THE

CENTRE
DEC. 2015 NEWSLETTER/FAMILY & COMMUNITY WELLNESS CENTRE

Never
forgotten:
To honour &
advocate for
the norths
missing and
murdered
Protect
yourself:
HIV awareness and
northern
syphilis
outbreak

NISICHAWAYASIHK FAMILY & COMMUNITY

CREE NATION WELLNESS CENTRE

in this
issue
Its beginning to look a lot like
Christmas!
The Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
Family and Community Wellness
Centre welcomes the holiday season
as a time to gather with friends,
family and community members.
For those of us who have lost loved
ones, its also a time to support
families who may have members who
arent here for this special time of
year.
Were celebrating at the Centre, and
we want to make sure your season
isnt spoiled by the seasonal flu and
other health conditions that have
arisen lately.
So please read on and make sure you
know how to protect yourself this
holiday season.

Gone, but not

forgotten

honour & advocacy

Vigil remembers victims of homicide

Family members and friends of homicide
victims gathered in Thompson on Dec. 2,
2015 for a candlelight vigil to honour their
loved ones. The public vigil was held at the
Manitoba Metis Federation building and was
hosted by the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
F a m i l y & C o m m u n i t y W e l l n e s s C e n t r e s
Counselling Services Department.
Homicide is a problem throughout Manitoba,
but with such a small population in the north,
its even more common to know someone who
is suffering from the pain of such a great
l o s s , s a y s J a c q u e l i n e W a l k e r, F C W C
Counsellor and Co-facilitator of a Homicide
Bereavement Group in Thompson. The grief

of family members in the north often goes

unheard, so its important to share their
experiences and let them know there are
support systems available.
Some of the resources families and friends
can access include a bereavement support
g r o u p t h a t s o f f e r e d i n T h o m p s o n a n d
W i n n i p e g . T h ro u g h V i c t i m s C o m p e n s a t i o n
S e r v i c e s f a m i l i e s a re p ro v i d e d $ 2 0 0 0 f o r
psychological services. Unfortunately, families
need to travel to W innipeg to access many of
those services when local support can be
more effective as community members heal
together, says Walker.

The holiday season can magnify

the sense of loss. Family gatherings
and seasonal events can be painful
reminders of the absence of a loved
one. At the same time, they can
also be comforting rituals spent
with family and friends. For this
reason, we hosted a vigil and feast
to take that time to honour and
remember our loved ones with
others who have had a common
loss and their families, says
Walker.
Health professionals from the
FCWC were also available to share
information on healthcare resources
and options with those in
attendance.

FCWC NEWSLETTER/
DECEMBER 2015

Merry Christmas
AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

A MESSAGE FROM
THE NCN FAMILY
AND
COMMUNITY
WELLNESS
CENTRE
Its a time to celebrate with loved
ones and gather for another holiday
season. At the Centre we encourage
healthy relationships with family and
the community, so reserve some
quality time with those people
this season.
Be sure to stay safe. Drink in
moderation, dont drive if youre
consuming alcohol. Please take
caution on the roads if
youre travelling.

Protect yourself:

Syphilis outbreak in
the north attributed to
travel activities

Public health officials say cases of syphilis

have doubled compared to last year. The
Northern Regional Health Authority says there
were 10 cases in 2014. As of October of this
year, there were 22 new cases recorded.

Reduce your risk

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted bacterial

infection that Health Canada says is on the
rise across the country. It is transmitted
through oral, genital or anal sex with an
i n f e c t e d p e r s o n . A p re g n a n t w o m a n w i t h
syphilis can pass the STI onto her unborn
child, sometimes causing birth defects or
death. The infection can also be transmitted
through sharing needles or through broken
skin.

Learn about safer sex and needle-sharing

practices.

According to health officials, 40 per cent of

new cases involve women. One NRHA
representative says the outbreak is likely
coming from women in the north who caught
the infection while staying in W innipeg.
This is a contrast from provincial rates in
2013, which were predominantly male with an
age range from 17-69 years. At that time the
provincial rate doubled from 2012 to 4.0
cases per 100,000 population.
The figures also say theres been spike in
cases in rural Manitoba, while the number of
cases has stabilized in the W innipeg region

H e a l t h C a n a d a re c o m m e n d s t h e f o l l o w i n g
steps to avoid contracting or transmitted
syphilis.

Make informed decisions. Talk to your

partner(s) about their STI status and the use
of protection.
Correctly and consistently using a condom
during sex reduces the risk of STIs.
Get tested for syphilis if you are sexually
active. If you are diagnosed and treated for
syphilis, follow up with your doctor after
treatment to make sure the infection is gone.
It is also important that you or someone from
your public health department notify sexual or
needle-sharing partners who may have been
put at risk of infection. They will also need to
be tested and possibly treated.
Avoid unprotected sexual activities that may
put you at risk for reinfection until both you
and your partner(s) have completed your
antibiotic treatment and have been told the
infection is gone. For more information
contact the FCWC Public Health office.

The NRHA is working to isolated these cases,

with a heavy surveillance strategy that
includes questioning patients and those who
may have been infected by the patient. The
health authority is also notifying the patients
past sexual partners.

FCWC NEWSLETTER/
DECEMBER 2015

A march through
NCN streets

World AIDS Day

Students learn about prevention

On Dec. 1, 2015 the NCN Family & Community
Wellness Centres Public Health Department
invited classrooms to promote World AIDS Day
and HIV prevention and education by creating
a display, making a video or performing a rap
song. Students were encouraged to be
creative and effective.

and discrimination remain a reality for many

people living with the condition.

Globally there are an estimated 34 million

people who have HIV. Despite the virus only
being identified in 1984, more than 35 million
people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it
one of the most destructive pandemics in
history.

The theme for this years FCWC event was

p re v e n t i o n . P a r t i c i p a n t s w e re re q u i re d t o
display and present their work. Students also
took part in a community walk, before taking
lunch and presentations were delivered
afterwards. At the end of the day one
classroom received a $200 donation towards a
class field trip or a classroom pizza party.

Today, scientific advances have been made in

H I V t re a t m e n t , t h e re a re l a w s t o p ro t e c t
people living with HIV and we understand so
much more about the condition. Despite this,
more people are being diagnosed every year,
and people do not know the facts about how
to protect themselves and others, and stigma

World AIDS Day is important because there is

still a vital need to raise money, increase
awareness, fight prejudice and improve
education.

THE FLU SHOT

Protecting yourself, colleagues,
clients, and the community

NISICHAWAYASIHK FAMILY & COMMUNITY

CREE NATION WELLNESS CENTRE

Flu shots can save lives! Stop by the

FCWC for your flu shot, no
appointment necessary! Your name will
be entered for monthly gift card draws.

Holiday flu

Indigenous people more

at risk of catching flu

The family dinners, the shopping and travelling

all comes with the Christmas season, but
unfortunately so does the flu. Cases of the flu
tend to peak around the holiday season when
people are socializing more, travelling and
crowding into shopping malls.
On top of the holiday risk, indigenous peoples
are more likely to catch the flu. Thats why
Manitoba Health officials are reminding the
more at risk groups to get immunized. People
of aboriginal descent are more likely to be
hospitalized and died from the virus according
to Canadas National Advisory Committee on
Immunization.

vaccination rates for Aboriginal people in

Manitoba are better.
Health officials point to the latest figures
which say First Nations were 2.8 times more
likely to get immunized than non-First Nations
people. To get your influenza vaccine, visit the
FCWC Public Health office now.

It has been proposed that the increased risk

of severe influenza outcomes in the Aboriginal
populations is a consequence of multiple
factors, including high prevalence of chronic
health conditions (e.g., diabetes, chronic lung
disease, end-stage kidney disease), obesity,
delayed access to health care and increased
susceptibility to disease because of poor
housing and overcrowding, stated the CNACI
i n i t s S t a t e m e n t o n S e a s o n a l I n f l u e n z a
Vaccine for 2015-2016.
Aboriginal peoples are among a larger group
of those who are most at risk. This group
i n c l u d e s p re g n a n t w o m e n , s e n i o r s , y o u n g
children, health care workers, people in care
homes and those with chronic illness and
overweight or obese individuals. However, the

FCWC NEWSLETTER/
DECEMBER 2015

Dealing with
Holiday Depression
The holiday season is filled with celebrations,
gatherings and cheer. But for some people,
this time of the year can be bring on anxiety,
loneliness, feelings of depression and
sometimes thoughts of suicide.

One of the best things a person can do,

however, is to reach out to others despite how
difficult it may seem. It is important to know
that there are families and friends that care
and many people that want to help each other.

Depression may occur at any time of the year,

but the stress and anxiety of the holiday
season especially during the months of
November, December and into January may
cause even those who are usually content to
experience loneliness and a lack of fulfillment.
The most common stressors were feelings of
loneliness and "being without a family."

Grieving During the Holidays

Christmas time and the New Year months are

a season when people have a very difficult
time as they are feeling sorry for themselves
or may have low self-esteem. Many feel sad
or depressed because they can't afford to buy
presents for family members or are dealing
with loss, sickness or trauma.

F o r m a n y p e o p l e , h o l i d a y s a re a p a i n f u l
reminder of what once was. This is especially
true for people who have experienced a
significant loss such as the death of a spouse,
a break-up or other trauma or loss. For these
people, it is important to handle expectations.
When envisioning how the holidays after a
loss, a person should try to include both the
highs and lows in their thoughts. Don't let
anyone put a time limit on your broken heart
and try to participate in "comforting
experiences" such as going for a walk, eating
well, visiting friends, and keeping a routine
sleep schedule. People going through this
type of grieving shouldn't feel ashamed.

Contrary to popular belief, December actually

has the fewest suicide attempts of any month
of the year. While it's true that suicide
attempts tend to drop off just before and
during the holidays, there is a significant
increase in suicide rates following Christmas
a 40 percent uptick, according to studies.

FCWC NEWSLETTER/
DECEMBER 2015

continued..

Dealing with Holiday Depression

For those who are dealing with sad or difficult

f e e l i n g s o f l o s s o r d e p re s s i o n , t h e re a re
several other ways to stave off the holiday
blues including:
Begin a new tradition. Plan an outing with
family or friends, trip or outdoor experience,
instead of spending the holidays at home.
Don't succumb to holiday pressures. Feel
free to leave an event if you aren't comfortable
and be willing to tell others, "I'm not up for
this right now."

Suicide Risk
If your feelings of sadness during the holidays
are accompanied by suicidal thoughts, call
911, immediately proceed to a hospital
e m e r g e n c y ro o m , o r c o n t a c t t h e S u i c i d e
Prevention Lifeline at 1-877-435-7170.
The Nelson House Medicine Lodge also offers
intake programs for Alcohol and Drug
addiction treatment and awareness. Please
contact (204) 484-2256 for information.

Volunteer. Work at a soup kitchen, organize

a gift drive or simply help the neighbour dig
the snow out of his driveway.
Get back to nature. Going for a walk in the
park or the woods helps many people who are
feeling overwhelmed to feel better.
Avoid alcohol or drugs. Many substances
can actually increase feelings of depression or
sadness. Although you may think you are
taking them to uplift your spirits, the opposite
is actually happening and can add to the
sadness.

FCWC NEWSLETTER/
DECEMBER 2015

not
your
average
side
dish

Healthy food recipe

For the other side of your plate

Green Bean Casserole Remix

2 (9 ounce) packages frozen cut green beans,
thawed

1 cup butter, softened, divided

1 tablespoon grated orange peel
1 cup brown sugar

10 slices bacon

1/2 teaspoon all-purpose flour

10 small fresh mushrooms, chopped

1 cup chopped pecans

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

1 cup half-and-half cream

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees
C). Place green beans into a 1 quart or similar
sized casserole dish.
Fry bacon in a large deep skillet over mediumhigh heat until browned and crispy. Remove to
drain on paper towels. Drain off some of the
grease, leaving enough to coat the bottom of the
pan. Add mushrooms to the grease in the pan
and season with garlic powder and onion powder.
Cook and stir until tender, about 4 minutes.
Pour the half-and-half into the pan with the
mushrooms and stir to scrape the bacon flavor
f ro m t h e b o t t o m o f t h e p a n . S i m m e r u n t i l
thickened slightly, about 5 minutes. Pour this
mixture over the green beans. Crumble bacon
over the top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Season with salt and pepper.
Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or
until the sauce is bubbling and the top is toasted.
Sweet Potato Oranges
6 oranges
3 cups cooked, mashed sweet potatoes
1 cup white sugar
1/4 cup orange juice
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Prepare oranges by cutting tops off, 1/4 to 1/2

inch down. Spoon out the flesh, leaving a shell.
In a large bowl combine sweet potatoes, sugar,
orange juice, eggs, vanilla extract, 1/2 cup butter
and grated orange peel. Spoon mixture into
orange shells. Place in a deep casserole dish.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine
remaining 1/2 cup butter, brown sugar, flour and
pecans. Cook until sugar dissolves in melted
butter. Spoon over oranges. Fill casserole dish
with water to reach 1/2 inch in depth.
Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.

NISICHAWAYASIHK FAMILY & COMMUNITY

CREE NATION WELLNESS CENTRE

About
The Family and Community
Wellness Centre was established
to support holistic wellness by
providing dierent opportunities
to members of Nisichawayasihk
Cree Nation. The Centre
provides services in Public
Health, Child and Family
Services, Counselling and other
family and community needs
programs. It has sub-oces in
Winnipeg, Brandon, Thompson
and South Indian Lake.

Vision
Nisichawayasihk Mithwayawin

Mission
In unity, we promote community
awareness, empowerment, and
a safe environment towards
holistic wellness.

***For more information and

resources on the FCWC visit us
on Facebook and find links to
our website.

14 Bay Road Drive Nelson House, MB R0B 1A0 Phone: (204) 484-2341 Fax: (204) 484-2351