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

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!

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

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.

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 >>

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.

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.

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