“As we work hard to recover from the impacts of colonial systems, we must remember to take time to restore ourselves. We can reclaim our health and grow strong in our minds, bodies, and spirits by embracing the medicines of our Ancestors – our healthy foods and sacred waters, physical activity, and our connection to our communities, lands, cultures, and knowledge.” – Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 14, 2024
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB —The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is unveiling a new campaign to promote healthy living and encourage good health and well-being. The campaign is being launched on World Diabetes Day, as the disease continues to take a disproportionate toll on First Nation people of all ages. Statistics reveal First Nation children are 25 times more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes than all other children in Manitoba. The numbers also show more than 80% of children living with type 2 diabetes in Manitoba are First Nation children.
“We are in a health care crisis that needs to end. Let’s take time to care for ourselves and nourish all aspects of our health,” stated SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “Before colonization, we led active lives and ate natural and nutritious foods. We were connected to our families, communities, lands and culture. We can reclaim that approach to improve the overall well-being of our peoples.”
The multi-media campaign led by SCO’s Health Transformation team centres on traditional Anishinaabe and Dakota teachings. It includes healthy living tips and words of encouragement for all stages of life and is focused on the following seven themes:
- Food is Medicine
- Water is Medicine
- Movement is Medicine
- Community is Medicine
- Land is Medicine
- Culture is Medicine
- Knowledge is Medicine
SCO has designed a web page with tips on staying healthy and strong in mind, body, and spirit. You can find the page on our website.
There are many First Nations embracing healthier living. Gambler First Nation now has a geodome to grow fresh produce and raise fresh fish for its citizens year-round.
“Food sovereignty in our Nations is vital when it comes to reconnecting to the natural foods we used to enjoy and which kept us healthy,” said Gambler First Nation Chief David Ledoux. “We must all commit to developing more resources to give our citizens better access to locally grown, healthy, and traditional food options.”
“It’s up to you, to me, to everyone, to pause and consider healthier options in all that we do,” added Grand Chief Daniels. “SCO is joining you on the path to better health through our Health Transformation team and their work to design First Nation lead community-based healthcare services, where our traditional holistic ways will be included in care.”
Billboards and e-billboards sharing information on SCO’s Healthy Living campaign are up in Brandon, Dauphin, Portage la Prairie, Selkirk, and Winnipeg. If you’re catching the bus, you’ll see the campaign posters on buses and at transit shelters in Winnipeg and Brandon.
You can learn more about SCO’s Health Transformation work on our website.
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 33 First Nations and more than 87,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
For media inquiries:
Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca