Mandate
Based on a research-action approach, Nitahigan’s mandate is to develop both innovative and adapted strategies to involve young people in the development of Type 2 diabetes prevention and health promotion methods.
Objectives
¨ To involve young Aboriginals between the age of 12 and 15 in the development of Type 2 diabetes prevention and health promotion measures.
¨ Increase young people’s knowledge on the risk factors for Type 2 diabetes.
¨ Identify winning strategies for pursuing a Type 2 diabetes prevention and health promotion program, notably through family involvement.
Activities
¨ Sports and recreational activities: gymnastics, skating, swimming, etc.
¨ Outdoor activities: camping, forest outings.
¨ Activities and awareness workshops on themes related to physical and mental health (gambling, nutrition, smoking, diabetes, etc.)
¨ Cooking workshops
¨ Promotion of physical activity and healthy lifestyles: stair climbing challenge, 5/30 health challenge, Quit to Win challenge, etc.
¨ Document sports activities invented by Aboriginal people.
¨ Develop an Internet tool that promotes healthy lifestyles in young people.
¨ Family activities on pedagogical holidays.
Target Clientele
Young Aboriginals between the age of 12 and 15.
Funding
Funding by the Public Health Agency of Canada under the Canadian Diabetes Strategy Community-Based Program.
Background
Implemented in October 2007, Nitahigan is an important complement to the Friendship Centre’s existing programs. This program comes in support of both the Minikek diabetes prevention project that was inaugurated in 2001 at the friendship Centre, and the Youth Service, by specifically targeting a clientele aged from 12 to 15.
Scope of Activities
We act as facilitators and offer support but we do not do any direct interventions nor provide health care.
