Throughout the month of September, Rayden Seela, UMSU Indigenous students’ representative, will embark on a 6 kilometre run every day to raise awareness and collect donations for mental health and suicide-prevention efforts.

The initiative, “Movement is Medicine,” seeks to address mental-health challenges affecting Indigenous communities. Everyone is welcome to participate how they can.

“Intergenerational trauma is a real thing, and it is still seen to this day,” Seela said.

Seela said some Indigenous people turn to certain coping mechanisms to alleviate that pain, but these responses ultimately deepen the challenges they face.

His initiative draws on his own experience which became an important part of how he worked through grief.

“CrossFit allowed me to use the pain I had into something good, into something powerful,” Seela said. “It gave me [myself] back. My confidence, my self-esteem and my worth.”

The campaign also continues Seela’s efforts to honour his sister, Cheyenne Williamson, whom he lost to suicide in 2017.

He previously biked from Winnipeg to Thompson through “Rayden’s Ride for Hope” in her honour.

“That is what this is all about, turning pain into purpose,” Seela said.

All donations raised will be split equally between the U of M Indigenous Students’ Association (UMISA) and Sunshine House, a community resource centre that tackles  community support and inclusion, along with harm reduction.

Seela plans to let Indigenous students decide how the UMISA funds will be used.

“I will be hosting a community assembly where Indigenous students will have the opportunity to voice their opinions and decide how this money should be spent,” Seela said.

The initiative also invites members of the community to participate in the daily activity in whatever form they choose.

“People can get involved by coming out for a run, walk, bike, whatever they would like! Just get your body moving,” Seela said.

Weekday runs will take place from 7 to 8 a.m., while weekend runs will take place from 9 to 10 a.m. The starting point will be across from the Princess Auto Stadium.

Seela said the initiative seeks to turn difficult experiences into action and encourage members of the university community to support one another through movement and community.

“Sometimes instead of looking for the light, you must create your own,” Seela said. “Be the light for yourself and for others.”

Donations and updates are available through the Instagram accounts @UMISACOUNCIL, @indigenouscommunity_UMSU and @Raydenseela.