Description:

Description: The Healthy Living Program is designed to promote and support healthier lifestyles for urban Indigenous people. By offering community members opportunities to learn about nutrition, physical activity, and overall wellness, the program aims to create a culture of health within the community. The program particularly emphasizes youth leadership by encouraging young people to become role models for healthy living among their peers. Through mentoring, training, and community involvement, youth are prepared to take on leadership roles in promoting wellness. The Healthy Living Program provides a safe and inclusive space for people of all ages to improve their health and well-being in a fun, engaging way.

Objective:

• Promote Healthier Lifestyles: Encourage urban Indigenous people to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyle habits.
• Youth Leadership: Foster youth leadership by training young people to promote healthy living and become wellness advocates in their communities.
• Create Safe & Inclusive Spaces: Provide a welcoming space for individuals of all ages to engage in activities that improve their health.
• Health Education: Equip community members with the knowledge and tools to make healthier lifestyle choices, including nutrition and fitness.

Program Services:

• Healthy Nutrition Information: Educating community members on proper nutrition and healthy eating habits.
• Smoking Cessation Support: Providing resources and assistance for individuals seeking to quit smoking.
• Healthier Lifestyle Alternatives: Introducing healthier options for everyday living, including food choices and physical activities.

Program Activities:

• Medicine Walks: Guided walks to learn about traditional plants and their healing properties.
• Medicine Gathering: Foraging for wild edibles to enhance knowledge of local, traditional foods.
• Interactive Workshops: Hands-on activities such as cooking classes and fitness training to engage participants in active learning.
• Cooking Classes: Teaching participants how to prepare nutritious meals with traditional and modern ingredients.
• Fitness Training: Offering physical activity sessions to improve strength, endurance, and overall health.
• Sport & Recreational Activities: Providing opportunities for physical recreation, promoting fun and active living.

Participant Services:

• Bike Maintenance Training: Teaching participants how to maintain and repair their bikes for active transportation.
• Meal Planning & Grocery Support: Helping individuals plan meals and navigate grocery stores to make healthier food choices.
• Nutritional Goal Setting: Assisting participants in setting and achieving personal nutritional goals for better health.

Outreach Services:

• YMCA Access: Providing community members with access to YMCA facilities and resources.
• Trent/Fleming Program Collaboration: Partnering with local educational institutions to expand access to wellness programs and resources.