Elders travel the province speaking to youth

Florence Highway and Evelyn Linklater are receiving national recognition for the education and awareness they have brought to countless members of First Nations communities in Northern Saskatchewan. The Canadian Diabetes Association acknowledged the activities of these two 60-something volunteers who are well-managed diabetics themselves, and able to speak to the youth in their native Cree language. The women jointly received a National Volunteer of the Year award in Toronto in October.

“Evelyn and Florence have been volunteers for many years, working with the Travelling Diabetes Resource Program. The staff at the CDA nominated them for their outstanding dedication as they explained how lifestyle choices today can have an impact on health tomorrow,” said Lauren Suchan, public programs and services co-ordinator at Saskatoon’s CDA office. “They are bringing important resources to areas that may not have readily available diabetes education or support, with one-on-one contact with individuals.”

Highway said as a diabetic herself, she began her involvement with the CDA through a program called Fun, Food and Fitness.

“The Canadian Diabetes Association was great at providing information for living a healthy lifestyle and I decided to help out by telling other people about it too,” she said. “We teach the young people that they have choices. And if they choose not to follow the healthy guidelines, we have testimonials of people who have lost limbs or have had to go on dialysis.”

Highway was shocked to find out that she had been recognized for the award. “Both Evelyn and I were surprised. But we are going to keep on, we are not stopping, we want to promote wellness and we hope the youth will carry on our work.”

Both Highway and Linklater are from the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation near Pelican Narrows. Linklater lives in Saskatoon and Highway is located in Beardy but commutes to the CDA office to do her volunteer work.  The two energetic Elders have travelled to numerous remote and rural communities, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, with their message.

Linklater said she was excited to learn of the award. “I didn’t know what to say, we never expected anything like this. We go to First Nations schools in Saskatoon and in the northern parts of the province, talking to everyone.”

Linklater feels the youth represent the best vehicle for getting the messages into the homes about the dangers of diabetes and how to prevent it.

“As Aboriginal people we tell stories, so I tell my story, about my diabetes. I tell them the healthier ways of preparing food, something simple like using cooking oil instead of lard,” she explained. “And getting active, going for a walk with the family in the evening.”

Linklater, who has been living with diabetes for 30 years, said she is enjoying a full life.

Suchan concluded, “Flo and Eve, you are an example to all of us of what can be accomplished when you set your mind to something!”