The Canadian Diabetes Association is pleased to present the 11th annual Aboriginal Gathering, The Diabetes Medicine Wheel, on Wed., May 7, 2014 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (registration begins at 8:30 a.m.) in Prince Albert at the Exhibition Centre. This event is an opportunity for the Aboriginal community affected by diabetes to come together for networking, information, support and to learn about the local resources available to help them manage their disease.

The event will feature:

• Workshop – Yoga 101 (sessions at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.): Calysta Adams, Registered Dietitian and Registered Yoga Teacher 
• Workshop – Put Life Back in Your Life (sessions at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.): Julie Penner, Live Well Aboriginal Provincial Coordinator
• Workshop – Nutrition—A Focus on Access to Healthy Foods on Reserve (sessions at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.): Allison Babich, Community Dietitian with Willow Cree Health
• Richelle Lambiris, PAPHR Smoking Cessation Coordinator 
• Rose Daniels, Evelyn Linklater and Florence Highway, Aboriginal Elders 
• Mike Daniels, Master of Ceremonies and Aboriginal Elder
• Lawrence Roy and Sons, Hoop Dancers (begins at 2:30 p.m.)

"Access to healthy foods on reserve can be a challenge and my presentation is designed to help make nutritious decisions easier," says Allison Babich.

It is estimated that there are currently 90,000 people in Saskatchewan living with diabetes and the prevalence of diabetes is three to five times higher in Aboriginal communities than that of the general population. 

"By partnering with the health sector and Aboriginal groups, the Canadian Diabetes Association works to ease the burden of diabetes in our communities," says Lauren Suchan, Registered Dietitian and Coordinator, Public Programs and Services at the Canadian Diabetes Association. "When it comes to health, knowledge is the best management. We invite the public to take advantage of this event and join us to learn how they can prevent and manage diabetes, while improving their overall health."

Tickets are $25 per person or $350 for a group of 15 (includes a healthy lunch, nutrition break, and all sessions). For more information or to register, please contact Lauren Suchan at (306) 933-1238, ext. 228 or by email. Information about the event can also be viewed online by visiting diabetes.ca/events and searching "Aboriginal Gathering."