“Being in the mountains, being at the lake, being on the canoe. These are all ways our people have healed over the last hundreds of years." – Mavis Pierre, Katzie Nation
Winter is here -- and while it can be tempting to stay inside during this cold season, it is so important for our health and wellness that we spend time outside, preferably in nature. Since time immemorial, First Nations people have held a sacred connection to the land, one that supports our wholistic health.
This is why the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) puts such a focus on land-based treatment and healing, and why FNHA's Office of the Chief Medical Officer is launching a fun "Winter on the Land" photo initiative throughout January and February on social media for First Nations people living in BC.
We'd love to see how you're staying healthy and well by connecting with the land this winter – whether you're building a snowman with your children, snowmobiling, skating, snowshoeing, tobogganing / sledding, or simply walking in your territory. Photos of people participating in their community's land-based healing initiatives, cultural and traditional activities, such as ice-fishing or winter ceremonies, feasts, and gatherings, are especially welcome.
How to participate
- Email photos of yourself, your friends, or loved ones being active on the lands or waters this winter (no close-up selfies, please – we want to see people taking care of their wellness!) to cmo.office@fnha.ca with the subject line “Winter on the Land."
- Include a short description of each photo (activity, location in BC) with the names and Nations of those pictured.
- Be sure your photos feature First Nations people outdoors doing something -- or holding something you or they harvested, e.g., medicines, tobacco, plants, food, furs, salves, etc. Landscape images, images without people, and indoor photos, will not be considered.
- Also be sure you have permission to share the photos if they are with people other than you.
Each week we will share selected photos on our social media. Participants will be automatically entered into random draws for a chance to win $25 gift cards.
Join the fun and show us the land through your lens this winter. We can't wait to see your photos!
