CHILD & YOUTH DIABETES

Child & Youth Diabetes Strategy – Virtual Learning and Connecting Series

Each episode of this series features different speakers on topics related to health and Indigenous communities, with a goal to share with and inform participants about Indigenous communities’ concepts of health and wellness, as well as chronic diseases like diabetes.

Meetings through this series foster and encourage relationships between speakers, communities, foundations and nonprofit leaders, health workers, knowledge keepers, researchers, and policy-makers to work with and better support Indigenous communities.

Episode 8: Culturally Responsive Evaluation (CRE) Frameworks – May 9, 2024

On this episode of the Lawson Foundation’s Child & Youth Diabetes Strategy Virtual Learning and Connecting Series, Amber Bedard and Sofia Vitalis of Reciprocal Consulting joined us to dive into culturally responsive evaluation (CRE) frameworks which look at best and promising practices through Indigenous evaluation methodology. Together, Amber and Sofia discuss how these frameworks provide space for further discussion on tangible tools that can assist with actionable steps to further decolonization and reconciliation work. (Recording available here)

Episode 7: The Philanthropic Sector and the MMIWG2S+ 231 Calls for Justice and 7 Principles for Change – April 30, 2024

Hilda Anderson-Pyrz, Chair from the National Family and Survivors Circle Inc., will discuss the 231 Calls for Justice, which are legal imperatives with an urgent need to be acted upon to create substantial and systemic change. This presents an opportunity for the philanthropic community to engage, collaborate, and demonstrate leadership by supporting the implementation the 231 Calls for Justice and the 7 Principles for Change so that all Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people are valued and respected, and live with substantive equality in Canada. (Recording available here)

Episode 6: “Healthy Eating” and Indigenous Food Sovereignty – April 18, 2024

Dr. Tabitha Robin is a mixed ancestry Métis and Cree researcher, educator, and writer. She is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems at the University of British Columbia, and the co-founder of Ininiwikistayikewin Seed Library. This presentation will share insight into how the Cree language and value system contains instructions for how to eat well and be in relation to our food system, and the implications for Indigenous knowledges as Indigenous food sovereignty. (This event was not recorded)

Episode 5: Niqitiavait – “The Good Foods” Inuit Foods, Languages and Ways of life – February 26, 2024

Inuk Elder Martha Peet will talk about Nigitiavait, “the Good Foods”, commonly consumed original foods for Inuit Peoples. Original foods are plants or animals that are indigenous to the land, meaning they existed naturally on the land before settlers arrived. Martha Peet was born in in an igloo in Taloyoak and grew up with parents who were “nomads” and found it difficult to stay in one place for a long period of time. (Recording available here)

Episode 4: Innovative Approaches to First Nations Wellness – November 23, 2023

David Gill, a retired National Team athlete and First Nations Health promotion specialist, presents on high-impact, community-centred initiatives designed to foster health and well-being within First Nations communities, including the Ancestors’ Challenge and The Great Portage. (Recording available here)

Episode 3: Indigenous Birth Helpers – October 12, 2023

During the session, featuring Jolene Mercer, Chairperson & Co-Founder, Wiiji’idiwag Ikwewag and Kathleen Bluesky, Co-Founder, Principal Consultant & Lead Trainer, Seven Feathers Consulting, participants gain valuable insights and knowledge on the topic ‘Indigenous Birth Helpers: Restoring Birthing Practices and Knowledges.’ (Recording available here)

Episode 2: Culture & Diabetes – August 10, 2023

Hosted by IDHC Traditional Wellness Coordinator Kathleen LaForme, Elder Renée Thomas-Hill and Dr. Karen Hill discussed an integrated approach to diabetes wellness. Dr. Hill described diabetes as a physical state of being out of which, with self-love and patience, we are each capable of walking out of one step at a time. (Recording available here)

Episode 1: Food Matters – April 6, 2023

Demian Lawrenchuk, Fox Lake Cree Nation & Executive Director, Food Matters Manitoba, spoke about the work of Food Matters Manitoba; the connections and relationships between the land, food, animals, and people; Swampy Cree teachings and harvesting life; and how conservation, food security, food sovereignty, and health intersect. (Recording available here)