It was an incredible honour to attend and participate in the Maskwacis Health Services Tawaw Diabetes Conference yesterday. Their theme was “Come in, everyone welcome, there’s room” Pretty powerful message.
Indigenous peoples in Canada are among the highest risk populations for diabetes and other related complications.
Yesterday the attendees learned effective prevention and management strategies from an impressive panel of experts, including Indigenous Celebrity Chef @Shane Chartrand (whose Indigenous cookbook is available online!).
The evening entertainment started with Indigenous Canadian Legend, the amazing actor and singer, Tom Jackson. He put on the most heartfelt and memorable show-it was called “Joy is the DNA of Health”. He shared so much with us and I even got to learn the difference between a hug and a “hold”. I got the “hold” and I have to say it was pretty special ♥️
Warm thanks to emcee David Headman, Elder Patricia Littlechild for your prayers and wise words, Bear Street Drum Group, Carol Kennedy, Manager of Diabetes and Home Care, Randy Littlechild, CEO MHD, Dr. Ellen Toth, Dr. Jeffrey Winterstein, Dr. Rose Yeung, Dr. Darren Lau, Chief Vern Saddleback, Chief Randy Ermineskin, Amber Williams Band and all of the volunteers/attendees for organizing and/or participating in this terrific event! I hope you found it as valuable as I did!
