Friends of Aboriginal
Health sponsored the First Nations Nutrition and Health
Conference on June 19-20, 2003. The conference was held
in the Recreation Centre of the Capilano Reserve. It was
a gathering of aboriginal people, scientific experts and
concerned citizens to discuss and develop modernized traditional
ways and means to reclaim the health of the people of the
First Nations.
This aboriginal-initiated project was developed because
of the widespread frustration among the aboriginal leadership
and the people, about the continuing poor health status,
despite more than 50 years of applications of western methodology
for aboriginal health. "Too many pills are being prescribed
to the native population". There is a growing belief
and interest in re-linking cultural practices, traditional
diet and good health
The two day conference was a forum for exchange of ideas
and views; a chance for people from all over Canada to
meet - some to meet again after twenty years! It was a
happy occasion of community. A time to share the special
foods of various bands. One participant from the BC interior
said that she had never tasted many of the foods - they
don't have seafood in Lilloet. The participants of the
2003 Conference took the "message" back to their
communities. There is a path forward to reclaim the people's
health.
The response of the participants at our first gathering
has been so positive that FNNHC 2004 will be held at the
Recreation Centre again on June 17 and 18, 2004. We look
forward to meeting returning friends and also to have the
chance to meet new friends.
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