New YMCA on First Nation blends exercise with spiritual health – CBC
‘To me it shows that once there is something Indigenous people are comfortable with … we go to it’
A new YMCA on a Cape Breton First Nation is aiming to combine physical activity with the spiritual health and traditional healing needs of its members, some of whom still struggle under the long shadow of the residential school system.
The new branch opened Wednesday at the Membertou Sport and Wellness Centre in Membertou First Nation. In the preceding weeks more than 150 people in the community have signed up as members.
It’s just like other YMCAs in some obvious ways, such as the exercise equipment. But the branch takes a wider approach to consider the culture and spirituality of the Mi’kmaq people.
It’s prompted “an awakening to start building healthy minds and bodies” in the community, said Adam Gould, the communications manager for Membertou.
Read More: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/wellness-fitness-exercise-life-coaching-health-1.3876414
