It’s the new year and it’s time to kickstart healthy habits to ensure your body is in tip-top shape for health and vitality.
Women from Peace River and surrounding areas are being urged to participate in a free fitness and nutrition program for women tentatively to start on Jan. 26 and running for 15 weeks.
Makoyoh’sokoi (Blackfoot word for Wolf Trail) will be a 15-week holistic wellness program that will include Indigenous cultural and spiritual foundations.
“It’s a great chance to learn about health and to participate in different activities to get people moving,” says Elder Priscilla Lalonde.
“It teaches women how to walk a good life using cultural tools and foundations,” she adds.
The program was developed by the University of Calgary and has been offered in Peace River for the last few years. Lalonde says the university no longer funds Wolf Trail, but there has been strong support from Peace River’s community to help fund the program.
Different types of movement taught will include yoga (two separate sessions), belly dancing, pow wow, aquafit, hiking, Pound Fitness, and various other activities.
The weekly event is in partnership with the Peace River Library, where the program will be taking place, and Peace River Aboriginal Interagency. With an aim to start on Jan. 26, this weekly program will be held on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Makoyoh’sokoi is a free, holistic physical activity-based wellness program that was created for Indigenous women, guided by Indigenous practices and traditions, and facilitated by Indigenous women in each community.
“It’s a great opportunity to pick up some great health tips,” says Lalonde.
“We’re hoping to continue this program to help people in our community, and are looking for any financial contribution, donations or sponsorship.”
Lalonde explains each participant will be weighed and their height checked at the beginning of the program and then again twice throughout the program. It is part of a research study to see how proper nutritional and wellness guidance can help women improve their health.
If you would like to register to participate in the program, are willing or able to help financially support the program, or would like more information, please contact Elder Priscilla Lalonde at priscilla.lalonde@gmail.com.
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter