First Nations Traditional Teachings
Culture is a set of shared values and beliefs that help people to understand their world and their fit within it. The Prevention Institute does not presume to have knowledge of the traditional ways of Saskatchewan’s First Nations people. Traditional knowledge is information that is passed down from generation-to-generation, often by Elders and healers, and often shared through storytelling. Historically, First Nations people had protocols, customary laws and social conventions that were negatively overshadowed or forgotten with European contact and more recently with the experiences people had in residential schools. However, many First Nations people feel that it is time to reclaim the traditional cultural values to help prepare young people to make healthy life choices, including their sexuality and reproductive health.
To help provide information to First Nations young people, the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute has established a plan to develop partnerships with First Nations cultural organizations to:
- Gain an understanding of traditional First Nations teachings regarding sexual and reproductive health and provide a respectful way to share this information throughout the province.
- Provide culturally appropriate information specific to First Nation communities regarding youth and sexual health with an emphasis on decision-making, that is based on traditional values and beliefs.
Resources
Before Considering Having a Child - Poster
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Links
Aboriginal Sexual Health is maintained by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) and has information and resources for First Nations, Métis and Inuit women.
http://www.aboriginalsexualhealth.ca
The Native Youth Sexual Health Network
http://www.nativeyouthsexualhealth.com/index.html
Aboriginal Healing Foundation
http://www.ahf.ca/
First Nations Centre of the National Aboriginal Health Organization
http://www.naho.ca/firstnations/
First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada
http://www.fncfcs.com/
Many Hands, One Dream
http://www.manyhandsonedream.ca/English/index.asp
Health Canada, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fniah-spnia/index-eng.php
Native Women’s Association of Canada
http://www.nwac.ca/home
The National Aboriginal Role Model Program
http://www.naho.ca/rolemodel/
Youth Have The Power features videos created by Canadian First Nations high school students on sexual health topics.
www.youthhavethepower.com
The Healthy Aboriginal Network
www.thehealthyaboriginal.net
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