On the traditional territories of the We Wai Kai Nation, Kwakiutl District Health Council held a Winter Wellness Challenge Event on December 9. The event had a number of activities that related to each of the First Nations Health Authority’s Wellness Streams. These events ranged from Cedar Weaving to Family Fit classes, Tobacco speakers and a healthy traditional-style meal. All of these classes were open to children, parents, families and Elders.
Organizers of the event knew that the timing would be difficult due to other community priorities like Christmas concerts, shopping, parties and other meetings. An enthusiastic effort was made to make sure that the event was attended well and in the end over 70 people attended. Those that did attend enjoyed the event immensely with many choosing to stay for the entire day, from 10am to 6pm.
Evaluations of the event were completed by attendees and this highlighted the enthusiasm, “What I liked most was socializing with all ages” and “I would like to see more events like this one”.
The event, while well attended, was in direct competition with a lot of differing priorities for the community. If the event was to be held again then the best time to hold it would be January. This would also give organizers a chance to hold classes in the evening so that the working population may be included.
An event such as the one held by KDC Health offer communities the chance to see and do things that they would not normally do. It benefits the individual as well as the community’s wellness.
