by Margery Frisch
SHEGUIANDAH FIRST NATION—Booths were set up, a sacred fire was prepared and many members of the various health teams at Noojmowin Teg were on hand to answer questions, and to inform and enlighten the Sheguiandah First Nation community on the centre and the health services they provide.
Melissa Biedermann, acting director of operations, was on hand to warmly greet the Sheguiandah First Nation members who came out to learn and discover what Noojmowin Teg Health Centre has to offer.
Carly Valiente, mental health and addictions manager, was eager to talk about Mobile Wellness, a pilot project still in the planning stages, but one that will offer greater access to mental health and addiction care to the District of Manitoulin. “Ideally, we’ll be mobile, operating out of that van, in the very near future,” Ms. Valiente said, indicating the brand-new van that stood on display at the site. “It will likely be appointment based, so folks will have to make an appointment for one of the service providers on the van and we will have a schedule as for which communities we will be in and when, because the program services both on and off the reserves—for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous—the entire Island as far as Whitefish River First Nation—a lot of communities to cover. So, we need to get an idea of what that will look like and how that will roll out.”
The team consists of mental health and addictions service providers, a trained social worker, registered nurse and nurse practitioner available for all people to access, at no cost. Vanessa Brandow is the registered nurse and team lead, and there’s a psychiatrist who’s based out of Sudbury (so appointments with him are virtual), a program facilitator, a social worker and an intake and client coordinator. This is not a crisis service, which is why it will be run by appointments. Presently, feedback is being compiled from the many communities they serve to determine how to best begin the program. “Hopefully, very soon,” Ms. Valiente reiterated, with emphasis on soon.
“We’re here today to bring awareness about our centre to the community of Sheguiandah First Nation.” Ms. Biedermann said. “We want people to know who we are and what we offer.” Each booth, set in a circle on the powwow grounds, was shared by two or more team members offering information about their programs, providing pamphlets and booklets on strategies for dealing with mental health issues, proper nutrition, diabetes, sexual violence and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. These health teams cover the gamut of issues faced by individuals, families and communities.
Josh Eshkawkogan, knowledgekeeper and healer, was also on hand, providing an added dimension to the programs offered at Noojmowin Teg. He stressed the importance of keeping mind, body and spirit in balance and keeping the fire within burning brightly, imparting his knowledge with unconventional yet fun methods in breathing and release techniques, while always giving thanks to the Creator before the sacred fire. There are several cultural support providers on the team, Barb Recollet is another while Christianna Jones works with elders in a traditional aging at home program.
Corey MacDonald was instructing kids on how to use a bow and arrow, promoting healthy physical activities for young people; Charlene Corbiere was encouraging the painting of rocks, a soothing, calming pastime; and massages were being given to further calm and relax the body.
Something for everyone was being offered by Noojmowin Teg care providers. There was a catered lunch too, free to participants, and loot bags were given out to all who came by, as well as draws for some great prizes.
“We plan to do two more Wellness Days in August,” Ms. Biedermann said, “one in M’Chigeeng and one in Sheshegwaning.” A fun and informative way to spend a day, with lunch and prizes too.
