“Physical activity is already the foundation of cultural activities”
The project, ʔe k szʕʷ̓zoʕ ̓ ʷt kt – So We Will Be Strong explored the interconnection between functional movement and cultural activities to promote physical health and cultural revitalization within the Nlaka’pamux Nation and Cook’s Ferry Indian Band. This initiative engaged Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Cook’s Ferry band members, and Nlaka’pamux members in a collaborative approach to reframe exercise through the lens of traditional practices, creating a space where physical wellness aligned with cultural and land-based activities.
For this project, Cook’s Ferry Indian Band developed an advisory group to determine which cultural activities to focus on and develop a fitness app. They also created a short film demonstrating the fitness program (app), and held three public showings to introduce community members to the app and film. The reason to develop an app was because it helped make the activities accessible to anyone who wanted to participate, whether at home, traveling, or as a community with some “health competition.”
The short film and workout app that was developed incorporated functional movements—such as squatting, lifting, and balancing—and tied them to cultural activities like berry picking, fishing, hunting, and cultural activities. These activities were complemented using nɬeʔkepmxcin and oral stories, ensuring cultural continuity and emphasizing the mental, emotional, and spiritual significance of movement in daily life. Elders and Knowledge Keepers shared teachings on the physical and cultural importance of these practices, fostering intergenerational learning and engagement.
Through this culturally grounded approach, ʔe k szʕʷ̓zoʕ ̓ ʷt kt – So We Will Be Strong not only strengthened participants’ physical health but also deepened connections to cultural and the land. The project exemplifies how Indigenous knowledge systems can guide innovative health programs, connect members to culture, well-being, and the land.
“I am happy to see our traditional language being used with physical health. If there was no language, I wouldn’t be interested in participating the program – it makes it feel more inclusive of our elders and speakers.”
-Program member
Watch the short film created for this project below!
The challenges encountered were primarily around meeting the original timeline. Wildfires put the start of the project on hold and then the busy schedules of advisory members, especially through hunting season, made scheduling difficult. Still, the project has been a major success.
“Overall, we are so happy with the outcome and the way the project unfolded for Cook’s Ferry Indian Band. It has reached beyond the core First Nation, and we have interest from neighboring First Nation communities and organizations as well. We have been invited to present the project at a National Conference, as well as we are using it as the foundation for an additional project that is focused on preparing members for hunting season. Physical fitness, we realize, is not just something you do when it is convenient for you. It is a lifestyle that you can weave into every day practices, and most importantly, it is living within cultural practices that have been the foundation of Cook’s Ferry Indian Band for generations.”
Thank you to Mandy and the Cooks Ferry Indian Band for sharing your experience leading this fantastic project!
