Kenora spring break a time for healthy fun

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The Kenora Nechee Friendship Centre was the scene of a special week-long event supporting families and highlighting Metis culture during spring break.

A theme week called Voyageur Days was held March 15 to 19, and included babies' and children's programs sponsored by a committee comprised of the Kenora Metis Council, the Nechee Friendship Centre,Aishinabeekweweg, an Aboriginal family support program funded by the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy, and Kenora Area Health Access.

The objective was to give families an opportunity to come together for enjoyable afternoon activities focused on health and well being and to celebrate Metis culture.

Both indoor and outdoor activities were planned, which varied from day to day. Indoor activities included crafts such as finger weaving and learning the history of the Metis sash, colouring and drawing contests with Aboriginal themes, and food bingo. Outdoor activities that included some older community members were tea boiling, log cutting, sack races, broomball, outdoor soccer, a Jello-eating contest and more.

The friendship centre even put on its own version of "Fear Factor," which taught participants something about healthy food choices.

For example, the children sampled healthy foods such as Chinese noodles, which were promoted as beaver intestines, and soya milk, which represented the milk of a wild animal. "There were many eager participants and moans and groans from the onlookers, " said one of the organizers, Judith McLeod, a long-term care co-ordinator.

Every participant in Voyageur Days received a gift, thanks to the generosity of local merchants and organizations.

On the last day, a health fair was held, which included diabetes education and screening, a visit from a dental hygienist, advice on raising healthy babies and children and long-term care program information. Samples of healthy foods and other products were given out, along with coupons and literature.

"We had great attendance and encouragement from the participants to continue again for next year," said McLeod.