Fitness Tips from Fitness 2J2: Future career opportunities for our youth
- Joel Pedersen | January 18, 2017
I recognize the importance of healthy and positive lifestyle, and to share that with as many people as I can. I also know that some of my own experiences and opportunities that have occurred were a direct result of joining the Canadian Armed Forces at a young age. For this I am grateful and also try to share that message to others, especially our youth.
This month I had the privilege of joining the new RCMP Aboriginal community engagement Corporal and the new FSIN Bold Eagle coordinator. Together we would meet with the community leadership, members and specifically the youth. As we climbed into the small single engine prop plane heading north to the Athabasca area, I knew this would be different than the last couple of visits that I had. For one, this was the first time either of my First Nation friends had ever been in the North. The second is that for the military, RCMP and FSIN to collectively work together to bring the information of career and opportunities, this was also a first.
Our Northern tour included the communities of: Fond du Lac; Stoney Rapids and Black Lake; Wollaston and Hatchet Lake. We met with groups of youth in each community to share with them the opportunities that could change their lives. The three of us have our own story of life and experiences as First Nations people in the military and policing. Our stories of strength and hope gave those who attended the sessions a realistic and personal look into what it was like to have a job as a soldier and police officer.
It wasn’t all work during our visits, we also had the opportunity to play some hockey in Hatchet Lake and join in on a Functional Fitness workout session in Black Lake. I was encouraged to see the active communities especially when the weather was in the -50c range. The four days went by quickly, we were thankful for the sincere welcome we received in each community and look forward to returning back.
January and February will have 2J2 programing in Saskatoon at St.Mary’s School Monday Nights for Functional Fitness sessions, and self-defence for women and youth. Wednesday Nights is Askiy RunClub learn to run 5km program. Also looking forward to bringing 2J2 programming to Buffalo Narrows and the UofS Aboriginal Student Center with the Aboriginal Fitness Leadership Prep Program.
More from Fitness 2J2:
- How does a New Yorker say Saskatchewan?
- Enjoying the North
- Journey from cancer treatment to a healthy lifestyle
Fitness 2J2 is a socially responsible community based health and wellness company. Contributing to the success and vitality of our communities, promoting healthy and positive lifestyles for Aboriginal people of all ages and abilities. STRONG HEALTHY PROUD.