NationTalk: THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler and Deputy Grand Chief Bobby Narcisse acknowledge the Choose Life coordinators, community leaders, Elders, women, and youth who travelled to Thunder Bay this week for the second annual Choose Life Annual General Meeting:
“Miigwetch to the Choose Life coordinators, community leaders, youth and Elders, and presenters who travelled so far. We celebrate you and the success of your work to make this life-saving program available in our communities. Without you, this program would not be what it is today.
It is very important that we come together to share experiences and listen and learn about the many activities that are helping children and youth in our communities. The AGM provided a forum for excellent discussions, sharing of ideas, and best practices, and we were honoured to be in the presence of the people in communities who are doing this tremendous work.
We received candid and heartfelt feedback this week, especially around the need to expand Choose Life. In addition to programming and resources for implementation of programs, Choose Life coordinators in communities like Wapekeka, Fort Albany, Moose Factory, and North Caribou Lake are asking us to continue this work by creating the necessary spaces to house the activities that communities are running. We have been hearing for years that communities simply do not have space, and need capital and infrastructure to support the good work they are doing. We are ready to support them in taking those necessary next steps for the benefit of our children.
Choose Life came from a very difficult, painful place. The work that has been done is incredible and is truly making a difference. We need to build on that and carry this momentum forward.”
Launched in 2017, Choose Life is a NAN-specific initiative funded by the federal government through Jordan’s Principle that bridges gaps in services by providing mental health and community-based supports that promote healing and wellness.
More information: www.nan.ca/resources/choose-life
For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca