Today, the First Nations Centre (FNC) of the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) focused much of its health promotion efforts on children, through the launch of Our Healthy Journey, a First Nations children’s book at the Canadian Aboriginal Festival.
“With a young and growing First Nations population, investments in our children are of the highest priority,” asserts Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay, Chief Executive Officer of NAHO. “It is essential for our children to have culturally appropriate information so wise decisions can be made and the best opportunities for growth and development can be provided.”
Our Healthy Journey is a national project that was coordinated by the FNC. This book introduces health issues to First Nations children through a child-friendly information resource. First Nations children were engaged in this project through an art contest. Twenty-seven works of art were chosen for the book from First Nations children from across Canada.
“The First Nations Centre of NAHO is working to fill in the information gaps of the social determinants of health affecting the well-being of our children,” explains Earl Nowgesic, Director of the FNC. “The art pieces submitted by First Nations children for the book are outstanding and demonstrate the perspectives of how First Nations children and youth understand their own health.”
Our Healthy Journey promotes an understanding of health that encompasses the holistic and balanced development of individuals and communities.
During the book launch at the Canadian Aboriginal Festival, Our Healthy Journey was endorsed by special guest, National Chief Phil Fontaine of the Assembly of First Nations.
The resource is intended for educators, health practitioners, families, and communities to encourage healthy lifestyles that also reflect First Nations culture.
Special thanks to Steven Vanloffeld for emceeing and Sean Jacquemain for photographing the event.
“With a young and growing First Nations population, investments in our children are of the highest priority,” asserts Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay, Chief Executive Officer of NAHO. “It is essential for our children to have culturally appropriate information so wise decisions can be made and the best opportunities for growth and development can be provided.”
“The First Nations Centre of NAHO is working to fill in the information gaps of the social determinants of health affecting the well-being of our children,” explains Earl Nowgesic, Director of the FNC. “The art pieces submitted by First Nations children for the book are outstanding and demonstrate the perspectives of how First Nations children and youth understand their own health.”
During the book launch at the Canadian Aboriginal Festival, Our Healthy Journey was endorsed by special guest, National Chief Phil Fontaine of the Assembly of First Nations. 