There are over 1500 plants with hypoglycemic and anti-diabetic properties many of them indigenous to the North American continent and specifically the Anishnabek and Haudenosaunee territories. Our symposium and workshop learning will utilize a pedagogy focusing on the kitchen, food selection, preparation techniques, nutrition, the appropriate use of supplements, stress reduction and specialized massage techniques to enhance circulation in people with diabetes or individuals susceptible to diabetes. Each participant will have the opportunity to learn their blood type and to take their blood glucose levels. The two-way symposium is open to the public and will be extensively advertised in the Native community of Toronto and surrounding First Nation communities and will present an overview of the issues, from research to practice, with opportunities for personal exchange, sharing and learning new skills and remembering old knowledge. Time will be spent in the kitchen preparing authentic foods.
People learn about the role of sugar, wheat, refined foods, mood, stress and have fun.
Talk and discussion is balanced by hands-on and experiential learning. The Manomin, Moosemeat and Maple Workshop incorporates the knowledge of healers and herbalists who will play a role as guest lecturers as well as participate in a Walk in the Woods with noted Mohawk Elder, herbalist and healer Janice Longboat at the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. Taking advantage of the remaining northern fringe of Mixed Carolinian forest preserved in Toronto s High Park participants will also examine the persistence of healing plants in an urban environment and be exposed to strategies for access to traditional foods. This will provide opportunity for participants to examine wider issues of food security. There will also be a tour arranged to a Native controlled Aboriginal Health Clinic, which incorporates traditional healing with allopathic medicine to successfully treat Native people in the city.