Over a hundred community members attended the Yoyoscut Resilient Youth Council’s cultural wellness event where Sqʷllumt – Coyote Stories were told in the Usšneɫxʷ – Longhouse, St. Ignatius, Montana. During this Wellness Warriors event, a local elder passed on stories to youth. The youth council reported that it was a “meaningful experience for the youth to learn our history and for youth to share their oral histories with others.” The youth council was able to not only develop their own spiritual wellness, but engaged generations in being connected through the youth driven community event.
The UNITY Wellness Warriors Program challenges affiliated youth councils to implement a Wellness Warrior event this year. By utilizing the project planning tools offered through the free mobile phone app and on the UNITY website, youth councils can join the national movement and share traditional wellness teachings with their home community. The Wellness Warriors program promotes Physical, Mental, Spiritual and Social Wellness.
According to the youth council’s Advisor Willie Stevens in their annual UNITY Report, the council took the Wellness Warrior Challenge and addressed wellness throughout the year through several events. The youth council often volunteered at the local food bank showing the importance of community wellness.
Social wellness helps native youth develop tools needed to build relationships within their community. National UNITY Male and Female Representatives, Josiah Matt and Alie Kelly shared how they enjoyed building their Social wellness through fundraising at Pow wows, held bake sales and worked concession stands. The fundraising events were a great opportunity for the youth to grow closer together while engaging with their community.
TAKE THE CHALLENGE!
Download the FREE UNITY Wellness Warriors App today! Use the mobile app to create a Action Plan for your next wellness event to complete the Wellness Warriors Challenge!
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A Special Thank you to the W. K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) for their ongoing support of the UNITY Wellness Warriors Program. WKKF supports children, families and communities as they strengthen and create conditions that propel vulnerable children to achieve success as individuals and as contributors to the larger community and society.