Encouraging community members young and old to stay active, eat healthy and nurture their spirit was the focus of the 2014 Winter Wellness Challenge.
M’akola Group of Societies, including M’akola Development Services, partnered with the Songhees First Nation in the event titled “Netsamaat” a Coast Salish word meaning “We are all one.”
M’akola staff teamed up with Songhees First Nation staff to plan and organize the event for its Dec. 16, 2014 launch. More than 120 people (individuals/families) attended the event at the Songhees Wellness Centre.
On top of contributions from Songhees and M’akola, the event was awarded a generous grant from the First Nation Health Authority.
The event began with traditional dancing from the Songhees First Nation Dance Group. Later in the evening the Esquimalt First Nation Dance Group performed.
Four youth, Aboriginal coaches from DPL CrossFit led a community workout with variations scaled to meet all fitness abilities.
All participants were given a T-shirt and were encouraged to sign a pledge stating they would: a) be active, b) eat healthy and c) nurture spirit.
