Grant: Operating Grant - PA: Regional Partnership Program : Manitoba

Aboriginal youth represent a significant and growing population in Canada and have much to offer in terms of their contributions to their own health and the health and wellness of others. At the same time, Aboriginal youth are at a greater risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and obesity than non-Aboriginal youth. Few school based programs have been developed and tested that are aimed at reducing the risk for T2D Aboriginal youth, especially those living in rural communities. Fewer still involve interventions that are peer-led and reliant upon the strengths, energy and talents of the youth themselves. Building on the successes of a communal, relationship based approach to Aboriginal youth mentoring in an after school physical activity program (AYMP), we are evaluating a peer-led approach for diabetes prevention in Aboriginal schools. With the support of adult community members, high school students (grades 7-12) volunteer as mentors, and develop an after-school physical activity, nutrition and education program that they then deliver to children in grade 4 at a neighbouring school. The high school mentors meet twice a week. The first day, they develop an activity plan which emphasizes vigorously active low organized games and healthy nutrition; together, the mentors decide roles and responsibilities to ensure successful delivery of each activity. The second day, they deliver the program for the children, which incorporates a healthy snack, 45-minutes of physical activity, and educational games and activities. In partnership with our advisory committee and youth mentors we plan to deliver the AYMP intervention in 6 rural communities and 6 urban schools over a period of 3 years. The project incorporates a community-based participatory action research model that is informed by indigenous teachings, values and worldviews (e.g., respect, relevance, responsibility and reciprocity).