VCC Mental Health and Wellbeing Day Event

VCC is excited to host its annual Mental Health and Wellbeing Event - Connecting Through Music, Movement, and Laughter. The event is happening in person at the Broadway campus event space in building B. Students, staff, family and community members are encouraged to stop by on Wednesday, May 22 between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. You may visit our college and community resource tables, listen to music, enjoy bannock and cake, try Thai Chi, get a hand massage, and pet a therapy dog or two, as well as sign up for one or more of the workshops. 

Please see the schedule below to try an activity and learn something new about the many ways to connect with one another and to support our well-being.

Ongoing activities in the event space

• Live music with VCC music students Julia and Nathan
• Tai Chi with Taoist Tai Chi®️
• Hand massage service from VCC's Esthetics and Spa therapy students
• Therapy dogs (Ground level outside)

Presenter Bios

Elder John
	Born into the Wolf Clan of Tutchone and Tlingit (Dene Nation) in Whitehorse Yukon, Elder John has facilitated many VCC workshops in carving, paint/design and, drum and rattle making. He enjoys creating and making people happy with what he has learned.
Clayton Munro	Welcome address
	Clayton joined VCC in December 2019 as Dean, Indigenous Initiatives and entered the role of AVP in August 2020. With the Vice President, Students and Community Development, Clayton ensures quality, relevance, and accessibility of all student services and policies. Clayton also leads cross-institutional initiatives on student life, mental health and wellbeing, issues resolution, and strategic enrolment.
Sandra Jara	Chair Yoga
	Since discovering yoga and meditation 25 years ago, Sandra enjoys understanding the relationship between body, mind and spirit. Sandra has been exploring yoga and meditation as a strengthening practice to self-care, dealing with adversities, generating loving feeling, as well as improving mental clarity and agility.
Lyle Povah	The Drum Circle
	Lyle Povah is a global musician, drum circle facilitator, and yoga teacher, dedicated to health and community building. An avid endurance athlete, Lyle runs marathons and ultramarathons worldwide. His most recent passion project, the Drum Run Adventure Tour, spanned 1,500 kilometres across 22 cities in BC, combining drum circles and running.
Sunghee Lapell	Laughter Yoga
	Sunghee has been a certified Laughter Yoga leader since 2008. Laughter Yoga has helped Sunghee open to her inner joy and express herself in a healthy way through laughter. She discovered that laughter magically connects people from all different cultural backgrounds, languages, ages and beliefs, uniting people from around the world.
Theda Phoenix	Sound healing
	Theda is a sacred sound channel, intuitive singer, sound-healer, songwriter and recording artist whose enchanting voice, shamanic sounds and soul inspiring lyrics move people deeply, promoting wellness and transformation.
Hassti Hamidi	Ecstatic dance
	Hassti is a passionate dancer, music curator, nature lover, home cook, plant parent, city farmer, daughter, wife, sister, friend, and student of life. She likes to move people not only physically but also emotionally and spiritually. She fearlessly explores unconventional tunes and rhythms, guiding dancers on a journey of self-discovery and liberation. She believes in the transformative power of movement and curates her music selection that transcends boundaries, inviting participants to explore the depths of their being and practice authentic movement.