News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

September 3, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dilico Introduces New Resource Aimed at Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Thunder Bay, ON: Dilico Anishinabek Family Care premiered its new video, Weweni Bimaadiziwin (Looking After Life) Preventing Type 2 Diabetes in the Northern Superior First Nations, today at the Paramount Theatre in Thunder Bay. The premiere brought together various partners and community members that were involved in the development of the video, which was shot and produced this past spring. WeweniBimaadiziwin (Looking After Life) Preventing Type 2 Diabetes in the Northern Superior First Nations was written and produced by Dilico Anishinabek Family Care in collaboration with Firedog Communications. The video—consisting of five chapters—blends information about the causes, symptoms, and prevention tactics associated with Type 2 diabetes, with the lived experiences of elders and First Nation community members who have been affected by the disease. Through the use of facts, storytelling, and imagery, the video communicates a very impactful message about how to prevent and manage Type 2 diabetes—a message that originates from community members and is grounded in culturally sensitive and traditional ways of sharing information.

“Type 2 diabetes is a very common and serious disease that affects many families in our Northern Superior First Nations. We know that one out of seven aboriginal people in Ontario has diabetes, and in our communities, 94% of the cases are Type 2,” said Georgina Redsky, Dilico’s Community Health Services Manager. “It isn’t unusual for a grandmother, a child, or a dad to have the disease in one family unit. However, what many community members do not know is that Type 2 diabetes is preventable. This educational video is a first step towards helping our members to understand the disease, to identify the risks and to make changes in their own lives to promote wellness....for full article click here.