Empowering Indigenous Youth for a Healthy Future

The Rising Minds Team is busy preparing for the end of the 2022 school year. Both our in-school health and wellness program and our youth group have been enjoying weekly activities and adventures with Bonnie, our community health educator. 

In-person classes are still inconsistent as the country works to mitigate the spread of recent COVID variants. Adopting an alternating schedule, students have in-person classes 2-3 times a week, and educators rely on remote work models and homework to make up for the class time missed. Our enrichment program has proven to be invaluable during this unprecedented time, providing structure and academic reinforcement in a time that it’s most needed. 

Health and wellness are as important now as ever. As students begin to navigate a post-pandemic world and adapt to the current circumstances, addressing their physical, behavioral, and mental health is crucial. Bonnie has begun explicitly teaching social-emotional learning skills and competencies such as  self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. SEL is key in boosting students’ academic performance. Furthermore, the focus on community, connections, and relationships ensure that students feel safe and supported in and outside of the classroom. This focus on social-emotional health is crucial at this time. When kids feel safe and supported and have necessary skills and competencies, their physical and behavioral health will be supported.