Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre

The Healthy Kids Program is designed to empower Indigenous children, youth, and their families to make healthier lifestyle choices and create a foundation for lifelong well-being. The program combines cultural teachings with modern health practices, offering participants the opportunity to learn about nutrition, engage in physical activities, and participate in wellness workshops. With a strong emphasis on community involvement, the program aims to instill a sense of pride in cultural identity while promoting physical, mental, and emotional health.

By offering culturally relevant activities and using a trauma-informed approach, the Healthy Kids Program not only supports the physical health of Indigenous youth but also encourages emotional and social well-being through connection to their culture, community, and traditions. The integration of culture and well-being is key to fostering a holistic sense of self and belonging.

Program Objectives:

1. Enhance cultural engagement and foster pride in Indigenous identity among youth and families.
2. Promote healthy living through education on nutrition, physical fitness, and overall wellness.
3. Develop leadership skills and encourage positive self-identity in youth, empowering them to take active roles in their communities.
4. Support families in creating balanced and healthy lifestyles through shared learning experiences and community-based activities.

Program Services & Activities:

Physical & Recreational Activities:

• Summer/Sports Camps: Build fitness, teamwork, and leadership through sports and traditional games.
• A. Day Camps: Engaging activities like sports, arts, and crafts during school breaks.
• Family Swim Nights: Bonding and physical activity in a safe, supervised environment.
• Youth Yoga: Mindfulness, flexibility, and stress relief for youth.
• Karate: Develop discipline, focus, and physical fitness.
• Family Bowling: Fun, social activity promoting movement and friendly competition.
• Seasonal Fun Days: Outdoor activities like hiking and nature walks, celebrating seasonal changes.

Health & Wellness Education:

• Healthy Meal Preparation Workshops: Teach families to prepare nutritious meals on a budget, incorporating traditional Indigenous foods.
• Lunch Innovators Workshops: Educate families on balanced, healthy lunch options.
• Gardening & Planting Workshops: Hands-on experience with growing food and connecting to the land.
• Snack Bags: Monthly healthy snacks for families, ensuring nutrition outside program hours.

Community Engagement:

• Flips & Flicks Movie Night: Family-friendly movie night promoting cultural experiences.
• Park Drop-ins: Community gatherings in parks with free snacks and outdoor play.
• Cultural Connection: Weaving Indigenous teachings into all activities, fostering pride and identity.

Outreach & Partner Programming:

• • Akwe:go Program: Partners with Healthy Kids to support children in care or at risk.
  • Partnership Programming: Collaborations with local gyms, schools, and community centers for physical activities, wellness workshops, and educational sessions.