Partnering with other organizations and First Nations has enabled us at M’akola to bring the Nétsamaát Winter Wellness Event back for the second year in a row.
“M’akola is proud to be a part of this event and we are thrilled to have our tenants from Victoria and the Western Communities invited as well as members from Songhees and Esquimalt Nations and the general public,” said M’akola CEO Kevin Albers.
The health and wellness event is on Jan. 13, 2016 from 5:30-7:30pm at the Songhees Wellness Centre. It will include a cultural component as well as an all inclusive workout and healthy meal.
“Partnerships are important to Songhees and it shows our community we can all work together in a good way in doing events like this, especially around health and wellness in our communities,” said Songhees Chief Ron Sam. “With the fast-paced lifestyle for individuals and families now a days it’s important to look after ourselves and our families so we are all as happy and healthy as we can be.”
The event will feature Lekwungen Dancers and the Esquimalt Singers and Dancers. “I think this event is awesome. In this day and age both traditional ways and health are being pushed aside. My three kids are dancers and having them perform at events like this one brings things to a whole new level for them,” said Jesse Rice, a Lekwungen dancer.
Chris McElroy, Songhees Community Recreation Coordinator, will be leading the FitNation workout that is inclusive to all ages and abilities. He will be assisted by the Songhees Advanced Youth Leadership group.
“The idea is to get everyone moving and active for 15 minutes, I am hoping this event can get people excited about personal health and wellness,” said McElroy.
A healthy, diabetic-friendly meal will be prepared by the Chopped Songhees Chefs and during the meal motivational speaker Gerry Oldman will talk about the importance of health and fitness.
“It’s so important for us to emphasize healthy eating and staying active. This event is a great way to bring families together and spend an evening focusing on the health of our families. Esquimalt is so happy to be a part of this,” said Esquimalt Chief Andy Thomas.
The evening is based on a pledge created by the First Nation Health Authority (FNHA) and each participant will pledge to engage in: Being Active, Eating Healthy, Nurturing Spirit and Respecting Tobacco.
Everyone who signs the pledge will receive a free T-Shirt with our event logo designed by Songhees artist Butch Dick.
Thanks to a grant from the FNHA and contributions from all partners we are anticipating 300 people to attend.
“The First Nations Health Authority is pleased to support this winter wellness event for Island families and partner with M’akola Group once again. This is one of 125 events across BC including 27 on the Island, supporting First Nations communities on their journey to good health,” said Curt Walker, FNHA Chief Administrative Officer. “This event will bring together a number of partners for what sounds like an exciting and healthy day of activities touching on all four FNHA Wellness Streams of Being Active, Eating Healthy, Nurturing Spirit and Respecting Tobacco. We hope the members involved have an inspiring day that encourages them on their wellness journey and supports positive change in their lifestyle habits this year.”
Transportation has also been arranged and a bus will be picking people up at various M’akola Housing sites in Langford and Victoria.
Songhees Nation, Esquimalt Nation, First Nations Health Authority, M’akola Housing Society, M’akola Development Services, Team Sales, Wilson’s Transportation and Popeye’s Supplements have all partnered on the event.
