News Release
1997-61
November 6, 1997
Aboriginal youth video promotes healthy lifestyle choices
Ottawa - Approximately 100 First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth from across the country gathered in Ottawa at the Odawa Native Friendship Centre today to attend Health Canada's launch of Balance Healing Through Helping/Équilibre guérir en aidant. The Honourable Ethel Blondin Andrew, Secretary of State, Children and Youth, participated in the event which also included representatives of aboriginal organizations, health organizations and government who came to celebrate the youth's achievements at this premiere screening. Developed by aboriginal youth for aboriginal youth, the video is expected to reach more than one million aboriginal peoples in Canada.
Aboriginal youth from across the country have volunteered hundreds of hours of their time and candidly shared their personal experiences and insights to create this unique video, said Secretary of State Blondin Andrew. They have focused on positive messages which portray healthy lifestyle choices their accomplishments are truly commendable.
More than 50 First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth participated in the writing, acting and production of the video. Based on the traditional values of aboriginal peoples, it is an upbeat look into the lives of aboriginal youth with discussions on a range of key issues such as peer pressure, family values, physical activity, goals and personal health.
Balance Healing Through Helping/Équilibre guérir en aidant has been nominated for an award at the American Indian Film Festival and Video Exposition. The results will be announced at the awards ceremony in San Francisco on November 8, 1997.
The 45-minute video was developed within Health Canada's Aboriginal Wellness Campaign, a multi-year strategy that promotes healthy living through culturally sensitive vehicles. The Department provided approximately $100,000 to support this initiative. Copies of the video may be obtained from
Publications, Health Canada,
Brooke Claxton Building, Address Locator 0913A,
Ottawa, Ontario, KlA OK9,
tel: (613) 9545995,
fax: (613) 9415366.
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Media Inquiries:
Monette Haché
Health Canada
(613) 957-1803
James Bardach
Poirier Communications
(613) 821-8210
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
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