Mosaadan Mino Bmaadiziwin conference successful for fifth year
By Marci Becking
SAULT STE. MARIE – Everyone learned something new at the Mosaadan Mino Bmaadiziwin (Walk the Good Life) health conference held in Sault Ste. Marie, Jan. 21-23.
Val Monague from Beausoleil First Nation said she learned a lot in the sex information session facilitated by HIV/AIDS program coordinator. Bob Goulais, emcee for the event, said that he learned about reflexology and foot care – especially important for those who are diabetic. Carol Jones from Magnetawan First Nation took the A-Z’s of Plant Medicines workshop facilitated by Thecla Neganegjig and learned easier ways to make medicines.
In its fifth year, this popular, well-attended conference for First Nations health staff offers trainings and valuable networking opportunities.
Over 200 participants enjoyed the many keynote speakers and 20 workshops.
Dr. Alika Lafontaine spoke about Health Transformation, Jennifer Walker spoke about Dementia – Detection, Data and Determination, Alethea Kewayosh gave an update from Cancer Care Ontario, Christian Hebert updated on Jordan’s Principle, Michelle Lafontaine spoke about Pregnancy and Infant Loss, Dr. Lori Haskell educated the participants on Human Trafficking, and Lindsay Cosh gave a keynote on Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyles.
Jamie Restoule, Health Department Director for the Anishinabek Nation, says that he believes that over the past five years, they have created a conference that touches on not just current health priorities, but also brings culture and hands-on learning.
“The combination makes the conference unique and the smaller, more intimate settings lets health leaders from our communities network on an annual basis with colleagues they may not have had a chance to catch up with over the year,” says Restoule. “Our Anishinabek health staff do an incredible job of making sure participants are taken care of while they are here, which is definitely a very important piece to the success of the conference as well.”
Elder Barb Nolan participated in the conference, not only to support those who needed to talk to someone after a heavy session, but she treated herself to the foot care that was offered as well.
“This conference is very informative and I think everyone likes the variety of topics covered in the workshops and by the presenters,” says Nolan. “There was really great workshops on Dementia and Diabetes – diseases that affect our people.”
Day one also saw the naming of three Heroes in Health: Shirley Corbiere, Community Health Representative of Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation, Karen Pitawanakwat, Registered Nurse Community Researcher from Wikwemikong Health Services, and Wendy Tyson, Community Wellness Worker for Wahnapitae First Nation.
The Heroes in Health Award is presented to individuals who help in building capacity in our First Nations by empowering our members to become more active, healthy, and improve the overall well-being in our First Nations.
Organizers are unsure whether the health conference next year will stay in Sault Ste. Marie. They have had to cap registrations and limit the amount of people in workshop rooms due to space.