.

Home page

Text size

E-mail this page

TALOYOAK/SPENCE BAY - Close to 300 students and community members took part in the Community Health Fair at Netsilik School in Taloyoak on Wednesday, May 6.

The theme was "Creating a Healthy Community" and that's just what they did, according to Healthy Foods North project co-ordinator Renata Rosol.

There were designated areas for trying healthy snacks prepared by each class, traditional food stations by the elders and youth program and stations where health staff checked blood pressure and blood iron levels.

"The teachers would pass each class through the different stations so they got a chance to not just have traditional food but learn about examples of healthy foods in local stores," Rosol said.

She said the elders and youth program presented traditional tools and clothing.

"For the past few months the elders and youth program has been getting together to share skills," she said. "They were just showcasing it so the youth could see some of the traditional tools."

Healthy snacks included fruit smoothies, egg salad sandwiches and hummus, as well as frozen Arctic char and both cooked and frozen caribou. Some students shared their recipes with other classmates and community members while others shared their knowledge on healthy foods by making posters that were displayed at the fair.

Store managers from the community were also invited to share the healthy beverage options available at local stores in Taloyoak such as diet pop and juices with no sugar added.

Rosol said the health fair was quite successful, and Healthy Foods North plans to do another fair in the fall.

"Next time, definitely more planning so we can get even more out of it, but this is a great start," she said.