Thursday, July 30, 2009

Promoting the NAHO National Conference

Today the NARMP mascot Bruce Ma Goose and the NAHO team visited the Jeanne Mance building at Tunney's Pasture to hand out postcards promoting the NAHO National Conference. You can meet Bruce Ma-Goose-and lots of really great people-at the NAHO National Conference in Ottawa this November 24-26, 2009!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

NAHO CEO Congratulates new Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo

OTTAWA — Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay, Chief Executive Officer of the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO), congratulates Shawn Atleo on his election as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN).

Atleo won the leadership position after a marathon voting session at the AFN’s Annual General Assembly held this week in Calgary, AB.

“I look forward to working with him on our mutual goal of improving the health and well-being of First Nations in Canada,” Tremblay stated. “I share his vision of unity and partnership – it is by working together that we, as Indigenous Peoples in Canada can enter what National Chief Atleo calls ‘a new chapter’.”

Established in 2000, NAHO is an Aboriginal-designed and –controlled organization dedicated to the advancing the health and well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, families and communities.

Monday, July 27, 2009

NAHO National Aboriginal Role Model wins prestigious health research award

OTTAWA — Julie Bull, a National Aboriginal Role Model in 2007, was the Canadian recipient of the Hart Hansen Award at a ceremony at the 14th International Congress on Circumpolar Health held in Yellowknife, NT.

Bull is working on an interdisciplinary Ph.D. from Dalhousie University with a focus on Aboriginal research ethics. The mission of the Hart Hansen Award is to increase cooperation in circumpolar health research and education by mentoring and encouraging emerging researchers and health care workers.

"It was an honour to have such recognition from the Canadian Society of Circumpolar Health. There are so many aspiring young health researchers in Canada deserving of this and I feel privileged to receive this award,” Bull explained. “It is through the support of established researchers, health workers and organizations who have the passion to mentor young people that will see generations of Aboriginal youth not only working in the health field, but taking control of the research, policy and practice."

Originally from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador, Bull is also an active volunteer and has helped out in her hometown with events such as the Métis Friends and Family Day, and has been a team captain for both the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life and the Horizons’ Spring into Action challenge.

“How wonderful that our young people are excelling in many fields, especially in the area of health research.” said National Aboriginal Spokesperson and internationally renowned performer Lucie Idlout. “What a great role model Julie is for all of the Aboriginal youth who are interested in the health field. She is truly an inspiration!”

The National Aboriginal Role Model Program celebrates the accomplishments of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth aged 13 to 30. Now in its 25th year, and the fifth year as a project of the National Aboriginal Health Organization, the Program inspires Aboriginal youth to strive to reach their goals. Each year, 12 Aboriginal role models are nominated by their peers. They are selected for their achievements, leadership, and innovation.

Throughout the year, the role models will attend celebrations, school functions, workshops, and conferences to share their stories with other Aboriginal youth.

Established in 2000, the National Aboriginal Health Organization is an Aboriginal-designed and –controlled organization dedicated to the advancing the health and well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, families and communities.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Susan Dahlseide re-elected as Chairperson of the NAHO Board of Directors

Ottawa, ON– National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay announced additions and changes to NAHO’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee today, as per NAHO’s Board meeting conducted on June 8, 2009.

Changes include the re-election of Susan Dahlseide as Chairperson of NAHO’s Board of Directors for a second term, and election of a new Vice-Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary. The re-elected Chairperson was approved at the Annual Members Meeting held on June 26, 2009.

“NAHO is poised to have a busy year with many interesting challenges and opportunities,” said Dr. Tremblay. “We welcome our new Board and Executive Committee members as they guide us in our important work to promote and improve the health and well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis living in Canada.”

Dahlseide, appointed to the NAHO Board of Directors by the Métis National Council (MNC), has served in different capacities for NAHO since its inception in 2000.

Judy Hughes, appointed by the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC), was elected as Vice-Chairperson of the Board, and Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, also appointed by NWAC, will serve as Treasurer. Chief Oliver Okemow, an elected member of the Board, will assume the role of Secretary.

Other changes to the NAHO Board include the following:
•Natan Obed was appointed to the Board by the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK).
•Jamie Gallant was appointed by the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP).
•Chief Marcel Balfour was appointed by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN).
•Chief Clifford Poucette was appointed by the AFN.
•Dr. Vance Kruszewski was elected to the Board.

NAHO also bids farewell and gives thanks to the following Directors who have served on the Board with dedication and commitment:

•Larry Gordon, who was appointed by ITK.
•Lorraine Gisborn, who was appointed by CAP.
•Chief Shirley Clark, who was appointed by AFN.
•Chief Charles Weaselhead, who was appointed by AFN.

Three elected members of the Board will continue their terms: Iris Allen, Ida Calmagane and Ellen Gabriel. Katherine Minich, appointed by ITK, Lori Sellars, appointed by CAP and Dr. Judith Bartlett, appointed by MNC, will also continue to serve on the Board.

NAHO is comprised of a 15-member Board of Directors, 10 of which are appointed by the five officially recognized National Aboriginal Organizations (AFN, ITK, MNC, NWAC, CAP). The remaining five Directors are elected by the NAHO Board.

Established in 2000, the National Aboriginal Health Organization is an Aboriginal-designed and –controlled organization dedicated to the advancing the health and well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, families and communities.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Honouring Life Network holds focus group for pilot suicide prevention project

OTTAWA —As part of the National Aboriginal Health Organization’s (NAHO) Honouring Life Network (HLN), a focus group was held on July 3, 2009 to engage youth in discussion regarding the development of an interactive online suicide prevention tool.

“Suicide rates have reached crisis levels for some First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities,” said NAHO Chief Executive Officer Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay. “By giving our youth a voice, we can work together to develop culturally-appropriate tools to help them understand and promote how life is extremely precious.”

A collaboration of the HLN and MindYourMind.ca, the pilot project will use new media to highlight successful youth suicide prevention and healthy living initiatives in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. Resources will include interviews with youth, an e-learning module, interactive applications, and supplementary information about healthy lifestyle choices and suicide prevention.

During the focus group, First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth aged 17-30 gave their input on the project, and discussed the strengths and weaknesses of using this type of application in their communities.

Dominant themes that emerged included: the lack of knowledge and dialogue surrounding youth suicide prevention in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities; the need for dynamic and engaging materials appropriate to youth; and, the lack of new media materials that are Aboriginal-specific.

“With young and growing First Nations, Inuit and Métis populations, investments in our children are of utmost importance,” said Dr. Tremblay. “NAHO believes it is vital to support projects that work towards the health, well-being and resiliency of our people.”

A final summary report with more information on the focus group session will be generated and featured on the HLN Web site.

Established in 2000, the National Aboriginal Health Organization is an Aboriginal-designed and –controlled organization dedicated to the advancing the health and well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, families and communities.