ZHIIWAAPENEWIN AKINO´MAAGEWIN: TEACHING TO PREVENT DIABETES
Expanded Trial Information for Communities
 

Boozhoo!

We are seeking Manitoba and Ontario First Nations and Michigan and Wisconsin American Indian tribes that would be interested in participating in an exciting project to help prevent diabetes in First Nations and American Indian communities. First Nations and American Indian peoples have very high rates of diabetes and related chronic diseases, and there is a great need for effective community-based programs that are designed for First Nations communities.

The Zhiiwaapenewin Akino’maagewin: Teaching to Prevent Diabetes intervention trial is currently being piloted in seven Northwest Ontario First Nations. The program works by implementing an elementary school program that teaches kids about healthy eating and physical activity. At the same time, there are promotions in local food stores about those same healthy foods the kids are learning about, and other activities (health fairs, community kitchen activities, etc.) to increase physical activity and improve diet for all community members. All of these activities working together through different community institutions provide a consistent and reinforced set of messages to children, parents and elders about what they can do to help prevent diabetes and live a longer, more healthy life. We are carefully evaluating the impact of the program in terms of improving diet and increasing physical activity.

We are currently seeking funding to expand the program to 18 to 20 communities in the US and Canada starting in early 2007 and would like to invite your community to be considered for participation. Follow the links below for more information on the pilot program and materials for enrolling your community in the larger trial:

For your community to participate, we would need a letter of collaboration from your Council by May 15, 2006 (see sample letter of collaboration for example). This would be part of the application we would submit to the funder (National Institutes of Health) for consideration. If your community is interested in participating, we would also want to get some basic information about your reserve and possibly pay a visit to your community some time in early 2006.

The sample research agreement was developed at the request of some interested Native communities. It is an optional component for participation.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Sincerely,