Journal Article

Spread of Makoyoh’sokoi (Wolf Trail): a community led, physical activity-based, holistic wellness program for Indigenous women in Canada

Black, Tia, Zhang, Jessica, Amson, Ashley, Boustead, Dawn, Tuttauk, Loretta, Ji, Yunqi (Jacob), Checholik, Carly, Doyle-Baker, Patricia, Crowshoe, Lynden (Lindsay), Frehlich, Levi, Oliver, Alicia, Cameron, Erin, Wicklum, Sonja, McGuire, Ashlee, McBrien, Kerry

2023

Overview

Globally, Indigenous populations have been impacted by colonization. Populations who have endured colonization are at higher risk of developing chronic diseases. Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission emphasizes reducing barriers to participation in physical activity and recommends the creation of culturally relevant and supportive policies and programing. Physical activity is a cornerstone in health promotion and public health to combat chronic diseases; however, in Canada, Indigenous developed physical activity programing is sparse, and those targeting women are non-existent in some regions. Makoyoh'sokoi (The Wolf Trail Program) is an 18-week long, holistic wellness program that was created by and for Indigenous women. Makoyoh'sokoi was developed by communities following extensive consultation and cultural oversight. Makoyoh'sokoi’s core program consists of 12 weeks of weekly physical activity programing and health education, followed by another 6 weeks of weekly health education. Notably, communities have control over the program to modify based on individual needs and challenges. Programs commence and conclude with a ceremony with Elders giving a blessing and opening each other to connection. The goals of Makoyoh'sokoi are to empower women, improve health outcomes, and to implement a sustainable program by training a network of community members in their respective communities to facilitate delivery.

• Publisher: BioMed Central,BioMed Central Ltd,Springer Nature B.V,BMC
• Subject: Animals / Canada / Chronic Disease / Chronic diseases / Chronic illnesses / Climate change / Clinical Nutrition / Colonization / Community / Culture / Development and progression / Diabetes / Disease / Disease prevention / Education / Educational programs / Epidemiology / Exercise / Female / Females / Health / Health aspects / Health disparities / Health education / Health Promotion / Health Promotion and Disease Prevention / Health status / Humans / Indigenous / Indigenous peoples / Infectious Diseases / Maternal and Child Health / Medicine / Medicine & Public Health / Native North Americans / Nutrition / Obesity / Older people / Physical activity / Physical education / Physical fitness / Physical training / Populations / Public Health / Reconciliation / Rites & ceremonies / Trails / Truth and reconciliation commissions / Weight control / Wellness / Wellness programs / Wolves / Women / Womens health