National Aboriginal Health Organization Canada’s Health Goals The Health of Canadians: 2017 Friday, January 29, 2010 Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay Chief Executive Officer

National Aboriginal Health Organization Overview of NAHO Incorporated as a not-for-profit in Funded by the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch of Health Canada. 15 member Board of Directors, 10 of which are appointed by the five National Aboriginal Organizations, and five elected. Committed to unity while respecting diversity. Primary focus on community. Reflects values and principles in traditional knowledge and practices. 2

National Aboriginal Health Organization Vision Statement NAHO is a knowledge-based organization that excels in the advancement and promotion of the health and well-being of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, families and communities. 3

National Aboriginal Health Organization Mission NAHO advances and promotes the health and well-being of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis through collaborative research, Indigenous Traditional Knowledge, building capacity and community led initiatives.

National Aboriginal Health Organization Goals Conduct, improve and promote research to enhance the health and well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. 2.Increase understanding and awareness of the health and well-being of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis. 3.Facilitate and promote research and develop relationships relating to First Nations, Inuit and Métis health and wellness that are grounded in First Nations, Inuit and Métis ethics and methodologies. 5

National Aboriginal Health Organization Goals Support and promote First Nations, Inuit and Métis efforts to access relevant information regarding the opportunities and advantages of pursuing Traditional and Western based health related careers. 5. Support the recognition, preservation and promotion of First Nations, Inuit and Métis in their transmission of Traditional Knowledge, healing practices and medicine. 6. Provide First Nations, Inuit and Métis with tools to promote environmental health.

National Aboriginal Health Organization Collaboration & Relationships Focus on relationships that advance the health & well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Effective use of resources through collaboration. Commitment to work collaboratively & collectively towards similar goals.

National Aboriginal Health Organization Journal of Aboriginal Health (JAH). NAHO Web site. National Aboriginal Role Model Program. Social Media (Facebook, Blogs, Twitter). Non-traditional Media (CD/DVDs). Health Promotion & Education

National Aboriginal Health Organization Three Centres of NAHO 9

National Aboriginal Health Organization Specific Lens Frame health in a population-specific context – First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Each population requires a specific lens with which to view their respective historical and contemporary realities. Population-specific statistics and research are key to addressing the unique needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis in specific cultures, context and place.

National Aboriginal Health Organization Regional Health Survey Cultural Framework NAHO, Understanding Health Indicators, 2007, page 9. 11

National Aboriginal Health Organization Regional Health Survey Wellness Model NAHO, Understanding Health Indicators, 2007, page

National Aboriginal Health Organization Key Priorities Areas for First Nations Health - #1 Improving recruitment and retention of health human resources including First Nations health human resources (in western, traditional and alternative medicine fields). Improving the capacity of First Nations to support health information management and health research. Reducing the increase in chronic diseases (such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease). Addressing the factors contributing to higher rates of infectious diseases (such as TB, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis).

National Aboriginal Health Organization Key Priorities Areas for First Nations Health - #2 Improving infrastructure and housing. Improving community health care facilities and strengthening the quality of health care services. Engaging youth in physical health activities. Address gaps that develop between federal/provincial/municipal health programs and impact First Nations health.

National Aboriginal Health Organization Inuit Views on Health A healthy Inuk… Lives a healthy lifestyle – eats country food, stays active, avoids addictions. Combines traditional and modern living. Is kind to family members and others. Knows the land, knows their limitations. Is self-reliant, self sufficient and independent. Helps others and is useful to the community. Is a good role model to others. Health is about how you live and how you connect with others. We each have the power to live a “healthy” life.

National Aboriginal Health Organization Inuit Views on Health A healthy Inuit family… Shares leadership in the family and support for each other. Respects and cares for children, youth and elders. Is able to adapt to changes without violence; knows when to get help. Together, leads an active, traditional lifestyle as much as possible. Thinks about the future. A healthy Inuit family is a strong unit that supports all its members.

National Aboriginal Health Organization Inuit Views on Health A healthy Inuit community… Works for each other and shares resources. Carries on its traditions and shares traditional knowledge. Has recreation facilities and programs for youth. Has sufficient infra-structure (a health centre, a justice committee, and elders council). There is spiritual guidance. People are treated fairly. Inuit communities have a strong tradition of working together and have the resources to help each other.

National Aboriginal Health Organization Determinants of Inuit Community Wellness Adapted from Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

National Aboriginal Health Organization Métis facts 390,000 Métis in Canada: 33% of Aboriginal population. Young population: median age of 30 (9 yrs less than total pop). 69% live in urban centres. Statistics Canada. Métis in Canada: Selected findings of the 2006 Census p.20 Métis and their cultural practices are diverse. NAHO. Social Determinants of Métis Health p.10 “To the Cree we are nehiyowak… a sort of half-son. …To the Ojibway… they say wisahkotewinowak... [meaning] where the fire has gone through and burnt everything, and new shoots come up from the ground. That’s where the Métis come from; they were the new Nation, the new shoots that come up from the ground from Mother Earth.” – Métis Elder Tom McCallum NAHO. In the Words of Our Ancestors: Métis Health and Healing p.15

National Aboriginal Health Organization Holistic Perspective on Health A Métis approach to health and well-being is holistic, involving spiritual, mental, physical, emotional and social elements. NAHO. In the Words of Our Ancestors: Métis Health and Healing p.42 “We see each other as being related to everything” –Métis Elder Tom McCallum NAHO. In the Words of Our Ancestors: Métis Health and Healing p.17 “When you approach an Elder or a healer, you are asking that person to send your wishes to the spirit world, to the grandmother and grandfather spirits. The offering of tobacco and cloth… [sends] a gift to the spirit world.” –George McDermott NAHO. In the Words of Our Ancestors: Métis Health and Healing p.23

National Aboriginal Health Organization Social determinants of health Employment Increase in employment rate from 70.4% to 74.6% since 2001 (vs 81.6% non- Aboriginal pop.) Income Increased income since 2000, but still 80% of total Canadian pop. Almost 32% of Métis children live in low income families Housing Rates of household overcrowding declined significantly over the past decade (now 3% - similar to non-Aboriginal pop.) 14% housing in need of major repairs (vs 7% non-Aboriginal pop.) Education Half of Métis aged completed postsecondary education (vs 61% non- Aboriginal pop.) – mostly college diploma or trades certificate Increase in Métis with university degrees from 7% to 9% since 2001 Statistics Canada. Métis in Canada: Selected findings of the 2006 Census p.21-23

National Aboriginal Health Organization Self-rated health 58% of Métis adults rated health as ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ on a 5- point scale (same as in 2001). Youth reported better health, and adults worse health than total Canadian population. Excellent or very good self-rated health Statistics Canada. Aboriginal Peoples Survey, 2006: An Overview of the Health of the Métis Population p.9-10

National Aboriginal Health Organization Chronic conditions 54% of Métis aged 15 and over reported diagnosis of a chronic condition. Statistics Canada. Aboriginal Peoples Survey, 2006: An Overview of the Health of the Métis Population p.10-11

National Aboriginal Health Organization Future Health Priorities #1 NAHO Evaluation Survey – August 2009 Requires critical research attention First Nations (390) – diabetes, substance abuse, mental health, diet & nutrition. Inuit (227)- mental health, cancer, substance. abuse Métis (386)– diabetes, substance abuse, diet & nutrition, cancer. 24

National Aboriginal Health Organization Future Health Priorities #2 NAHO Evaluation Survey – August 2009 Top 4 - Health Training Needed First Nations (390) – health care workers, diet & nutrition, substance abuse, mental health. Inuit (227)- mental health, nursing, diet & nutrition, medical doctors. Métis (386)– health care workers, diet & nutrition, first aid, substance abuse. 25

National Aboriginal Health Organization Environmental Scan -#1 Bringing Wellness Full Circle: An Environmental Scan of Aboriginal Research in Canada, NAHO, Built on work of National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health – literature review Peer Reviewed Literature. Grey Literature. 26

National Aboriginal Health Organization Environmental Scan #2 Bringing Wellness Full Circle: An Environmental Scan of Aboriginal Research in Canada, NAHO, NOTEWORTHY FINDINGS Lack of Métis specific research. Uncover deeper interconnections of social determinants of health. Further research on Indigenous Knowledge & community wellness. 27

National Aboriginal Health Organization NAHO/ONSA 220 Laurier Avenue West, Suite 1200 Ottawa, ON K1P 5Z (toll free) (613) For more information contact: 28