High Impact with the Snuneymuxw Member Nation Grant!
In the last granting cycle, we supported our member Nations through grants for various projects and programming for their communities. There are many exciting projects underway, and in this report we’re sharing Snuneymuxw’s story. Marina White, Wellness Administrator for the Snuneymuxw Hulit Lelum (Health Centre), requested funds to support a new physical fitness program for the Youth in her community. She noticed a decline in physical, mental, emotional, and intellectual wellness amongst Youth which became even more noticeable with COVID-19. Youth had to isolate themselves at home, which caused some to gain weight, affecting their self-confidence and causing longer-term health concerns. Though the fitness program had low numbers at first, it has gained momentum as word of mouth gets around. They brought in a nurse to discuss healthy nutrition, good food boxes and grocery cards, and hired a trainer from Fitness World in Nanaimo.
Victor holds group fitness work-outs every week at the Snuneymuxw Youth Centre and also works one-on-one with individuals to meet them where they’re at, co-creating fitness plans that are sustainable. It’s not just about fitness, it’s about overall wellness. Victor provides advice and mentorship, and talks about the importance of giving back, not just taking. He himself is on a learning journey, and has learned culturally relevant ways to ensure a safe and understanding space. At first, he thought only one Youth showing up to a session was a failure, but now he sees that one person making the effort to show up as a win.
The benefits of a regular fitness program are revealing themselves in many ways, with Youth gaining strength and meeting goals. But it doesn’t end there - teachers are seeing improved confidence, social skills, and higher rates of attendance. One Youth is now asking about doing river baths - an aspect of culture they didn’t have the confidence to participate in before. This is an example of the interconnectedness of Indigenous wellness. Marina White is grateful that her vision for healthy Youth is taking effect through this grant: “Culture helps us heal naturally. Culture is our way of being every day. Culture keeps addiction away.”