Setting the Context
Awareness is growing in Canada about the severity and complexity of Aboriginal health issues. The NCCAH plays a role in addressing the pressing need for evidence-informed public health programming and practices while ensuring greater First Nations, Inuit and Métis participation in and control of relevant public health initiatives. In this section of the site, we introduce our guiding principles, our initial steps in scoping the public health landscape, our collaborative approaches to supporting Aboriginal health and well-being, and more.




The Principles That Guide Our Work
The NCCAH knowledge-sharing mission is guided by key principles that include a holistic approach to health, a respect for Indigenous knowledge, and an embrace of the cultural, geographic and historical diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. These principles infuse all aspects of NCCAH activities. 
The Role of Indigenous Knowledge
The NCCAH is exploring the transfer of experience and ways of knowing from one knowledge system to another as it seeks a greater integration of Aboriginal approaches to health within the public health system. We ask: what counts as evidence? What is “knowledge translation” from an Aboriginal perspective? A stronger understanding can enhance the relevancy and effectiveness of health policies and practices for First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and peoples.
Landscapes of Indigenous Health
One of the early tasks of the NCCAH was to assess the Aboriginal public health “landscape” in Canada to help inform our decisions about projects, collaborations and future activities. Our “Landscapes of Indigenous Health” report provided a comprehensive picture of existing knowledge and current directions in Aboriginal peoples' health research and priorities in Canada, as well as gaps in research and data. This project is being updated in 2010. 
Finding a Way in First Nations, Inuit and Métis Public Health
A key role for the NCCAH is to support a broader understanding of Aboriginal perspectives and issues in public health. We have staged introductory training sessions providing background relevant to Aboriginal peoples and health, while our support for sharing knowledge at events, conferences, and workshops allows us to reach multiple audiences with an interest in First Nations, Inuit and Métis health.
The Data Challenge
Until recently, the diversity of Canada's First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples has not been generally reflected in research, data collection or health programming.  Data gaps remain for various populations, such as off-reserve First Nations, Inuit or Métis peoples. These issues are highlighted in our work at the NCCAH.
Collaborations - Extending Reach
Our collaborations in knowledge sharing extend across broad social and geographic contexts and beyond traditional boundaries – institutional, jurisdictional, and professional – to address the multi-faceted and structural issues underpinning Aboriginal health. Since our inception in 2005, we have built and continue to build relationships across the country, grounding our work in the concerns of diverse communities and linking us to existing strengths in a wide  variety of organizations in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal sectors. 
Partners
Our partners make it possible for us to do what we do. Visit NCCPH to find out about more about the Collaborating Centres program, or view the full list of our supporting partners.
Resources
Read our Activities Report 2010: Sharing Knowledge - Making a Difference.


See our Resources page for reports and more.
Newsletter
Keep updated about our activities by reading our newsletter "Closing The Circle."

 

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Address
National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health
3333 University Way Prince George, British Columbia
V2N 4Z9 Canada

Tel: 250.960.5250
Fax: 250.960.5644

Or you can visit our Contacts page for the complete list of staff and contact information