Waterhen Lake

Researchers are evaluating the Makoyohsokoi Wolf Trail Program, a community-led, culturally relevant wellness program designed to support Indigenous women in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The program aims to improve participants health by increasing their ability to manage their own well-being through health education, cultural connection, and physical activity. It focuses on enhancing fitness, nutrition, mental health, quality of life, and awareness of community resources while affirming Indigenous identity. The program consists of a 12-week intense phase with weekly sessions including 45-60 minutes of exercise, 15-20 minutes of nutrition and wellness education, and 15-30 minutes of sharing circles. This is followed by a 6 to 12-week follow-up phase with weekly contact from facilitators, continued education and sharing circles, encouragement through a private Facebook group, and daily pedometer tracking. The program is offered in both urban and rural Indigenous communities with support from local healthcare providers and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers. Participants will be assessed throughout the program and one year after completion using measures such as physical activity step counts and questionnaires, quality of life, mental health, fitness tests, nutrition, cardiometabolic health, and resource awareness. Attendance and engagement are monitored, and data are collected in person or online. The total program duration is 24 weeks, with ongoing support and follow-up to evaluate sustained health benefits over time.