The Wampanoag-led health symposium in Orleans aims to unite communities in understanding the integral connection between human health and land wellness. The free event includes panel discussions, a luncheon by Chef Sherry Pocknett, and film showings, addressing topics like food sovereignty and the impact of historical trauma on health. This initiative focuses on fostering collaborative relationships and empowering marginalized voices in health care.
A forthcoming health symposium, guided by the Wampanoag community, aims to unite diverse groups in Cape Cod, spotlighting the vital link between human wellness and the health of the land. Wampanoag elder Linda Coombs emphasizes that the Earth and humanity are interconnected, warning that harm to the environment can lead to illness among people. Titled “We and the Land are One Thing: Wampanoag Health Equity Symposium,” the event is scheduled for Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Spirit’s community hall in Orleans. This free gathering will feature informative panel discussions, a luncheon designed by acclaimed Chef Sherry Pocknett, traditional drumming, and a film screening. Participants will engage in thought-provoking discussions on Indigenous food sovereignty and living in harmony with the land, exploring historical, cultural, and modern views of these concepts. The program will also showcase a mini-documentary series focusing on elemental Indigenous teachings, further encouraging a closer relationship with nature. The symposium aims to educate attendees about the deep connection between food sovereignty and environmental health, seeking to dislodge traditional views held within the healthcare sector. Coombs and other speakers wish for healthcare professionals to better comprehend the unique needs of Indigenous and marginalized communities plagued by historical trauma and health disparities. Delilah’s Healing and Educational Collective, named after a 19th-century Wampanoag healer, has dedicated years to fostering health-focused educational initiatives. With this symposium, there’s a hopeful call for collaboration, emphasizing the importance of shared understanding among communities. Linda Coombs notes, “We can’t fight this fight on our own. We need allies.”
The Wampanoag-led health symposium serves as a platform to emphasize the holistic interrelationship between environmental health and human wellness. This event is rooted in the Wampanoag understanding of living in harmony with the land, drawing from centuries of Indigenous practices and cultural heritage. Participants will delve into topics like food sovereignty and the impact of historical trauma on health, aiming for deeper community connections and actionable insights to improve health outcomes.
The Wampanoag-led health symposium is poised to be a transformative gathering, merging Indigenous wisdom with contemporary health discussions. By addressing the interconnectedness of human and environmental health, the event fosters collaboration and understanding among diverse communities. Attendees will leave with enriched perspectives on food sovereignty and historical contexts impacting health, reinforcing the call for allies in collective wellbeing efforts.
Original Source: www.capecodtimes.com
