We are the future of our people.
capture the daylight
If you or someone you are with is in immediate crisis, dial 911
Why this matters to us
Our bodies – that carry us through our days and make it possible to care for others – are a great strength, invaluable resource, and wonderful gift. Regardless of our strengths or limitations, we owe it to ourselves, our ancestors, and future generations to treat ourselves with the love, care, and attention we deserve.
Eating nutritious foods, moving around, good rest, and joyful play all contribute to healthy and strong bodies. And so does getting preventative medical care, asking for help from modern and traditional medicine providers when sick, and watching out for each other. If we take care of our bodies, they will take care of us.
Physical health is the foundation of well-being, but it’s easy to overlook when we get busy with life’s demands. Everyone knows that we should get up and walk, move around a little more, but the thing that stops us is perfection. What shoes should I wear? What’s my target heart rate, How do I make sure I do something safe for my age range? Staying active doesn’t have to be complicated. Research shows that doing an activity that you find fun – like a sport – can be an easier way to get started than thinking about doing a “work out.”
Our community is rich with fun activities that help keep us active. Some favorites around the Rez include hiking, CrossFit, lifting, skateboarding, football, and basketball. Whether it’s a walk through the woods or hitting the courts with friends, staying active doesn’t have to be complicated.
How Can I Improve My Physical Health?
There’s no magic answer, for some people it’s a health scare, for some it’s sheer will, but for most of us, it’s having a friend. Someone to go golfing with you, to challenge you to a game of h.o.r.s.e, to go on a walk with you, or to spar with at boxing. It’s the things we do all the time with each other that keep us healthy!
Your Path to Better Health
Physical activity not only boosts energy and mood but also reduces the risk of chronic illnesses. Maintaining physical health involves consistent effort and finding what works best for your body and lifestyle. Tulalip and national resources offer programs and toolkits to help you start and sustain your wellness journey.
Where Can I Get Help for Chronic Conditions?
Tulalip Health Clinic offers management programs for diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions, combining medical care with cultural wellness practices.
Additional Resources
Tulalip Resources
- Tulalip Health System: Explore health and wellness services offered by Tulalip. Visit website
- Community Health Activities: Join Tulalip’s hiking club and cooking club for fun, health-focused community engagement.
Local Gyms and Trainers:
- Tulalip Bay Crossfit: A local fitness center focused on strength and conditioning. Visit Instagram
- YMCA: Free YMCA memberships for Tulalip tribal members at the Marysville YMCA.
Federal Resources
- National Institutes of Health: Comprehensive toolkits on physical health and wellness. Visit website
- Indigenous Food Sovereignty – Discusses the role of traditional foods in improving physical health.
- CDC Benefits of Physical Activity: Tips and insights into how movement improves overall health. Read more
Articles
Indigenous/First Nations and Physical Health: https://www.indigenousmhspc.gov.au/topics/physical-health
IHS, “Being Active Is Traditional” https://www.ihs.gov/diabetes/education-materials-and-resources/diabetes-topics/physical -activity/being-active-is-traditional/
“Traditional Foods Have Become a Way to Talk About Health” https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2020/19_0213.htm
Other Resources
- Native Wellness Institute: Resources and workshops promoting physical health through a cultural lens. Website
- https://nativemaxmagazine.com/native-women-in-fitness/
- Instagram Accounts to Follow:
- @NativeWellness: Promoting fitness and health in Indigenous communities.
- https://www.instagram.com/thosh.collins: Indigenous Community Health Educator
- https://www.instagram.com/realnativefitness: Real Native Fitness Community
- Shana Minei Spence: https://www.instagram.com/thenutritiontea
Now there is no one who could catch up with us.
There is something you can do.
Strong community connections are key to addressing this crisis. When neighbors and local groups unite, they create a support network that can identify and help those at risk. Small acts—checking in, sharing resources, offering support—make a real difference. These connections don’t just help in emergencies; they build resilience and prevent addiction from taking root.
Capture the Daylight officially launches in Spring 2025. Sign up here for updates leading to our launch!
