NAHO Thanks Artists for their contribution to 2009 National Conference

Plenary Speakers and National Aboriginal Role Models were honoured for their contributions towards improving the health and well being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, families and communities with a special gift commissioned by two Aboriginal artists for the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) 2009 National Conference.

“NAHO is grateful for the art pieces,” says Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay, CEO of NAHO. “The involvement of David M. General and Steve Smith, both world renowned artists, has added a culturally appropriate touch to the conference gifts of appreciation.”

During the National Aboriginal Role Model Reunion Banquet on Tuesday November 24, 2009, each Role Model in attendance received a Phases of the Moon 2009 bronze pendant created by David M. General, who has developed a distinctive style for works in marble and bronze.

Phases of the Moon pays homage to women. Grandmother Moon plays a prominent role in First Nations legends and teachings – Phases of the Moon is a tribute to her benevolence. The design of Grandmother Moon depicts the new, full and old moons and their influence on the tides.

“Art holds the greatest potential for demonstrating ones individuality, commitment and patience,” says David M. General, Phases of the Moon artist.

Each Plenary Speaker received a handmade piece of pottery from Six Nations potter Steve Smith. Smith‟s themes are depicted on artfully etched pottery with each piece being one-of-a-kind. He uses geometric designs to represent a blending of natural laws with manmade laws as they pertain to business and commerce. His works have often been described as modern versions of ancient poetry.

“When you get a piece of artwork, you don‟t want people to say,"mine is just like yours.‟ No two will ever be identical,” says Steven Smith. “My pottery speaks of the balance between industry and the natural world.”

NAHO brought Aboriginal health care professionals from across Canada, the United States and abroad to host the most engaging and informative national health conference this year.

National Aboriginal Role Models Take Centre Stage at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards (CAMA)

Ottawa, ON – The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) is excited to announce that National Aboriginal Role Models and 2009 NARMP national spokesperson, Lucie Idlout represent thirty nine percent (39%) of this year’s Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards (CAMA) finalists.

During the National Aboriginal Role Model Reunion Banquet on Tuesday November 24, 2009 in Ottawa, Ontario at the Crowne Plaza hotel, event goers were a buzz about the upcoming CAMA’s on Friday November 27, 2009 at Hamilton Place Theatre.

“It was just thrilling to discover that NAHO Role Models and Spokesperson represented such a large portion of the finalists at this year's Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards,” says Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay, CEO of NAHO.

“On Tuesday night, NAHO celebrated the achievements of the very talented First Nations, Inuit and Métis Role Models and it looks like there will be more to celebrate in the future.”

National Aboriginal Role Models are finalists in nine distinct CAMA categories between just four artists.

The Role Models who are finalists in this year’s CAMA awards are:

Inez, 2008 National Aboriginal Role Model, is a finalist for Best Female Artist and Best Blues Album for Singsoulgirl, and Best Album Cover Design with designer Ron Dean “Ostwelve” Harris and Artist/Photographer Nadya Kwandibens for Singsoulgirl.

Ry Moran, 2008 National Aboriginal Role Model, is a finalist Best Original Score for Tiga Talk! Session 1.

Charlotte Qamaniq, 2009 National Aboriginal Role Model, is part of the group Tumivut nominated for Best Female Traditional and Best Group or Duo. Also a part of this group is Cynthia Pitsiulak, who works as a Research Assistant at the Inuit Tutarvingat of NAHO.

Lucie Idlout, 2009 NARMP national spokesperson, is a finalist in the categories for Best Song Writer, Best Music Video and Best Rock Album for her latest album Swagger and Female Artist of the year.

It’s the 25th anniversary of the National Aboriginal Role Model Program funded through Health Canada and the 6th year of being administered by the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO). In the six years that NAHO has been administering NARMP there have been 72 Role Models recognized for their achievements. The air was filled with excitement and energy with 30 Role Models in attendance at the NAHO Reunion.

NARMP celebrates the accomplishments of First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth aged 13 to 30. "Lead Your Way", the program’s theme, inspires Aboriginal youth to strive to reach their goals.

NAHO CEO Offers words of Thanks to National Aboriginal Role Models

Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay, CEO of NAHO offers special words of thanks at National Aboriginal Role Model Reunion Banquet on Tuesday November 24, 2009 in Ottawa, Ontario at the Crowne Plaza hotel in the International Ballroom. The banquet was a celebration of the accomplishments of the National Aboriginal Role Models.

Dear Role Models,

We thank you for being courageous as you have engaged in a learning journey that makes a difference in the lives of those you meet through your community visits and speaking engagements.

We thank you for sharing your gifts and your time with such passion and joy for you have touched the hearts and minds of many youth who are struggling to find their way.

We thank you for providing others with a glimpse of what is possible if you set goals and work hard to achieve them.

We thank you for providing others with inspiration and motivation by sharing your stories and informing them about future paths that were previously unknown to them.
We thank you for planting the seeds that allow others to begin thinking and dreaming about their future and their career journeys.

We thank you for speaking from your heart and giving of yourself - showing that you care and that you are willing to pave the path for others.

And we are thankful because you give us hope: Because your success and accomplishments demonstrate that providing support has nurtured your growth and development.

We are thankful because you give us the energy to continue to do what we must to make the places we live vibrant, healthy, and rooted in our cultures and traditions.

We are thankful because we know that you have the knowledge, skills, and experiences to lead the way for future generations.


Nia:wen Kowa,
Paulette C. Tremblay, Ph.D

Photos by Ben Powless

NAHO 2009 National Conference Welcomes Special Guests to the International Perspectives on Health and Well-Being Panel

The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) is pleased to welcome an international panel of experts in Indigenous health as part of the NAHO 2009 National Conference Our People, Our Health, to be held in Ottawa, Ontario from November 24-26, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza and Marriott Hotels.

The International Perspectives on Health and Well-Being panel will take place on Wednesday, November 25, 2009 from 8:45 a.m.-10:15 a.m in the International Ballroom at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

“This is an opportunity you don’t want to miss,” says Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay, CEO of NAHO. “The International Perspectives on Health and Well-Being Panel is bringing Indigenous health care professionals from across Canada and abroad together to provide engaging and informative perspectives about current health initiatives that are making a difference.”

NAHO welcomes,

Dr. Sue Crengle, Māori from New Zealand, is Co-Director of the Tomaiora Maori Health Research Centre and senior lecturer at the University of Auckland. She holds specialty qualifications in General Practice and Public Health Medicine. She has conducted important research in the areas of health services research, quality of care and child and youth health.

Dr. Jane Freemantle, from Australia, is an award-winning researcher and academic who has spent much of her career as a paediatric epidemiologist with a focus on Aboriginal children and communities within Australia and internationally. Her research has resulted in the development of tools to improve the accuracy and completeness of Indigenous health data. Dr. Freemantle currently holds an Associate Professor position at the University of Western Australia.

Christine Kenney, from New Zealand, was the first Māori midwife to gain a doctorate in Midwifery in New Zealand and she has worked for many years to develop Māori midwifery capacity and to address the research gaps in Indigenous research, health and midwifery knowledge.

Chaired by Dr. Alika Lafontaine this panel will discuss:

• What is the current health status of Indigenous Peoples around the world?
• What is being done on an international level to improve the health of Indigenous people?
• What can we learn from our international colleagues?

These International panellists will be joined by

Dr. Vyta Senikas - Associate Executive Vice-President and Continuous Professional Learning Division, and Director for the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada

Dr. Judith Bartlett - Metis physician, researcher and health administrator. She is an Associate Professor and an Adjunct Scientist - Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (both in the Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba). She is Director, Health & Wellness Department, Manitoba Metis Federation, and also continues part-time clinical work.

Violet Ford - Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada Executive Council Member & Vice President on International Affairs.

Jessica Yee - The founder and Executive Director of the Native Youth Sexual Health Network and 2009 National Aboriginal Role Model.

Other international presenters will participate in various breakout sessions, including several Canada/U.S. workshops on Indigenous Knowledge and North American Health Care Systems, a workshop on Efficacy of Traditional Medicines with a Mayan presenter from the Belize Indigenous Training Institute, and a panel on Indigenous philosophies and ceremonies as the basis of action, which details a partnership with the Union of Yagé Healers of the Columbian Amazon.

NAHO 2009 National Conference will explore First Nations, Inuit and Métis Health Perspectives in Opening Plenary

The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) is pleased to welcome leading Aboriginal health care professionals for its opening panel at the NAHO 2009 National Conference Our People, Our Health, to be held in Ottawa, Ontario from November 24-26, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza and Marriott Hotels.

The health perspectives panel will take place on Tuesday November 24, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. in the International Ballroom at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Chaired by Dr. Alika Lafontaine, this panel will explore the question, “What will the future hold for the health of First Nations, Inuit and Métis?”

“This will be a very exciting start to what promises to be the most engaging and informative national health conference this year,” says Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay, CEO of NAHO and Health Perspectives panellist. “The individuals on the opening panel all have an interest in health research that respects First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, families and communities and a common goal of improving the health and well-being of Aboriginal peoples. I look forward to learning from the diversity of perspectives shared.”

The panellists include:

Dr. Alain Beaudet, President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Anne Marie Robinson, Assistant Deputy Minister, First Nations Inuit Health Branch, Health Canada.

Dr. Paul Gully, Senior Medical Advisor in the Health Canada Deputy Minister’s Office, with specific responsibilities for First Nations in relation to H1N1.

James Makokis is from the Saddle Lake Cree Nation, Alberta. He is currently studying medicine at the University of Ottawa. He has a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science from the University of Alberta and a Masters of Health Science in Community Nutrition from the University of Toronto. He is now a registered dietician.

Nathan Obed, Director of social and cultural development for Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the representational organization for the beneficiaries of the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement.

NAHO Congratulates Role Models for their success at the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards

Ottawa, ON - The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) is thrilled to congratulate 2008 National Aboriginal Role Model, Inez for winning four awards at the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards (APCMA). Inez took home awards for Best New Artist, Best Pop CD, Best Album Cover Design and Single of the Year for her track Breathe.

“Inez is a rising star who we look forward to following as her future endeavours unfold,” says Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay, CEO of NAHO. “She received the honour of being recognized as a NAHO National Aboriginal Role Model in 2008 for her outstanding contributions to her community.”

While continuing to work as a community and homecare nurse for Stó:lō Nation Health Services, Inez emerged onto the Canadian Music scene in 2006. In 2008, Inez released her second album, the award winning Singsoulgirl.”

The proud Sto:lo, Ojibway, and Métis artist blends traditional First Nations sounds with her love for contemporary R&B and Hip Hop.

During her acceptance speech at APCMA, Inez acknowledged the challenges that moms face when balancing work and career and encouraged women to follow their dreams. Her husband and mother, who serve double duty as baby sitters while Inez is thrilling audiences on stage, were in the audience to cheer her on.

A highlight of the evening came when Inez was presented with Single of the Year. Inez brought her nine month old son to the podium with her. “It was completely natural for me to bring him with me to accept the award,” says Inez. “He travels everywhere with me.”

NAHO would also like to congratulate 2007 Role Model, radio host and producer Suzette Amaya for winning Best Aboriginal Music Radio Station Program for ThinkNDN Radio on Vancouver Co-op Radio (CFRO) 102.7 FM.

NARMP, a program administered by NAHO, celebrates the accomplishments of First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth aged 13 to 30. Lead Your Way, the program’s theme, inspires Aboriginal youth to strive to reach their goals.

Throughout the year, role models will visit First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to share their stories with other Aboriginal youth. They lead by example and touch the hearts of many First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada.

The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) is an Aboriginal non-profit organization that advances the health and well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, families and communities.

The NAHO Social Media Experience

will be presented on Wednesday November 18, 2009 at the Ottawa Government Web 2.0 & Social Media: Identifying and Overcoming the Barriers to Leveraging Social Media in Your Workplace Successfully.

Presented by Colleen Patterson, Communications Officer, National Aboriginal Health Organization and James MacDougall, Webmaster, National Aboriginal Health Organization.

Case Study Description: The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) is mandated to improve the health and well-being of Aboriginal peoples in Canada by engaging in research, policy research and health promotion activities.

NAHO has had great success integrating social media into its existing communications activities, including Twitter, social networking, blogging, photo-blogging, RSS feeds, and discussion boards.

Learn how NAHO has been able to personalize a national organization by using these tools.

More info on the Seminar hosted by INFONEX

View the NAHO Social Media Experience power point on slideshare.

Follow us on Twitter @NAHO_NEWS