Wednesday, December 15, 2010

This blog is on hold

Please note that through an interchange agreement, the administrator of this blog will support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada from January 3, 2011 - March 31, 2013 . As a result, posts will resume after April 1, 2013.

Monday, December 6, 2010

NAHO launches Get Immunized Information Website and Health Messaging videos

The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) launched a new website and health messaging videos to help First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, families and communities in Canada make decisions about getting immunization vaccines at the 9th Canadian Immunization Conference in Quebec City yesterday.

The Get Immunized Information website is a national, bilingual Web-based clearinghouse of information on immunization and First Nations, Inuit and Métis. It hosts a collection of culturally-relevant, timely and credible information resources on the benefits and risks of immunization.

The four part health messaging video series explores First Nations, Inuit and Métis individual, family and community perspectives on Immunization. They are narrated by Adam Beach and include interviews with National Aboriginal Role Models who have chosen careers in Health.

The video topics are:

-A First Nations Perspective on Immunization
-An Inuit Perspective on Immunization
-A Métis Perspective on Immunization
-Perspectives from First Nations, Inuit and Métis on Health Care (also available with French sub-titles)

“NAHO is committed to improving the health of First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, families and communities through knowledge-based strategies,” said Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay, CEO of NAHO. “The Get Immunized Information Website and health messaging videos will help empower individuals and families to make positive, healthy decisions by gaining a better understanding of immunization.”

The Get Immunized Information Website and health messaging videos are a collaborative initiative between NAHO and the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) of Health Canada. It is strengthened by the efforts of non-profit immunization organizations, health professionals and members of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.

According to FNIHB, on-reserve First Nations have immunization rates about 20 per cent lower than the general Canadian population, and suffer from higher rates of vaccine-preventable diseases. Furthermore, some of these diseases result in more hospitalization for First Nations people than in the general population.

NAHO’s goal with the Get Immunized Information Website and health messaging videos is to increase awareness of the benefits and risks of immunization for all ages. It will achieve this with the support of physicians, nurses, community health representatives, and parents in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.

View videos >>

Thursday, October 14, 2010

NAHO SPEAKER SERIES: EXPLORING HPV IN FIRST NATIONS, INUIT AND MÉTIS COMMUNITIES

This Speaker Series will focus on research and findings related to the Burden of HPV Disease in Nunavut and HPV infections among Manitobans and Manitoba First Nations.

Resources specific to HPV, Aboriginal women and Indigenous populations will be presented by the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch of Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada.

When: Thursday, October 28, 2010, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Doors and Refreshments at 12:30 p.m.

Where: NAHO boardroom, 14th floor
220 Laurier Avenue West, Ste. 1400, Ottawa, ON

Please RSVP: via email to info@naho.ca

More information >>

Agenda

1:00 – 1:05 – MC welcome

1:05 - 1:35 - Burden of HPV Disease in Nunavut by Dr. Isaac Sobol, Chief Medical Officer of Health, Health and Social Services, Government of Nunavut

1:40 – 2:10 - HPV infections among Manitobans and Manitoba First Nations by Alain Demers, Ph.D., Senior Epidemiologist, Community Acquired Infections Division, Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada

2:15 – 2:25 HPV and Aboriginal Women in Canada online education tools by Martine Dubuc, R.N. B.ScN., Nurse Advisor, Vaccine Preventable Diseases & Immunization, Communicable Disease Control Division, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Health Canada

2:30-2:40 HPV Infections, Cervical Cancer and Cervical Cancer Screening Practices in Indigenous Populations, by Gayatri Jayaraman MPH, PhD, Manager, Surveillance and Epidemiology Section, Centre for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control, Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada

2: 45 – 3:00 Moderated Discussion

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

NAHO seeking First Nations, Inuit and Métis Role Models for Youth Award

The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) is once again searching for Canada’s outstanding First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth for nomination to the 2011-2012 National Aboriginal Role Model Program (NARMP).

“The National Aboriginal Role Model Program is such an important program because it helps young leaders plant the seeds that allow First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth to think and dream about their future,” says Paulette C. Tremblay, CEO of NAHO.

NARMP provides an opportunity for First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth aged 13 to 30 to be selected as leaders and community role models. All First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth are being called upon to nominate their role models by 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, March 4, 2011.

To find out how to qualify and obtain nomination forms visit: www.naho.ca/rolemodel or by calling NAHO toll-free at 1-877-602-4445. This year, role model nominators will get their name entered into a draw to win an Apple iPod.

Lucy Idlout, the National Spokesperson for NARMP states “Our youth are committed to improving the well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. They are determined to set examples and assert a future that will help ensure all of our well-being. Nominating your peers is as significant to communities, as well as the rest of the country to see how First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth shine."

A selection committee of Aboriginal youth will choose the top 12 role models. Those selected will be role models for one year, visiting First Nations, Inuit and Métis schools and communities to share their stories of hope and success.

NARMP is generously funded by Health Canada and has been organized by NAHO for the past seven years. For more information on the program visit its web site.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay, CEO of National Aboriginal Health Organization named 2010 Champion of Mental Health for the Aboriginal Category

Ottawa, ON —– As part of Mental Awareness Week, the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) is proud to announce that CEO, Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay was recognized as the 2010 Champion of Mental Health for the Aboriginal Category at the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health awards ceremony dinner held at the Chateau Laurier Hotel on Monday night in Ottawa, ON.

The Champions of Mental Health Awards is an annual event which celebrates individuals and organizations who are dedicated to raising awareness, reducing the stigma associated with mental illness, and advocating for mental health research and care across Canada.

NAHO was recognized for its efforts in providing suicide prevention resources to First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth and youth workers through the Honouring Life Network (HLN) web site.

“The work NAHO is doing to provide culturally relevant suicide prevention is vital to helping First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth have a venue for self expression. The resources on the web site assist youth in having dialogues with others and making positive decisions about their health and well-being.” states Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay. “I am honoured to have accepted this important award on behalf of NAHO.”

Sponsored by Health Canada, the Honouring Life Network web site offers culturally relevant information and resources to help Aboriginal youth and youth workers deal with a problem that has reached crisis proportions in some First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in Canada.

Visit the HLN >>

Friday, September 10, 2010

NAHO Announces a Contest in Celebration of World Suicide Prevention Day


Ottawa, ON – In celebration of World Suicide Prevention Day, the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) announces an exciting new contest of the Honouring Life Network (HLN). The HLN is a web site that offers culturally relevant suicide prevention resources and information to First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth and youth workers.

The contest is entitled, How Do YOU Honour Life? and is open to First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth between the ages of 17 to 30.

Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay, Chief Executive Officer of NAHO states, “There is a need to encourage and facilitate positive dialogue with our youth to increase protective factors and decrease the stigma and shame associated with suicide.”

Youth are encouraged to submit an entry into one of three categories: multimedia, visual or written. These will represent creative expressions, experiences, thoughts and initiatives on how they honour life and approach suicide prevention and awareness in their communities.

The top 5 entries in each category will be showcased on the HLN web site to inspire others to Honour Life each and every day. The winner of each category, who will be selected by the HLN Youth Advisory Committee, will receive a free Flip video camera.

For full contest details and information about the Honouring Life Network go to www.honouringlife.ca

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Embrace Culture! Celebrate! Experience & Live Life the Inuit Way


Join us on World Suicide Prevention Day on Parliament Hill

Who: All Inuit and non-Inuit neighbours

What: Traditional Inuit activities and performances

Where: Parliament Hill behind the Centennial Flame

When: Friday, September 10, 2010, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. rain or shine

Why: To celebrate and promote the Inuit way of life

Water and light country food snacks will be available but please bring your own lunch and beverage.

For further information please contact:

National Inuit Youth Council
Shelly Watkins
613.238.8181

Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada
Sipporah Enauraq
613.238.3977

Inuit Tuttarvingat, NAHO
Denise Rideout
613.760.3516

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
Patricia D’Souza
613.238.8181

PLEASE NOTE: Vehicles, chairs, props and tables are not permitted. Signs must be carried, not staked to the ground or fixtures. Thank you for your co-operation in making this a successful event!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

NAHO - CIHR CAFÉ SCIENTIFIQUE Event

CIHR CAFÉ SCIENTIFIQUE PRESENTS
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NATIONAL ABORIGINAL HEALTH ORGANIZATION

Unity, Diversity, Respect

This will be a moderated discussion on the use of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Safety in Health Research and Health Care Delivery.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010, 6:00 p.m.
Doors and Refreshments at 5:30 p.m.

National Arts Centre, Fountain Room, 2nd floor
53 Elgin Street, Ottawa, Ontario

Please RSVP: 613-237-9462 or info@naho.ca

The National Aboriginal Health organization (NAHO) is committed to affirming traditional Aboriginal healing and medicine to ensure that these practices receive recognition and respect.

More info >>

Moderator:
Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay, Chief Executive Officer, NAHO

Panelists:
Valorie Whetung, Director, First Nations Centre, NAHO
Dianne Kinnon, Director, Inuit Tuttarvingat, NAHO
Catherine Graham, Director, Métis Centre, NAHO
Simon Brascoupé, Senior Adviser, Aboriginal Relations and Initiatives Unit, NAHO

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

NAHO Welcomes Wayne Clark to its Senior Management Team

The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) is pleased to announce Wayne Clark as Director, Communications.

Mr. Clark brings over 15 years experience in communications and program management in new media and television working with provincial and federal agencies and Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. He produced award winning exhibitions for Virtual Museum of Canada in partnership with BC First Nations including The Respect to Bill Reid Pole, Dane Wajich Dane-Zaa Stories & Songs: Dreamers and the Land and Drawing on Identity: The Inkameep Day School & Art Collection. Mr. Clark has extensive experience managing communications having worked with Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, New Media BC, Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia and Government of Manitoba. Mr. Clark has consulted on digital media policy for Canadian Centres of Excellence and Canadian Culture Online National Advisory Board.

“NAHO is delighted to have Wayne join its senior management team” says Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay, CEO of NAHO. “His background in government, interactive digital media and television provides NAHO with a unique opportunity to expand its reach to First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in new and exciting ways.”

Mr. Clark studied business administration at the University of Winnipeg and holds a Certificate in Internet Marketing Strategy and a Certificate in Project Management in Business Systems Analysis from the University of British Columbia. He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Professional Communication at Royal Roads University.

An Inuk Beneficiary of the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement, Wayne Clark was raised in Churchill and Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Friday, June 18, 2010

The 2010 - 2011 National Aboriginal Role Models have been Announced


The National Aboriginal Role Models for 2010-2011 are:

• Krista Alec from Nak’azdli First Nation, British Columbia.

• Jamie Bourque from Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement, Alberta.

• Michael Denny from Eskasoni, Nova Scotia.

• Chibon T. Everstz from Kahnawake, Quebec.

• Christy Groves is Métis from Forteau, Newfoundland and Labrador.

• William Jones from Ta’an Kwach’an First Nation, Yukon.

• Danielle Jones-Migwans from M’Chigeeng First Nation, Ontario.

• Marlena Joseph is Nisga’a and Tsimpsian from Price Rupert, British Columbia.

• Heidi Langille is Inuk from Nain Labrador now living in Ottawa.

• Angelica Laurin is Métis from Sturgeon Falls, Ontario.

• Christie Lavallée is Métis from St. Ambroise, Manitoba.

• Martin Lougheed is Inuk from Hopedale, Labrador now living in Ottawa.

More information >>

Monday, June 14, 2010

2010 - 2011 National Aboriginal Role Models Awards Ceremony Announced

The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) is proud to celebrate the announcement of 12 new national Aboriginal role models for 2010-2011 with a morning filled with cultural sights and sounds.

When: Saturday June 19, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. - noon (9:30 a.m. doors open)
Where: National Arts Centre, Panorama Room at 53 Elgin Street.

Please RSVP to leadyourway@naho.ca or 613-237-9462 / 1-877-602-4445

The National Aboriginal Role Model Program celebrates the accomplishments of First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth aged 13 to 30. Role models are recognized for their innovation, achievement and leadership. Throughout the year, they will visit First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to share their stories with other First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth.

The NAHO Chief Executive Officer, Paulette C. Tremblay and the 12 Aboriginal Role Models will be available to answer questions after the award ceremony at the National Arts Centre, Panorama Room at 53 Elgin Street from noon – 12:30 p.m.

Monday, May 10, 2010

In Memory of Chantelle Chornoby

"Appreciate what you have and use it to your fullest potential because you don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow.”

-Chantelle Chornoby, 2009 National Aboriginal Role Model


It is with deep sympathy that NARMP and NAHO extend condolences to the loved ones of Chantelle Chornoby.

Chantelle Chornoby was recognized by the National Aboriginal Role Model Program in June 2009. At the time of the ceremony, she was undergoing treatment for leukemia and was unable to attend the gala. After fighting the disease for many years, Chantelle (age 21) passed away on May 9, 2010 at the Health Science Centre in Winnipeg, MB.

"It is with both regret and the intent to celebrate her life that NAHO acknowledges the passing of 2009 National Aboriginal Role Model Chantelle Chornoby," expressed Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay, CEO of NAHO. This inspiring young woman is remembered as being a loving daughter, mother, sister, friend, niece, cousin and Role Model.”

Raised by her grandparents in War Lake First Nation, Manitoba, Chantelle learned the importance of respect for herself and others right from the start. At a very early age, she demonstrated that a positive outlook and attitude can get you through anything.

“Chantelle’s spirit, courage and resiliency remain with us and we are deeply grateful for her life,” says Karin Kettler, NARMP program coordinator.

One of Chantelle’s dreams was to travel across Canada inspiring Aboriginal people to be strong, confident and never give up on hope, no matter what their circumstances. She launched Chantelle’s Promise, a campaign that encourages Aboriginal people register with the OneMatch Stem and Marrow Network to become donors.

Chantelle will be deeply missed by many.

Join the Facebook Group

Financial donations can be sent to Canadian Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or One Match Stem Cell and Marrow Network in lieu of flowers.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Piqsiqtugapik Summit March 22-27, 2010

Hosted by the Ilisaqsivik Society and facilitated by Blueprint For Life, select youth delegates from across Nunavut travelled to Clyde River to participate in Leadership training. NAHO and the Honouring Life Network participated in filming documentary videos focusing on health promotion for Inuit youth.


Where?


View Larger Map

Youth delegates from across Nunavut participate in an exercise called Building the Human Machine at the Piqsiqtugapik Summit. This is a team work exercise to help encourage youth to find thier voice.



These are the winners of the Flip Video cameras that were given out for participation in the HLN and NAHO Youth Messaging Projects.



More photos >>

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

NAHO signs Collaborative Agreement with the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada (A.N.A.C.)

Ottawa, ON –The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO), and Rosella Kinoshameg, President of the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada (A.N.A.C.) today signed a Collaborative Agreement formalizing a partnership between the two organizations. Together, they will work in partnership to exchange information for the purpose of knowledge translation through their respective networks and to collaborate on initiatives of mutual interest.

“One of the goals of NAHO is to support and promote First Nations, Inuit and Métis efforts to access relevant information regarding Traditional and Western based health related careers,” says Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay, CEO of NAHO. “Nursing is a valued and treasured career and those wishing to pursue this path should be given every opportunity to succeed. Through this partnership, we believe that we will take one step further in accomplishing this very important goal.”

The A.N.A.C. also works to engage in activities related to recruitment and retention, member support, consultation, research and education.

“For years, the health of Aboriginal peoples have been on the back burner and now, as A.N.A.C. bonds with another Aboriginal organization, we are making great strides in transforming our vision into a reality and bringing the best solutions possible to our people”, states Rosella Kinoshameg, President of A.N.A.C., “Although we have different vehicles, we are all working towards one unified goal, which is to enhance the health of Aboriginal people. This exciting partnership with NAHO will aid immensely in the goals of both of our organizations.”

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

NAHO seeking First Nations, Inuit and Métis role models

Ottawa, ON —– The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) is once again searching for Canada’s outstanding First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth for nomination to the 2010-2011 National Aboriginal Role Model Program (NARMP).

The Program, which has been organized by NAHO for the past six years, aims to highlight the accomplishments of First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth aged 13 to 30. The Program’s theme is ―Lead Your Way!

All Aboriginal youth are being called upon to nominate their role models by 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, March 19, 2010.

“Across Canada, the National Aboriginal Role Models of NAHO touch the lives of First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth in a meaningful and real way,” says Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay, CEO of NAHO.

Lucie Idlout, the National Spokesperson for the NARMP, says, "Determination, a dream and drive are ingredients for success. Inuit, First Nations, and Métis youth have the spirit to succeed and these role models are a prime example of that.”

Idlout goes on to say, “Even being nominated is an honour that our communities can be proud of.”

A selection committee of Aboriginal youth will choose the top 12 role models. Those chosen will be role models for a year, visiting First Nations, Inuit and Métis schools and communities to share their stories of hope and success. NAHO will be producing posters and trading cards of each of the role models.

Nomination forms can be found online at www.naho.ca/rolemodel, or by calling toll-free 1-877-602-4445.

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.