WIKWEMIKONG—Gail Shawande of Wikwemikong is one of three women who were honoured earlier this week with Heroes in Health awards. The ladies were honoured at the ‘Awakening the Nation-Renewing the Spirit’ health conference held in Sault Ste. Marie.
Ms. Shawande, along with Lisa Beaucage and Melissa McKeown, were honoured for demonstrating true compassion and dedicating their lives to protect the well-being of Anishinabek persons.
The Anishinabek News reports that Ms. Shawande is a community health representative. She has extensive knowledge and the ability to present to community members on a variety of topics pertaining to individual wellness; thereby providing opportunities for members to participate in holistic well-being.
Ms. Shawande has maintained her commitment towards the delivery of priority wellness activities to the membership of Wikwemikong, continued the release. Culture and language are very important to her, she teaches what she has learned. She inspires community members to make changes to improve their overall health, and giving no less than 100 percent.
Anishinabek News reports that the Anishinabek Nation has created the ‘Heroes in Health Awards’ to honour those who help build capacity within First Nations territory by empowering residents to become more active and healthy and to improve their mental well-being. Heroes in Health promote healthy lifestyles and deliver a wide-range of training programs, workshops and events that help to integrate culture and traditional practices. “The individuals we honour today play an integral role in nurturing our citizens and communities towards a brighter, healthier future,” noted the release.
