Diabetes Awareness Month: Education is for everyone

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Diabetes Awareness Month: Education is for everyone – FNHA

by ahnationtalk on November 25, 202534 Views

November 24, 2025

For Diabetes Awareness Month we are sharing stories from community about the importance of diabetes education, screening and awareness. Elder Matilda Atleo is an Indigenous Diabetes Educator at FNHA. She is originally from her mother’s community, Xaxlip First Nation, and is a member of the Tseshaht First Nation. She has lived in Port Alberni for the last 43 years, where she works as a diabetes educator.

“Make health a priority.” Those are the words of wisdom from respected Elder Matilda Atleo for Diabetes Awareness Month, a message rooted in her decades of experience and compassion in working with diabetes.

Matilda’s journey into diabetes care and education began with her late husband, George Watts. When George was diagnosed, she learned firsthand the challenges families face. After he passed from complications, Matilda returned to school to become certified in Diabetes Prevention and Holistic Nutrition. Her commitment to diabetes health promotion led her to work with Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Nursing Services for 20 years before joining FNHA as an Indigenous Diabetes Educator in 2023.