We're thrilled to share this beautiful calendar that will nourish you throughout all of 2017.

This year’s “Your Health Matters” Calendar is a product of partnership between the National Aboriginal Diabetes Association and the Aboriginal Nutrition Network of the Dietitians of Canada.

You can download a PDF copy of the calendar here and can learn more about the National Aboriginal Diabetes Association by visiting their website.

The calendar features Haudenosaunee and Mi’Kmaq-related recipes using traditional foods and traditional means of preparation, along with traditional teachings that inform the procurement of and respect for the plants and animals. As a means of preventing diabetes and other chronic disease, consumption of traditional and less-processed foods provides essential nutrients and healthier ways of eating, as well as connecting to culture and honouring our ancestors.

The calendar starts in February, to reflect the “new year” in Haudenosaune culture, February is the time of year when we honour our ancestors and their knowledge passed on to us to help us survive another year through the winter season. We look forward to the spring season upon us and gather to share food, song and ceremony. Ogwaya’dadohéhsdoh: in the Cayuga language means “It Aligns Our Body” representing the balance that each season provides for us and our relationship with food and water. The seasonal food guide is a Haudenosaunee representation of how you can choose to eat and harvest foods in your Nations. Think about the foods and ceremonies that are happening in your Nations and map them out in a seasonal fashion utilizing the four directions, medicines, life cycles and food availability. You can focus your monthly events or outings to honor one or two of the prominent foods in your Nation.