FITBIT FANATICS WIN MOCC WALK 2018 FOR SOUTHERN ONTARIO

AKWESASNE MOHAWK TERRITORY – The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is proud to announce that the Fitbit Fanatics have taken first place in the Southern Ontario Team category for the 2018 Mocc Walk, a free challenge created by the Ontario Native Women’s Association’s Diabetes Program, in an effort to raise Diabetes Awareness, as well as to promote physical activity among Indigenous People across Ontario.

The MCA Community Health Program entered Akwesasne in the 2018 Mocc Walk alongside 17 other Ontario First Nations. Employees were invited to participate in this “How Far Can Your Moccasin’s Walk” event, either solo or in a team of 4, to compete for prizes for the most minutes walked for the months of May and June 2018.

With a total of 1,820 points (18,200 minutes total), the Fitbit Fanatics dominated the Southern Ontario portion, and were each awarded a $50 Wal-Mart gift card for their efforts. The Fitbit Fanatics include: Cheyenne Lazore (ARRO), Natalie Jacobs (Liaison Officer), Phillip White-Cree (ARRO), and Lacey Herne (ARRO). Team collaboration, as well as individual efforts carried this team to fruition; although the team agrees on Fitbit Fanatic MVP – Cheyenne Lazore, as she walked close to 9,000 minutes in this two-month challenge.

The Mocc Walk is an annual effort to raise Diabetes Awareness, as well as promotion of physical activity within First Nations communities. People of all ages are encouraged to participate, and walk anywhere they find suits their needs.

Diabetes among First Nations individuals is 3 – 5 times higher than the general Canadian
population, and American Indians/Alaska Natives (US) now have the highest diabetes prevalence rates of all racial and ethnic groups.

For more information on the Ontario Native Women’s Association, how you can get involved, or information on the 2019 Mocc Walk, please visit www.onwa.ca.