Fort Simpson (Mar 14/03) - Several Deh Cho residents are now certified to host traditional parenting programs in their respective communities.

A facilitator training workshop was held over the weekend in Fort Simpson. The objective for the participants is to promote healthier lifestyle choices for parents and parents-to-be.

To accomplish this, they will request that respected elders lead traditional activities and be present at workshops featuring experts on issues such as divorce, abuse and neglect, depression and self-esteem.

"Always remember that we need both, the non-Indian way and our native way," said instructor Joe Migwans.

Migwans, who resides in Whitehorse, noted that the traditional parenting program has been in existence there since 1994. It was conceived to address families at risk from alcohol, drugs and malnutrition. Traditional activities mentioned as options for workshops included: drum making, story telling, trapping, birch-bark basket making, tanning moose hides, setting fish nets, dry meat and dry fish making, and gathering plants.

"It's very important for youth to learn our traditional ways because it's disappearing," said participant Karen Kotchea of Fort Liard. "Just to pass on the message from our elders to our youth, that part is really exciting for me."

Trout Lake's Brenda Jumbo said the weekend training session taught her how to improve communication skills and body language. She said she'll be more at ease delivering workshops in her own community, she said.