and my time at the Saville Centre, I’ve gained patience and resilience. An hour here energizes me for a week,” he says.
Jones, a professor in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine and physical therapist at the Indigenous Wellness Clinic, started the program in 2018.
