Grant: Operating Gr.: DPP&S - Indigenous YYA T2D Prevention & Self-Management

The CHANGE Health Community Program is a program to help families re-learn healthy living by providing lifestyle intervention programming in four main areas (physical activity, nutrition, mental health, and social connections). Working in collaboration with urban indigenous families, this innovative health care program responds to the need for health care to take a community-relevant, preventative, and holistic approach to health and wellness. The program uses a preventative, proactive, community-based model of care that focuses on lifelong wellness, which is in direct contrast to our current disease management models of care. Supported by Alberta Blue Cross, our previous study has shown that the CHANGE Health Community program can be implemented with positive results. We have the opportunity to work with Indigenous families to adapt and implement this evidence based family program to youth and Young Adults at Alexis Nakota Sioux First Nation. Overall, our aim is to develop an Indigenous-centered, community-informed, and family-relevant approach to lifestyle interventions that leverages community assets, family resiliency. This program authentically responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action while increasing the participation and authenticity of our relationships with Indigenous people.