Our Centre brings a strong focus of collaboration in sharing knowledge across broad social and geographic contexts. This allows us to reach beyond traditional boundaries – institutional, jurisdictional, professional – to address the complex issues underpinning Aboriginal health and well-being.
Relationships have resulted in many direct partnerships with a variety of government, research and community organizations, as well as support for interdisciplinary networks at national, international levels and regional levels. As we enter our fifth year, we are seeking to extend our reach to marginalized, under-researched or overlooked populations in Canada, such as urban First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples residing in urban locales as well as remote and isolated communities that face unique health challenges.
As a university-based organization with a national mandate, the NCCAH plays a strong complementary role supporting organizations directly or indirectly working in the field of Aboriginal health. We continue to formalize partnerships with organizations like the
National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO), while working in alliance with
First Nations, Inuit and Aboriginal Health - Health Canada;
Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health (IAPH);
Aboriginal Health Research Networks (AHRNet) Secretariat;
Assembly of First Nations (representing First Nations);
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (representing Inuit);
Métis National Council;
Nechi Institute; Aboriginal organizations across the country; other
National Collaborating Centres; and regional health authorities.
We also play a role in providing expertise, funding support and facilitated exchange to a wide variety of projects and activities. These ensure our connection to initiatives across the country, and strengthen the interconnectedness of the Aboriginal health landscape. The NCCAH has supported many specific and focused projects, such as:
· Arctic Health Research Network – Yukon: with the Council of the Yukon First Nations and the territorial Ministry of Health, this project provided an interactive report and searchable CD following a “spring school” with community-based public health resource workers from across the territory.
· Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (CAAN) and Assembly of First Nations have helped facilitate First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth perspectives on sexually transmitted and blood borne infections through the development of communications and media campaigns to inform other Aboriginal youth on HIV/AIDS issues.
· Landon Pearson Resource Centre for the Study of Childhood and Children's Rights: The NCCAH continues to support annual workshops with children and youth. The “Shakers and Movers: Child Rights in Education, Convention on the Rights of the Child” events at Carleton University in Ottawa provide opportunities for children and youth from a variety of backgrounds to explore key issues of concern.
New Initiatives on New FrontsResearchers have consistently noted gaps in research and information regarding population groups such as urban Aboriginal peoples, Métis, issues associated with rural and remote communities, the health of Elders and others. In our most recent initiatives, we are extending reach to:
· Urban Aboriginal populations: In Canada, the rate of urbanization for those with connections to reserve communities is about 50%. The most urbanized groups are those without recognised status – non-status Indians, and Métis.[1] Frequent migrations between reserve communities and cities can lead to residential and family instability, weaker social cohesion and other challenges. The NCCAH is collaborating with the Centre for Native Policy and Research in Vancouver to further understanding of urban social determinants of health and to better inform programs and policies. The project will explore notions such as social networks and community and civic engagement in urban Aboriginal communities, and will develop a catalogue of related services.[2]
· Remote communities in northern Quebec: The NCCAH is supporting a collaboration between the James Bay Cree, the Inuit of Nunavik, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, and the Université due Québec à Rimouski to review access to mental health services in the province's north. Research has identified underuse of mental health services by Indigenous people, despite their disproportionately high burden of mental illness. Evidence indicates mainstream treatment fails to value Indigenous mental health constructs and ways of knowing. Further, widespread beliefs that addictions constitute moral failings, rather than reflecting socioeconomic status, dislocation, culture change, marginalization and other issues, tends to perpetuate colonial oppression.[3] The NCCAH will share project findings at the national level.
· We are strengthening support for Métis health initiatives, and in collaboration with the National Aboriginal Health Organization are helping develop and disseminate information packages on Métis health issues.
