Diabetes is an insidious disease. It is prevalent amongst our First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples. I have been part of organizing an Aboriginal Heritage Festival in Fergus, Ontario for the past three years. All monies collected by admission donations are presented to the Southern Ontario Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (SOADI). This year's festival will be April 19 and 20 2013 at the Wellington County Museum in Fergus. It is (to my knowledge) the only festival, inclusive of all three Aboriginal groups.
In co-operation with SOADI, we are trying to promote a community " Paddling Against Diabetes Display Love for Earth (PADDLE)", similar to "Running for Diabetes". The first event was held in July at Six Nations on the Grand River. This was well received and considered to have been very successful.
I am also trying to raise awareness and contribute to local Aboriginal Diabetes Health Units. Each year, I do a solo canoe trip. This past year, I did the Kattawagami River, which empties into the southeast corner of James Bay and finished at Moose Factory.
A small amount of money was raised and presented to the local Weeneebayko Diabetes Health Unit.
This July I will be doing the Notakwanon River in Labrador, with all monies raised going to the Natuashish Diabetes Health Unit.
It is the intent to bring further attention to this serious disease and to benefit the local Aboriginal Diabetes Health Units and peoples.
If you are interested in helping by donating or have any ideas, please contact me.
I will be at the Symposium, should anyone wish to discuss these initiatives.
Thanks,
Jack Frimeth
60 Washburn Dr.
Guelph, Ontario N1E 0B2
(H) 519 823 5709
(c) 519 212 3817