The Benefits of Physical Activity for First Nation, Inuit and Métis Communities: Sharing Knowledge and Community Leading Practices
The Saint Elizabeth First Nations, Inuit and Métis Program is developing an interactive e-learning course to encourage the use of the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines* in all community-based programs. This innovative educational resource
incorporates culturally relevant messages based on the guidelines, for use by First Nations, Inuit and Métis recreation and
health workers. The course is hosted by Wab Kinew, the Director of Indigenous Inclusion at the University of Winnipeg, and a well-known television host and musician.
Adapting the physical activity guidelines is necessary to ensure inclusion of relevant and culturally-appropriate, community-based activities that take into account the influence of geography and available infrastructure and resources in First Nations,
Inuit and Métis communities.
Saint Elizabeth is leading this initiative with the same values that have guided and enriched our work over the past decade.
We think it’s particularly important to involve communities and partners in identifying challenges and solutions. We have
already shared a draft version of the course at the National Aboriginal Physical Activity Conference in Vancouver, and will
hold a series of webinars over the coming months to gain further input before it is finalized. Once completed this spring, the
course will be shared through webinars, social media platforms and the Saint Elizabeth First Nations, Inuit and Métis Program national bilingual knowledge exchange platform.
This initiative was made possible through funding contributions from the Public Health Agency of Canada and Manitoba
Aboriginal and Northern Affairs. It is a partnership between Saint Elizabeth, Manitoba Aboriginal and Northern Affairs, and
First Nations and Inuit Health Branch of Health Canada.
*The current Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines can be accessed athttp://www.csep.ca/english/view.asp?xl=804
For more information, please contact:
Janetta Soup, B. Mgmt
Alberta Engagement Liaison
403.251.0099
janettasoup@saintelizabeth.com
Suzanne Stephenson, BA
Quebec Engagement Liaison
514.251.0135
suzannestephenson@saintelizabeth.com
NT5
