Balance is essential in strengthening the relationship to a holistic approach our wellness with health. The wellness wheel originates from an Indigenous philosophy of life which promotes health and wellness through a holistic approach based on the Medicine Wheel. It is being aware which area (Mental, Emotional, Physical and Spiritual) that may need some attention. Once you determine that, it will help to better understand one’s self and the management of diabetes. By acknowledging the choices they make regarding care in one aspect, can also affect other areas of their well-being.
TURTLE IMAGE – In the Haudenosaunee culture, the turtle shell is an example of a traditional calendar.
With 13 Plates – 1 for each moon, each time the moon goes through a cycle.
- 1. Nutrition – Remembering the spirit in our food
- 2. Physical Activity – Land based activities
- 3. Language – Learn and share your language
- 4. Culture – Community Resources
- 5. Connection – Strong relationships, socially and personally.
- 6. Stress Management – Peace Finding
- 7. Balance (In Mind, Body, Spirit and Emotion)
- 8. Children’s Resources
- 9. Learn – Whether formal or information education to help maintain a sense of purpose and competency
- 10. Gratitude and Setting Goals – Have a purpose and something to focus on
- 11. Give back – Do something for someone else, with no expectations (Pay it forward)
- 12. Resilience – Find a solution and bounce back after a fall
- 13. Support – Resources links below
Around the edges, 28 tabs which represent the total amount of days within a full cycle of moon (month).
Keeping track of the cycles of the moon was important in planning future actions: hunting, gathering, planting, harvesting, feastings and meeting events. (IDHC)
Indigenous Resources
Nutrition – remembering the spirit in our food
Culture – Connecting to Community Events
Connection – Strong Relationships, Socially and Personally
Stress Management – Peace Finding
Children’s Resources
Learn
Whether formal or information education to help maintain a sense of purpose and competency
Give Back – Do something for someone else, with no expectations (Pay It Forward)
Volunteer for cultural events in your community; pow wow committees are always looking for assistance.
Powwows are celebrations that showcase Aboriginal music, dances, dance apparel, food and crafts. Commonly hosted by First Nations communities (either on reserve or in urban settings), Métis and Inuit also participate in contemporary powwows, and smaller powwows are hosted by educational institutions. Powwows promote cultural pride, respect and health for young and old in an inclusive setting; drugs and alcohol are forbidden on the powwow grounds. Powwows serve an important role in many Indigenous peoples’ lives as a forum to visit family and friends, and to celebrate their cultural heritage, while also serving as a site for cross-cultural sharing with non-Indigenous attendees and participants. (Hoefnagels, Anna. “Powwow” TheCanadianEncyclopedia.ca, 2006)
Resilience – Find a solution and bounce back after a fall
“Connection is the correction”
-Jane Middelton-Moz
Support
Book List:
(Found on Good Minds, Strong Nations and Amazon.ca online)
Amikoonse by Ferguson Plain
Cradle Me by Debby Slier
Fancy Dance by Leslie Johnson
Fishing with grandma by Maren Vsetula & Susan Avingaq
Granny’s giant bannock by Brenda Isabel Wastasecoot
Jingle Dancer by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Louis Riel by Rosemary Neering
My Family by Penny Condon
Maple Moon by Connie Brummel Crook
Owl See clearly at night by Julie Flett
Pushing up the sky by Joseph Bruchac
The bead pot by Thelma Poirier
The Mishomis Book: The Voice of the Ojibway: by Edward Benton-Banai
The Sharing Circle by Arthus Stevens
Tales of the Elders Told – Ojibway Legends (amazon)
When we were alone by Julie Flett
Where did you get your moccasins by Bernelda Wheeler
Header image source: The Government of Canada. (2018). National Indigenous Peoples Day. 