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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.”

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.

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.