Indigenous Diabetes Initiative
Diabetes Empowerment
The Indigenous Diabetes Initiative partners with the five Wolastoqey communities (Welamukotuk, Sitansisk, Bilijk, Wotask and Matawaskiye) that are serviced by the Wolastoqey Tribal Council Inc.. Together, with the five Indigenous Diabetes Initiative community workers, projects and programs are designed and offered.
Working to inform community members about the various aspects of diabetes, and assist those members in making small, but effective changes to manage their diabetes. Using a variety of methods to reach a diverse audience has been a positive way to attract new clientele. Examples include:
- A variety of community competitions to encourage the development of healthy lifestyle habits;
- In community simple, healthy cooking gatherings;
- Awareness gatherings to teach about the basics of diabetes or to look at specific topics.
Diabetes & Food Sustainability
Diabetes work is interconnected with sustainable food and fits within an Indigenous way of being. Having available fresh vegetables through gardening takes us back to the land and nurtures healthy habits. Highlights of our food sustainability projects include:
- The Three Sisters Gardening Project;
- Diabetic friendly recipe bags;
- Planting fruit trees in communities;
- Sponsorship of “Fresh is Best” for diabetic clientele;
- Donation of seedlings to community members as well as community gardens.
The following resources are also currently in development:
- An Wabanaki traditional food almanac
- An orientation manual developed in partnership for Wolastoqey Diabetes Initiative workers
- Diabetes education pamphlets
Contact: Tina Nicholas, tina.nicholas@wolastoqey.ca