History

The Health Promotions & Publications division of the Nechi Institute is a division known across the country for developing and coordinating a variety of culturally sensitive promotional programs, materials and campaigns including an Aboriginal Smoking Prevention Initiative promoting smoke-free lifestyles in Aboriginal communities; healthy babies resources; and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome education materials.

The Health Promotion & Publications division coordinated the National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW), Canada’s largest Aboriginal addictions awareness campaign for 18 years; promoting healthy living and addictions-free lifestyles. The “Keep the Circle Strong” campaign started in 1987 with participation from 25 Aboriginal communities. Today, although Nechi is no longer managing it, NAAW continues with another coodinating body. Hopefully the spirit of promoting addictions-free communities will continue to Keep the Circle Strong.

Visit the NAAW link (on the left navigation bar) or click here to read more.

Each year the Health Promotions & Publications division produces health promotion resource materials and promotional items that are available to participating groups, organizations and communities across Canada.

The newest health promotions item is the Healthy Is As Healthy Does: An Aboriginal Health Promotions Manual, produced by the Visions Centre of Innovation. Visit the Visions web site for more information on the manual and the accompanying DVD's.

In addition to the programs it delivers, Nechi works with other local, regional or national organizations, offering strategic planning, communications expertise and organizational skills to help promote awareness of various health issues.