We want to hear about your community-led wellness celebrations
A joint message from Richard Jock, FNHA Chief Executive Officer; and Dr. Nel Wieman, FNHA Chief Medical Officer
Every year on or around June 21, many First Nations people – and our allies – gather to celebrate the beauty, pride and strength of First Nations communities, traditions, and culture. For example, on June 20, the First Nations Health Authority's (FNHA) Lower Mainland offices will be getting together for a picnic that will include cultural activities and traditional foods.
Many First Nations communities in BC invite the non-First Nations public to attend National Indigenous Peoples Day gatherings in their community, so be sure to look for opportunities to meet and celebrate with a community in your area on June 21!
You can find information on many celebrations happening across BC by visiting local news pages, Nation websites and social media channels, or through the Indigenous Tourism website.
We look forward to receiving your photos and hearing about your celebrations, especially the ones made possible by our Indigenous Peoples Day of Wellness Grants. First Nations communities and organizations in BC are eligible to apply for grants annually to host community-led wellness celebrations, events, and honour National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Here are some ideas for celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day, based on the FNHA's four key wellness streams:
- Healthy Eating: Canning workshops, traditional foods and plant harvesting, community feasts, food hampers, cooking classes, etc.
- Being Active: Canoeing, cultural games and activities, community relays, dancing, powwow Zumba, yoga workshops, walking and wellness challenges, etc.
- Nurturing Spirit: Making medicine bags, drums, moccasins, ribbon skirts, beading workshops, language workshops, Elders teachings, drumming, etc.
- Respecting Tobacco: Tobacco and traditional medicines workshop, growing or harvesting traditional tobacco and other medicines, gifting tobacco, etc.
This year, during Indigenous History Month in June, the FNHA is featuring stories that highlight the strengths and talents of First Nations youth across BC who are making a difference. You can read the first of those stories on our website, with more stories to come later this month.
If you would like to share how your community has celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day, or would like to share what the day means to you, please send your photos and stories to wellness@fnha.ca. You will be entered to win a VISA gift card and an opportunity to have your story posted on our website. We look forward to hearing from you!
