In this issue of Spirit we celebrate men. From matriarchal to patriarchal societies the roles of men vary, but considering men as warriors and protectors for women and children in a traditional sense is as important today as it ever has been. Sisters, mothers, grandmothers, daughters, and all women need men to stand up and act against violence and lead as healthy role models. In February thousands of men across the province stood together to address violence against First Nations and Aboriginal women and girls as part of the Moosehide Campaign on page 30.
Too often men are the last to ask for support when they need it. The expectation to be ‘macho’, to be a ‘tough-guy’, not show any emotion nor ask for help is not only a part of a collective history, but also a colonial legacy. Men need help and support. They have feelings and need to be given safe places and space to share their emotions with others. On page 10 and 33 we feature a number of resources with more available on our website at www.fnha.ca. Encourage the men in your life to seek support and share what’s on their mind when they need to. Sometimes an open door, a friendly check-in, or a phone call is all that has to be done to provide a safe space to share how we feel. Other times, more support is needed. Help is available, so please reach out to your local health provider for yourself or your family members.
In this Men’s issue of Spirit we explore the traditional and contemporary roles of men in First Nations communities and share a number of wellness tips, success stories, personal diaries, role models, and much more. Other features in this issue include the Interior Nations Traditional Foods Challenge, Nutrition and Men, and 7 Days at a Northern Warrior Camp. We also share the many healthy activities that took place in community during the FNHA Winter Wellness Challenge, and the FNHC’s Beefy Chiefs 2.0 Step Up Challenge. Visit us online at www.fnha.ca to find out more information and join the online Step Up community. Especially those who are already a part of the challenge but haven’t jumped online, the Step Up "First Nations Fit" forum is meeting place for First Nations across the province who are a part of Step Up and sharing their stories of staying motivated and active.
Sharing your stories is what this magazine is about. As you will read in the winter wellness article and often in Spirit, communities’ are leading the change towards health by self-determining their personal wellness at the centre of the circle. From the No Energy Drink and Pop Challenge, to Geocaching, traditional dancing, and bringing together Elders and Children for holiday feasts and tears of joy, this is health and wellness in action.
A number of special contributors shared their stories to make this issue a success including T’exelc author Willie Sellars on his book Dipnetting with Dad, First Nations Health Council representatives Wunuxtin Chief Wayne Christian from the Splatsin Nation and Vancouver Coastal’s Ernest Armann with his personal Step Up diary, as well as other healthy stories from each region. We thank all contributors to each issue and are always on the hunt to share stories of First Nations wellness. Get in touch with our editorial team to share your images or words at Spiritmagazine@fnha.ca.
We hope you enjoy the Men’s issue of Spirit and stay tuned for the Women’s issue coming out this fall!
Download the Spirit Magazine Men’s Issue Here (PDF 2.03 MB)