Students participate in self esteem building workshop
First Nation cancer care course expanding to all provinces
9th Annual First Nations Get Fit Challenge continues fitness & health success
Students participate in self esteem building workshop
By Xavier Kataquapit
More than 250 school children discovered the empowerment of self confidence and feeling good about themselves through a diabetes prevention initiative in Timmins, ON, November 4th. They made this discovery through workshops provided by Turtle Concepts, led by Dave ‘Jaegar’ Jones in a one day event held at the McIntyre Area and produced by the Timmins Diabetes Expo. Turtle Concepts is an Aboriginal-based group that provides empowerment workshops to build self esteem for youth. It’s founder and lead organizer, Jones, a member of Garden River First Nation, was invited by the Timmins Diabetes Expo Committee to present an empowerment workshop with the idea that young people who feel better about themselves make better choices.
First Nation Students participated in a recent youth self esteem building workshop in Timmins. From L-R: Max Worme, Jake Sarazin, Principal, Mary Jane Memorial School, Mattagami First Nation; Ethan McKay, Emily Ludebeck, Patsy McKay, Student Escort; Charles George, Madison Nicholas, Elizabeth Stelcer and Dave ‘Jaegar’ Jones. In front are Committee Chair, Peggy Claveau, Wabun Tribal Council and Richard Aubin, Metis Nation of Ontario.
“It was a busy and exciting day for all of us. The students had a great time and as well an opportunity to learn about leading a healthy lifestyle. With diabetes approaching epidemic proportions we need our youth to make better choices,” said Peggy Claveau, Committee Chair, Timmins Diabetes Expo Committee and Wabun Health Services representative.
The event focused on sending the message to the children to feel good about their self image and learn to become more self confident. This message was presented through segments that included entertaining presentations, role playing games, role models and an exercise period styled as the Turtle Concepts ‘boot camp’. The role models for the event included Turtle Concepts members Jamie Davey, Cody Syrette, Patrick Champagne and Darus Ramoutar. The Turtle Concepts role models also included Sierra Jones-McLeod and Sarah Gasparetto, two grade five students from W Earle Miller School.
“I am here today to provide a funky, fun and sweet message to these children that it is OK to feel good about ourselves and to allow others around us to be who they are. These students all know what is right in terms of healthy eating and exercise. My role today is to reinforce that knowledge in a fun way and to show them that when we feel good about ourselves, good things happen in our lives and we make healthy choices,” said Jones.
Four area schools took part in the event including; W Earle Miller School, Pinecrest Public School, St Pauls School and Mattagami First Nation Mary Jane Memorial Elementary School.
Regina Harper, Core French Teacher at St Paul’s School felt that the event provided her students with an informative and entertaining workshop.
“Our students had a great time. I really liked the way the day long event was presented and handled by the organizers. It provided a fun time for our children as well as a plenty of education and information on healthy eating, exercise and learning to feel good about ourselves,” said Harper.
Students had an opportunity to participate in a two part event. An introductory session was provided in the morning and then the students were split into two groups. The first group took part in a healthy eating and snacking workshop led by the Timmins Diabetes Expo organizing committee. The second group took part in a ‘boot camp’ physical exercise and self esteem workshop led by Jones. The Turtle Concepts ‘boot camp’ was a fun series of role playing games to get children to take part in physical activities and learn about how to boost their self esteem and confidence.
“I had a lot of fun today and it was awesome. I know that we have to learn to take care of ourselves in many ways. It was also fun to meet other students and make new friends,” said Dylan Lafleur, a 12 year old, grade six student from St Paul’s School.
The day long event was hosted by the Timmins Diabetes Expo committee including Committee Chair, Peggy Claveau, Wabun Tribal Council; Julie St. Onge, Canadian Diabetes Association; Holly Pontello, VON (Victorian Order of Nurses) Diabetes Education Centre; Richard Aubin, Metis Nation of Ontario; Martin Paul, Porcupine Health Unit; Christine Devaney, Timmins Family Health Team; Caitlyn Lefebvre, Timmins Native Friendship Centre; Kelly Geddes, Aboriginal Peoples Alliance of Northern Ontario (APANO) and Joe-Anne Chaput, VON (Victorian Order of Nurses) Diabetes Education Centre.
The main funding for the Timmins Diabetes Expo was provided by Northern Diabetes Health Network (NDHN). Other sponsors included: Timmins Inns & Suites, Minuteman Press, Northern Credit Union, Moose FM and Your Independent Grocer (YIG) Timmins.
National Chief commends parliament’s support for clean drinking water for First Nations, urges full engagement of First Nations
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo welcomed all party support on November 17th for addressing the needs of First Nation communities requiring access to clean, running water in their homes, and urged the Government of Canada to work with First Nations on implementation.
“Access to safe, potable water and sanitation is a basic human right, and I commend all parties for their acknowledgement that urgent attention is required to ensure First Nation citizens have access to clean, running water in their homes,” said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo. “Report after report reveals the stark reality that the situation is only getting worse. Now is the time to act and First Nations are keen to work together with all levels of government in ways that respect our rights and responsibilities and the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, so we can better ensure the safety of our people.”
The motion, introduced by Liberal Leader Bob Rae in the House of Commons today, calls on the Government of Canada to address on an urgent basis the needs of First Nations communities whose members do not have access to clean, running water in their homes, referring to the lack of access as a disparity representing an “affront to our sense of justice and fairness as Canadians”.
In July 2011, the National Water Assessment revealed that 73 per cent of water facilities were found to be in high and medium overall risk to First Nations. This week, EcoJustice released “Waterproof 3 - Canada’s Drinking Water Report Card”, which found that water quality in First Nation communities remains far below that of other communities in Canada and that there are few signs of improvement. In the report, Ecojustice calls for concrete funding and a clear action plan to address the failures of federal action.
There are currently 126 First Nation communities with drinking water advisories.
“Safe drinking water requires more than writing new regulations. It requires infrastructure and facilities, skills, training and resources,” said National Chief Atleo. “We must work together to develop a plan, supported by resources, that will actually achieve safe and clean drinking water for our citizens and communities.”
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.
First Nation cancer care course expanding to all provinces
An innovative web-based professional development course is broadening its reach following a successful 2009 launch in British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. @YourSide Colleague® Cancer Care course, a joint initiative of Saint Elizabeth and the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, is now offered in Alberta and Ontario and will be available in Quebec and the Atlantic provinces by March 31, 2012. The course provides cancer care knowledge to health-care providers working in First Nation communities that face barriers such as distance, severe weather and staff shortages when seeking access to information about prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, palliative and end-of-life care.
“This innovative course is providing much needed cancer training to help Canada’s many dedicated health-care providers better serve and work with First Nation communities,” says the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, federal Minister of Health. “Its expansion to all provinces demonstrates how partners can come together and harness successes to benefit even more First Nation communities. Collaboration to address common health and cancer goals is very much in the spirit of why our government created the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer.”
9th Annual First Nations Get Fit Challenge continues fitness & health success
By Edwin Kolausok
The 9th Annual First Nations Get Fit Challenge starts on January 14, 2012 and provides First Nations, Métis and Inuit people with an exciting opportunity to get into the best fitness shape of their life -lose weight or stay healthy. It also offers participants an opportunity to win cash prizes for getting fit!
The First Nations Get Fit Challenge promotes and encourages Aboriginal people to actively improve their personal health and wellness. According to Clay Bruno, President of First Nations Get Fit Challenge, “The First Nations Get Fit Challenge is a fitness and nutrition program designed to encourage First Nations, Inuit, Métis - living on or off reserve throughout Canada to become physically active, eat healthy, and improve their personal well being. It also provides a structured opportunity within your community to challenge each other by providing incentives, and partnering with your existing support systems, and recreation/fitness facilities to help you achieve your fitness and health goals.”
The First Nations Get Fit Challenge is a two step personal wellness program that advocates regular physical activity and a healthy diet. Program participants are guided through a 12-week program that provides the basic steps toward improving health and wellness. Participants are provided instructions on how to exercise regularly and daily meal plans to help maintain weight. They are also provided with encouragement and incentives that are intended to motivate them to complete the program. Clay Bruno notes, “The First Nations Get Fit Challenge has helped many Aboriginal people across Canada to engage in a structured fitness and health program with excellent results. Since we first started the Fitness Challenge, over 3000 participants have benefitted with some substantially reducing their weight and learning how to eat healthy, stay fit and live more productive and happy lives.”
With $25,000 in cash prizes you don’t want to miss this exciting First Nations Get Fit Challenge so tell friends, family and challenge yourself or your friends to join this exciting fitness challenge. All the details are on the Internet at www.firstnationsgetfitchallenge.com but here is how it works:
First Nations Get Fit Challenge is on from January 14, 2012 to April 8, 2012. It cost $100.00 to register. Download the Application Registration Form from www.first-nationsgetfitchallenge.com. Fill out the Form and make sure you provide proof of your Native ancestry such as a Status Card or Nationhood Card issued by your government or other legal document. Choose the category you wish to enter (You can choose more than one category but you will have to pay $100.00 for each category you enter). The categories are: Women’s Weight Loss; Men’s Weight Loss; Men’s Warriors; Ladies Fitness; Couples; 50+; Youth Challenge of 4 People; Youth Challenge 13-17 ($75.00). Fill out the form and sign it.
Once you register and submit payment (see details online) you are ready to engage a dynamic, exciting health and fitness program designed for you to become fit and healthy.
Enjoy the Christmas festive season, gravy and all, dance through New Years and enjoy the food, then get ready to enjoy Getting Fit with thousands of other Aboriginal people across Turtle Island because on January 14, 2012 the First Nations Get Fit Challenge begins – a challenge that will help you get fit and enjoy your journey to whatever success, health and fitness goals you have planned for yourself, your family and friends. Megweetch, Mahsi, Merci, Hai Hai, Hytch’ka, Quanna, Lim Limpt – and may all enjoy a wonderful festive season and a healthy, happy, prosperous and fit New Year.