Assembly of First Nations Encourages Sharing of Successful Healthy Living and Physical Fitness Plans
November 14, 2012
(Ottawa, ON) – In recognition of World Diabetes Day, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo encourages Indigenous peoples across Canada to join the growing IndigenACTION movement and to share their ideas for community-based physical fitness through Just Move It Canada.
“Our peoples and communities must be healthy before we can fully thrive, and we continue to urge governments and all Canadians to work together with First Nations to support diabetes prevention and healthy living for First Nation citizens and First Nation communities,” said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo. “In addition to our advocacy efforts, AFN is working together with a number of individuals and organizations through the growing IndigenACTION movement aimed at making the necessary partnerships that will better ensure Indigenous peoples in Canada have an opportunity to grow themselves and their communities through community fitness, wellness, sport and recreation. The more we can promote and encourage healthy living the better in fully empowering our peoples to achieve success.”
One in five First Nation citizens is diabetic, a statistic well above the national average.
AFN works to ensure healthy living and appropriate investments in diabetes prevention through a number of initiatives and partnerships and advocacy efforts, including identifying opportunities to make recommendations for improved and equitable health care and health services for First Nations, particularly during discussions for the renewal of the 2004 Health Accord.
Launched by the AFN National Youth Council in July 2010, IndigenACTION has helped to grow and enhance partnerships with Nike N7, Rick Hansen Foundation and Just Move It – an online online, community-based physical activity and wellness initiative chronicling new and existing programs or projects promoting physical activity and wellness in First Nation and Inuit communities – driven by or aimed at, but not limited to, First Nation and Inuit cultures and traditions.
World Diabetes Day is marked every November 14 - the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, co-discoverer of insulin and co-founder of what is today known as the Canadian Diabetes Association. The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.
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Contact information:
Jenna Young, Assembly of First Nations Communications Officer
613-241-6789, ext 401 or cell: 613-314-8157 or email jyoung@afn.ca
Alain Garon, Assembly of First Nations Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382 or cell: 613-2920857 or email agaron@afn.ca
