CHILD & YOUTH DIABETES

Child & Youth Diabetes Strategy – Virtual Learning and Connecting Series

This series will be quarterly, and each episode will feature different speaker(s) on topics related to health and Indigenous communities. The goal of the series is to inform participants from various sectors about Indigenous communities and their relationships with health and wellness, as well as with chronic disease like diabetes.

Meetings through this series will foster and encourage relationships between speakers, foundation and nonprofit leaders, as well as researchers and policy makers who are looking at working with and better supporting Indigenous communities.

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. Register 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 Traditional Wellness Coordinator, 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)