A Mindful Indigenous Approach to Art and Science
The Indigenous Mindfulness Coalition (IMC) is a registered 501c3 organization 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.
IMC Board of Directors
President/Founder
Jacob Cousin MPH
Jacob is an Oglala Sioux tribal member and African American wellness practitioner whose work bridges Indigenous knowledge, movement, health education, and community healing. A Gates Millennium Scholar with training in public health and health behavior through the Brown University School of Public Health, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to wellness that emphasizes cultural responsiveness, resilience, and whole-person well-being.
As a dancer, trauma-informed yoga instructor, and educator, Jacob leads studio operations, develops movement-based curriculum, and supports community partnerships that expand access to wellness programming. His expertise includes trauma-informed training, anatomy and health education, and culturally grounded approaches to movement and healing that help individuals and communities reconnect with their strengths and traditions.
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Vice President
Jeffrey Proulx PhD
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 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 faculty at Brown. His research has focused on the integration of contemplative practice with behavioral medicine and public health, particularly among Indigenous and underserved communities.
Cultural Director
Matagi I’atala
Matagi I’atala is an Oglala Lakota, Iháŋktȟuŋwaŋ (Yankton Sioux Tribe), and Samoan cultural arts practitioner whose work is deeply rooted in Indigenous ceremony, storytelling, and traditional arts. Drawing on teachings passed through family and community, she brings extensive experience in sewing, beadwork, moccasin making, and women’s cultural teachings, helping to strengthen connections to identity, culture, and community wellness.
Within the Indigenous Mindfulness Coalition, Matagi leads cultural arts programming and helps guide the integration of Indigenous values and ceremonial practices throughout our work. She supports elder engagement, youth programming, and cultural protocol, ensuring that community activities are grounded in respect, relationship, and traditional knowledge while creating meaningful opportunities for intergenerational learning and cultural revitalization.