Podcast: Play in new window | Download (27.0MB) | Embed
Many tribes organize wellness events and develop programs to educate people about healthy choices and food options. For the most part, involvement is voluntary. Some tribes go a step further to try and improve the health of their citizens. The Navajo Nation president banned throwing candy at the popular Navajo Nation Fair parade. It sparked a public discussion about the best ways to create healthful changes. The Navajo Nation is also known for adding a tax on soda and junk food. What do you think is the best way to go about improving health and wellness in an entire tribal community?
Guests:
Jonathan Nez (Diné) – president of the Navajo Nation
Lynn Lane (Diné) – community health nutritionist
A-dae Romero-Briones (Cochiti Pueblo/Kiowa) – director of program for the First Nations Development Institute
Break 1 Music: Walking In Beauty (song) Jay Begaye (artist) The Beauty Way (album)
Break 2 Music: Talking with Grandmothers (song) Fawn Wood (artist) Kikāwiynaw (album)
Provide traditional/organic food from NAPI to children in the schools. Contract with local farmers and ranchers for produce. More farm to table at the schools themselves. Create a program so we can become USDA certified butchers to sell our meat produce to supermarkets and restaurants. Revitalize our traditional orchards. Speak out on the abundance of water being drained from our water tables by the surrounding states at the expense of real people.
I just wanted to say Thank You for thinking of the Dine’ people. Its true. The Navajo Nation is famous for the Navajo Code Talkers and having obesity issues. From what I’ve seen, many Dine’ parents give their children soda at a very young age. I was shocked when I saw a mother fill her baby’s bottle with sprite and saw that her other children who were in Elementary all had silver teeth or none at all. Yet she still fed them such things. Once a woman told me that “This is the only way to keep him quiet.” Growing up, my parents barely let us have junkfood and told us what would happen if we did. I think ignorance and selfish pride take part when a mother keeps giving her kids these things even when Drs advise them against it. I hope all Dine’ realize that its not too late to make healthier choices in life. I’ve heard any excuses but my favorite it, “Eating healthier is more expensive than buying a soda and chips.” Eating healthier keeps your body in tip top shape. Eating healthier will actually inspire those around you or in your household to eat healther. Remember, Youve only got One body and One mind.