NACA’s Lasting Indigenous Family Enrichment (LIFE) Program is grant funded by the Center for Disease Control’s, Tribal Practices for Wellness in Indian Country (TPWIC) grant.  This 3-year grant supports tribal practice activities and events, focuses on building resiliency and connection between community, family, and culture, while promoting healthy lifestyle to reduce chronic disease risk factors.

Program Strategies:

1. Intergenerational learning opportunities that support wellbeing and resilience.

2. Traditional and contemporary physical activities that strengthen wellbeing.

3. Seasonal cultural and traditional practices that support health and wellness

Program’s Intermediate Goal: Increase number of community members reporting stronger understanding of and engagement in healthy living practices.

Program’s Long Term Goal:  Reduce morbidity and mortality due to diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer.  Increase resilience to diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer through cultural practices and knowledge.

LIFE program blends cultural and contemporary practices to facilitate the following activities, to support healthier lifestyles, while reducing chronic disease risk factors:

Past Year 1 - LIFE Program Activities:

• Activity 1.1 Youth Powwow Dance Program (YPDP)
• Activity 1.2 Community Wellness Powwow YPDP “Welcoming into the Circle”
• Activity 1.3 Adult Nutrition & Exercise Classes
• Activity 1.4 Talking Circles

Past Year 2 - LIFE Program Activities:

• Activity 2.1 Traditional Running
• Activity 2.2 Teaching Important Elements of Running
• Activity 2.3 Walk-to-Run Program
• Activity 2.4 Louis Tewanima Footrace
• Activity 2.5 Aerobic Winter Challenge
• Activity 2.6 Community Wellness Conference and Evening Social Powwow

Current Year 3 – LIFE Program Activities

• Activity 3.1 Indigenous Gardening
• Activity 3.2 Natural Herbs and Traditional Medicine Presentations
• Activity 3.3 Family Nutrition and Organic Cooking Class
• Activity 3.4 Community Harvest Feast
• Activity 3.5 Elder Caring
• Activity 3.6 Indoor Gardening
• Activity 3.7 Creation of Program Book