Spread of Makoyoh’sokoi (Wolf Trail): a community led, physical activity-based, holistic wellness program for Indigenous women in Canada

Abstract Globally, Indigenous populations have been impacted by colonization. Populations who have endured colonization are at higher risk of developing chronic diseases. Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission emphasizes reducing barriers to participation in physical activity and recommends th...

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Main Authors: Levi Frehlich, Ashley Amson, Patricia Doyle-Baker, Tia Black, Dawn Boustead, Erin Cameron, Lynden (Lindsay) Crowshoe, Kerry McBrien, Yunqi (Jacob) Ji, Ashlee McGuire, Alicia Oliver, Loretta Tuttauk, Jessica Zhang, Carly Checholik, Sonja Wicklum
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2023-08-01
Series:Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s41043-023-00427-w
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author Levi Frehlich
Ashley Amson
Patricia Doyle-Baker
Tia Black
Dawn Boustead
Erin Cameron
Lynden (Lindsay) Crowshoe
Kerry McBrien
Yunqi (Jacob) Ji
Ashlee McGuire
Alicia Oliver
Loretta Tuttauk
Jessica Zhang
Carly Checholik
Sonja Wicklum
author_facet Levi Frehlich
Ashley Amson
Patricia Doyle-Baker
Tia Black
Dawn Boustead
Erin Cameron
Lynden (Lindsay) Crowshoe
Kerry McBrien
Yunqi (Jacob) Ji
Ashlee McGuire
Alicia Oliver
Loretta Tuttauk
Jessica Zhang
Carly Checholik
Sonja Wicklum
author_sort Levi Frehlich
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Globally, Indigenous populations have been impacted by colonization. Populations who have endured colonization are at higher risk of developing chronic diseases. Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission emphasizes reducing barriers to participation in physical activity and recommends the creation of culturally relevant and supportive policies and programing. Physical activity is a cornerstone in health promotion and public health to combat chronic diseases; however, in Canada, Indigenous developed physical activity programing is sparse, and those targeting women are non-existent in some regions. Makoyoh'sokoi (The Wolf Trail Program) is an 18-week long, holistic wellness program that was created by and for Indigenous women. Makoyoh'sokoi was developed by communities following extensive consultation and cultural oversight. Makoyoh'sokoi’s core program consists of 12 weeks of weekly physical activity programing and health education, followed by another 6 weeks of weekly health education. Notably, communities have control over the program to modify based on individual needs and challenges. Programs commence and conclude with a ceremony with Elders giving a blessing and opening each other to connection. The goals of Makoyoh'sokoi are to empower women, improve health outcomes, and to implement a sustainable program by training a network of community members in their respective communities to facilitate delivery.
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spelling doaj.art-099707636abc4212ad418928741c2e5a2023-11-20T09:48:31ZengBMCJournal of Health, Population and Nutrition2072-13152023-08-0142111010.1186/s41043-023-00427-wSpread of Makoyoh’sokoi (Wolf Trail): a community led, physical activity-based, holistic wellness program for Indigenous women in CanadaLevi Frehlich0Ashley Amson1Patricia Doyle-Baker2Tia Black3Dawn Boustead4Erin Cameron5Lynden (Lindsay) Crowshoe6Kerry McBrien7Yunqi (Jacob) Ji8Ashlee McGuire9Alicia Oliver10Loretta Tuttauk11Jessica Zhang12Carly Checholik13Sonja Wicklum14University of CalgaryUniversity of OttawaUniversity of CalgaryUniversity of CalgaryMiskanawahNorthern Ontario School of MedicineUniversity of CalgaryUniversity of CalgaryUniversity of CalgaryUniversity of CalgaryOnion Lake Health BoardUniversity of CalgaryUniversity of AlbertaUniversity of CalgaryUniversity of CalgaryAbstract Globally, Indigenous populations have been impacted by colonization. Populations who have endured colonization are at higher risk of developing chronic diseases. Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission emphasizes reducing barriers to participation in physical activity and recommends the creation of culturally relevant and supportive policies and programing. Physical activity is a cornerstone in health promotion and public health to combat chronic diseases; however, in Canada, Indigenous developed physical activity programing is sparse, and those targeting women are non-existent in some regions. Makoyoh'sokoi (The Wolf Trail Program) is an 18-week long, holistic wellness program that was created by and for Indigenous women. Makoyoh'sokoi was developed by communities following extensive consultation and cultural oversight. Makoyoh'sokoi’s core program consists of 12 weeks of weekly physical activity programing and health education, followed by another 6 weeks of weekly health education. Notably, communities have control over the program to modify based on individual needs and challenges. Programs commence and conclude with a ceremony with Elders giving a blessing and opening each other to connection. The goals of Makoyoh'sokoi are to empower women, improve health outcomes, and to implement a sustainable program by training a network of community members in their respective communities to facilitate delivery.https://doi.org/10.1186/s41043-023-00427-wEducationHealthIndigenousPhysical activityWellnessWomen
spellingShingle Levi Frehlich
Ashley Amson
Patricia Doyle-Baker
Tia Black
Dawn Boustead
Erin Cameron
Lynden (Lindsay) Crowshoe
Kerry McBrien
Yunqi (Jacob) Ji
Ashlee McGuire
Alicia Oliver
Loretta Tuttauk
Jessica Zhang
Carly Checholik
Sonja Wicklum
Spread of Makoyoh’sokoi (Wolf Trail): a community led, physical activity-based, holistic wellness program for Indigenous women in Canada
Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition
Education
Health
Indigenous
Physical activity
Wellness
Women
title Spread of Makoyoh’sokoi (Wolf Trail): a community led, physical activity-based, holistic wellness program for Indigenous women in Canada
title_full Spread of Makoyoh’sokoi (Wolf Trail): a community led, physical activity-based, holistic wellness program for Indigenous women in Canada
title_fullStr Spread of Makoyoh’sokoi (Wolf Trail): a community led, physical activity-based, holistic wellness program for Indigenous women in Canada
title_full_unstemmed Spread of Makoyoh’sokoi (Wolf Trail): a community led, physical activity-based, holistic wellness program for Indigenous women in Canada
title_short Spread of Makoyoh’sokoi (Wolf Trail): a community led, physical activity-based, holistic wellness program for Indigenous women in Canada
title_sort spread of makoyoh sokoi wolf trail a community led physical activity based holistic wellness program for indigenous women in canada
topic Education
Health
Indigenous
Physical activity
Wellness
Women
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s41043-023-00427-w
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