Dianna Smith—traditional name Kugwisila'ogwa—comes from the Da'naxda'xw First Nation and lives, works and plays on the Liǧʷiłdaxʷ territory of the WeiWaiKum, WeWaiKai and Kwaikah First Nations. She is sharing the good work of the Liǧʷiłdaxʷ Health Society, where she has worked for over 12 years, to inspire others during the FNHA's 30x30 Active Challenge for the month of June.
On June 21, the Liǧʷiłdaxʷ Health Society in Campbell River will host their 13th annual 5K Run the Spit on National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD). Dianna Smith says that the event was originally started by Kathleen Power, a nutritionist and diabetes educator from the Mi'kmaq First Nation in Newfoundland.
Kathleen was exploring creative new and engaging ways to promote nutrition and wellness within the community. She began by hosting fitness classes, walking groups and cooking classes for members in the community who were interested. She also put together and gave away healthy food baskets with a recipe to cook nutritional meals at home with family and friends.
Dianna says that the first NIPD 5k Walk/Run came about through funding, such as the FNHA's annual wellness grants, allowing the community to create a more well-rounded, holistic and serious walk/run group program. Lasting 12 weeks, the program included things like blood pressure and glucose monitoring to determine if there was improvement in the health and wellness of participants.
“For some participants, there were definite improvements in their health and wellness and the uptake of the program was good," says Dianna. “There were participants that had significant weight loss and significant improvement in glucose testing."
Some community members in the program ended up enjoying running so much that they entered 10K runs or marathons. The uptake of the walk/run program was so popular that it inspired the first 5K run 13 years ago.
“At the beginning it was small," says Dianna. “We had to figure out race times and ask ourselves questions such as, 'do we need to shut down the road and direct traffic? What permits do we need?' But once we figured out some of those logistics, everyone in the health office participated, from the accounting department to the mental health team to the site administrators."
The first year, 75 participants showed up. But in recent years more than 300 people have showed up, running shoes donned and ready to go. Even a 90-year-old Elder took part one year.
Dianna says the community looks forward to the initiative every year with other activities complementing the walk/run. After the run, there's a pancake breakfast, followed by a trip to the Bighouse where there is traditional welcoming and opening hosted by the Laichwiltach Family Life Society. Energy and enthusiasm permitting, people can continue on to Spirit Square to enjoy events hosted by the City of Campbell River.
There have been many success stories in the years since, including Elders who complete the 5K with a walker as people cheer them on, families who participate together, and a father who celebrated his recovery by finishing the race with his son.
“To see the community pushing themselves and nurturing their wellness is the success story," says Dianna. “It is a whole community approach."
Liǧʷiłdaxʷ Health Society would like to express a heartfelt appreciation of Kathleen's unwavering dedication and tireless efforts. Her passion, leadership and commitment have not only created a beloved traditional, but also inspired community spirit, wellness and comradery for all who participate. Thank you for being part of the driving force behind an event that has left a lasting legacy.
Join FNHA's 30x30 Active Challenge and maybe you can share your own story as a Wellness Champion with FNHA!
