Men increasing their health and well-being together

In 2015, SSHS introduced its Men’s Health Program. Traditionally, an underserved sector in First Nations health services, the Men’s Health Program has gained considerable traction since its inception.

The focal point of current Men’s Health programming is the Men’s Group. The group brings men from N̓Quatqua, Samahquam, Skatin and Xax’sta First Nations together to gain traditional skills, build self-esteem and foster a sense of brotherhood. In its fist year, the self-directed group, facilitated by an SSHS nurse and two First Nations Men’s Group Leaders from N̓Quatqua and Líl̓wat Nation respectively, attracted more than 50 participants. The men involved in the program are gaining valuable skills such a log notching, traditional construction techniques and making fishing nets. To date, 24 group members have obtained their firearms Possession and Acquisition Licence though the Canadian Firearm Safety training program. The skills gained in the program will allow the men to participate in hunting and utilize the short cabins being built in 2017.

External enthusiasm for the Men’s Group has resulted in both significant funding fro the program and interest from other First Nations, including Squamish.

Men's Health Team