July 2010
Funding announcement for Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative to be continued
July 28, 2010
NationTalk - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, today announced $110 million in funding over two years for the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (ADI) to continue addressing high rates of diabetes among Aboriginal people. The ADI delivers culturally-relevant programs aimed at reducing the incidence and prevalence of diabetes, including diabetes awareness and screening, diabetes management and the promotion of healthy living and wellness. See also: National Aboriginal Diabetes Association.
Proposed rules for oilsands water-removal inadequate: First Nations
July 23, 2010
Edmonton Journal - First Nations in northeastern Alberta are critical of a proposed management system for the Athabasca River that would allow oilsands operators to withdraw water during critical times of low flows. The Athapasca Chipewyan and Mikisew Cree First Nations are concerned the recommended system is severely inadequate for their ability to sustain their traditional way of life, or meaningfully exercise their aboriginal and treaty rights.
Northerners oppose census change
July 23, 2010
CBC News - The federal government's move to make the long-form census voluntary is being harshly criticized by government officials and aboriginal groups across the North. Participation rates among northerners, particularly disadvantaged northerners and Inuit, will drop dramatically, making it difficult to assess educational, housing and social needs, officials across the North say.
See also: Shorter census harms health care, journal says - a Canadian Medical Association Journal editorial raises concerns about how health information will be gathered and acted upon.
Creating Sustainable First Nation Economies Is Focus Of New $2.5 Million Poverty Reduction Project
July 22, 2010
Indigenous Peoples Issues and Resources - First Nation communities struggling to break the cycle of poverty and despair will be the focus of a major $2.5 million intervention research project aimed at creating long-term strategies for sustainable economies that improve community health and well-being. "The single greatest challenge that we collectively face is finding solutions that will make poverty history for all Canadians, no matter where they live," said Assembly of First Nations Naitonal Chief Atleo.
The five-year intervention research project received funding approval from the Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health (IAPH), part of the federal Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). The study was proposed by the Assembly of First Nations' Make Poverty History Expert Advisory Committee, comprised of leading academic researchers from across Canada and the United States.
First Nations should control education: report
July 22, 2010
CBC News - The Assembly of First Nations has unveiled a report that says Canada's First Nations should have total control of their own education system. The 48-page report, First Nations Control of First Nations Education, calls for sweeping changes to the educational system, including a requirement that aboriginal language and culture be taught in all Canadian schools.
Canada partners in major international initiative aimed at improving chronic disease care for Indigenous patients.
July 22, 2010
Nation Talk - Canada is joining forces with Australia and New Zealand to investigate similarities among the health issues of Indigenous peoples in the three countries, with a key focus on diabetes and its prevalence in Indigenous communities. Canada is contributing $1.23 million through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The project will address how differences in health professionals' clinical decision-making, communication and engagement with patients and families might impact health outcomes for Indigenous patients. Research teams will meet regularly over the next five years to share their expertise and compare findings.
Inuit health a challenge worldwide: summit
July 5, 2010
CBC News - Improving the health and well-being of Inuit in Canada and other Arctic nations is a major challenge, according to a circumpolar Inuit health committee.
June 2010
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada launches first National Event
June 16, 2010
Winnipeg - Hundreds of Indian Residential School survivors gathered in Winnipeg for the opening ceremonies of the first National Event of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. The four-day gathering was the first of seven to be held across Canada within five years. “This is a story about Canada, and Canada needs to take notice of what it is that is being said,” stated Justice Murray Sinclair, TRC Chair. The three Commissioners (Sinclair and Commissioners Marie Wilson and Chief Wilton Littlechild) subsequently travelled to Iqaluit June 23 to meet with survivors in Nunavut. The three-day visit included a visit to the Ukivik Residential School.
Learn more.
International meeting on Indigenous child health
June 06, 2010
Vancouver, March 4-10, 2011
Join with the Canadian Paediatric Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics, collaborating with the Indian Health Service, US Department of Health and Human Services, and the First Nations, Inuit and Aboriginal Health Branch, Health Canada, for the 4th International Meeting on Indigenous Child Health. All health care providers and researchers who work with children, youth and families in American Indian, Alaska Native, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities are invited to share model programs and research, learn about prevalent health problems, and acquire practical skills for use in community settings.
Leading Aboriginal health research resource receives NCCAH support
June 06, 2010
A BC-based website, widely recognized for its timely information on Aboriginal research issues, access to research databases, and regular enews bulletins, will continue to provide its services thanks to the support of the NCCAH. Funding for the Network Environments for Aboriginal Research BC ceased April 1, 2010 but the program will continue through the Centre for Aboriginal Health Research (CAHR) at the University of Victoria, B.C. NEARBC's resources include an Aboriginal Health Abstract Database organized by categories that include: mental health, injury and suicide, child and maternal health, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and chronic disease, diabetes, tobacco and infectious diseases. The site also provides acccess to an on-line health e-library and free electronic journals.
Inuit mothers fight lonely battles for their children's health
June 05, 2010
Globe and Mail - In the world of Inuit women living 1,200 kilometres north of Winnipeg in Arviat, Nunavut, the anticipation of birth is often tinged with premonitions of death. Arviat has Canada's highest birth rate in a region where babies are three times more likely to die. As Canada eyes the maternal-health initiative at the G8 summit, women in the North grapple with problems of high child mortality and scant medical assistance.
Urban Aboriginal Peoples Study shows a growing Aboriginal presence in Canadian cities
April 06, 2010
CBC News - More than half of Aboriginal people in Canada are living in cities, an Environics Institute survey has found. The study included interviews with a representative group of 2,614 First Nations, Métis and Inuit people living in 11 Canadian cities. The research found that 71 per cent considered the city their permanent home, and that 94 per cent enjoyed city life. Six in 10 felt a close connection to their communities of origin. Although education was cited as a top priority, many found money was a key barrier to getting a post-secondary education. Almost all surveyed said they felt "consistently viewed in negative ways by non-Aboriginal people." The study's project manager, Ginger Gosnell-Myers, said, “When urban Aboriginal peoples are researched, it's often about problems like homelessness and sexual exploitation. There are hundreds of thousands of us living in cities, and there are a lot of positive things happening in our communities; it's not all crises.”
Read more about the Urban Aboriginal Peoples Study
See also: (CBC news) - Most Aboriginal Peoples Opt to Stay in City
Funding announcement for Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative to address high rates of diabetes among Aboriginal people
July 28, 2010
NationTalk, Long Plain First Nation, Manitoba - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, today announced $110 million in funding over two years for the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (ADI) to continue addressing high rates of diabetes among Aboriginal people. The ADI delivers culturally-relevant programs aimed at reducing the incidence and prevalence of diabetes, including diabetes awareness and screening, diabetes management and the promotion of healthy living and wellness. See also: National Aboriginal Diabetes Association.