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Indigenous youth face a critical intersection of cultural identity and modern health challenges as the rising popularity of custom vape flavors threatens traditional wellness practices. Recent studies reveal alarming rates of vaping among Indigenous youth, with statistics showing a 47% increase in usage over the past three years within First Nations communities.
This emerging health crisis demands immediate attention, blending traditional knowledge with contemporary prevention strategies. Indigenous elders and health practitioners emphasize the sacred relationship between youth wellness and cultural connection, viewing vaping not merely as a health issue, but as a disruption …

For millennia, indigenous healing traditions have woven together plant medicine and spiritual practices, creating a profound legacy that continues to influence modern wellness approaches. While CBD oil Canada represents a contemporary evolution of plant-based healing, its relationship with traditional medicines offers valuable insights into indigenous health and well-being. From the sacred use of cannabis-related plants by various First Nations healers to the complex understanding of plant-spirit relationships, indigenous knowledge systems have long recognized the therapeutic potential of …

Health and wellness are influenced by various complex factors beyond mere nutrition and exercise, and this reality significantly impacts Indigenous people. For Canada’s Aboriginal communities, their well-being is also shaped by social, cultural, and economic factors. Around 59% of First Nations People in Canada struggle with chronic conditions like obesity, allergies, and cardiovascular conditions. These ailments can be attributed to diet and physical activity, but other factors like low education and employment, income, and limited access to medical care also put them at a disadvantage.
Proper health habits are crucial for …

Native American cultures, rich in tradition and history, have long included games as an integral part of their societal fabric. These games, extending beyond mere pastimes, functioned as interactive review games, educational tools, physical conditioning, and spiritual ceremonies. They also acted as simulators for real-life situations, preparing the young for adult responsibilities. This article delves into the diverse range of games played by Native American tribes, highlighting their cultural significance and the values they embodied.
Athletic Competitions
Lacrosse
Originally known as stickball, lacrosse was more than a game to many …

The history of the native American education system is a long and complicated one. There have been many changes over the years, with different tribes having their own individual systems, and it is funded in a variety of ways today. In order to provide a brief overview of this history, we will focus on three specific topics: the changing landscape of education for Native Americans, the challenges faced by these communities in accessing quality education, and the recent efforts to improve native American education.
The Changing Landscape of Education for Native Americans
The first topic we will address is the changing landscape of education for native Americans.
Historically, Native American children were educated in…

The indigenous population has experienced trauma and till date live within the effects of such trauma. This can occur in the home or in the garden. Many talk about relaxing on their comfy recliners when the trauma starts. Or some say that they are cooking in the kitchen and there is an onset. Something as simple as the reflection in the kitchen faucet can set it off. We should acknowledge the damaging impacts of what these populations went through and recognize the healing powers of their cultural, spiritual, and traditional heritage.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission or TRC in 2015 concluded a 5-year trauma duration. The commission has documented hundreds of statements by school survivors (and their descendants) all over Canada…

The recently released report called “Sharing their stories” includes narratives by Young Metis Parents on Parenting. According to their culture, your parents are your first teachers. These stories are based on deliberations by eighteen Metis parents.
Being a Metis is not merely being of European heritage. Metis is a unique community which dates back to the 18th Century. Over the years, they have become unforgotten, reduced to an irrelevant position in Canadian society. They have had to fight for their rights tirelessly, and, today, they represent a fast-growing Canada population.
In the Metis culture, children and families are considered as the center of the community. Children were …

The Metis are a distinct society which has their unique cultural, social, and economic orientation. They are nurtured and sustained by their traditions, cultural practices, and stories. Many of the first people were expert fishermen. They used their fishing knowledge to feed their people, however, sitting around all day and fishing did not help mental health. Some even created fishing boats to catch bigger fish further out in the lakes and rivers.
However, most citizens of Canada believe that Metis have no culture, language, or society. This prevalent contradiction has created an environment where the Metis identity is often challenged, and their sense of nationhood has been diminished.
Similar to other Indigenous …