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.

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 announces the pre-release the Journal of Aboriginal Health Special Editions of First Nations Communities in Crisis

OTTAWA, ON—The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) is pleased to announce that the Journal of Aboriginal Health (JAH) special editions of First Nations Communities in Crisis will be pre-released at the 2009 National Conference Our People, Our Health.


On Thursday November 26, 2009 from 1:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. during Day 3 - Plenary Session, conference participants will receive the first print run copies - hot off the press! Additional copies will not be available until the New Year, so you must be in attendance to receive your copy.

“NAHO is a leader in First Nations, Inuit and Métis health research, awareness and public education in Canada,” says Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay, CEO of NAHO. “The pre-release of the Journal of Aboriginal Health special editions of First Nations Communities in Crisis will allow delegates to explore recent innovations and existing or emerging trends in health and healing research to make possible an informed dialogue to support positive change.”

Work was done collaboratively with the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch of Health Canada to produce these issues.

The research identifies some key principles that will help guide policy to support First Nations communities in crisis, such as community-centred and holistic approaches that build resilience and support community strengths.

Al Garman along with some of the journal authors, Dr. Laurence Kirmayer, Dr. Kiera Ladner, Simon Brascoupé, and Amy Bombay will present their findings and answer questions during the

November 26, 2009 Plenary Session.

With the support of the First Nation and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) of Health Canada, the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) commissioned this series of multi-disciplinary research papers that explore various dimensions to better understand what contributes to crisis situations in First Nations communities and how best to address them.

This special edition consists of three issues of the Journal of Aboriginal Health and features eleven peer-reviewed articles on key themes related to First Nation Communities in Crisis.
Highlights of the Journal include articles on key themes including:

• Justice and Security


• Culture and Language


• Intergenerational Trauma


• Traditional Health and Healing


• Cultural Safety


• Self Determination


• Colonialism and State Dependency


• Resilience


• Traumatic Stress


• Social Capital

The series of papers were developed to add to the knowledge-base on First Nations communities at risk and in crisis. The intent is to identify strategies that could address the key drivers of risk and crisis in First Nations communities in order to strengthen the capacity of the communities to resist the stressors that could push them from risk to crisis.

Plain language summaries (four to six pages in length) of the papers are available and are accessible to government departments, policy-makers, researchers, scholars, and community members.

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.

NAHO 2009 National Conference will explore First Nations, Inuit and Métis Health Perspectives in Opening Plenary

The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) is pleased to welcome leading Aboriginal health care professionals for its opening panel at 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 health perspectives panel will take place on Tuesday November 24, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. in the International Ballroom at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Chaired by Dr. Alika Lafontaine, this panel will explore the question, “What will the future hold for the health of First Nations, Inuit and Métis?”

“This will be a very exciting start to what promises to be the most engaging and informative national health conference this year,” says Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay, CEO of NAHO and Health Perspectives panellist. “The individuals on the opening panel all have an interest in health research that respects First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, families and communities and a common goal of improving the health and well-being of Aboriginal peoples. I look forward to learning from the diversity of perspectives shared.”

The panellists include:

Dr. Alain Beaudet, President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Anne Marie Robinson, Assistant Deputy Minister, First Nations Inuit Health Branch, Health Canada.

Dr. Paul Gully, Senior Medical Advisor in the Health Canada Deputy Minister’s Office, with specific responsibilities for First Nations in relation to H1N1.

James Makokis is from the Saddle Lake Cree Nation, Alberta. He is currently studying medicine at the University of Ottawa. He has a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science from the University of Alberta and a Masters of Health Science in Community Nutrition from the University of Toronto. He is now a registered dietician.

Nathan Obed, Director of social and cultural development for Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the representational organization for the beneficiaries of the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement.

NAHO Announces the Agenda for the National Aboriginal Role Model Reunion Banquet

It’s the 25th anniversary of the National Aboriginal Role Model Program and the 6th year of being administered by the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO).

The National Aboriginal Role Model Program will host a reunion banquet on the evening of Tuesday November 24, 2009 in Ottawa, Ontario at the Crowne Plaza hotel in the International Ballroom from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. The banquet is a celebration of the accomplishments of the National Aboriginal Role Models.

“The National Aboriginal Role Model Program Reunion Banquet is an opportunity for NAHO to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding contributions and accomplishments of our Role Models,” says Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay, CEO of NAHO. By bringing all of these amazing youth together, NAHO can say thank you for all that they do to inspire, motivate and lead First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth across Canada.

A limited number of tickets are still available for $40.00 each.

NARMP Reunion Gala Agenda

6:15 p.m.
Welcome by Master of Ceremonies – Ry Moran, 2008 National Aboriginal Role Model

6:20 p.m.
Opening Prayer by Elder Irene Lindsay

Welcoming Address by:

7:00 p.m. NAHO Chief Executive Officer – Paulette C. Tremblay, Ph.D.

7:10 p.m. Anne-Marie Robinson, Assistant Deputy Minister, First Nations Inuit Health
Branch, Health Canada

7:20 p.m. Hoop performance by Candace Polson, 2008 National Aboriginal Role Model

7:30 p.m. Speech by Lucie Idlout, 2009 NARMP National Spokesperson

7:40 p.m. Throat singing by Charlotte Qamaniq, 2009 National Aboriginal Role Model
and Cynthia Pitsiulak, Project Assistant for the Inuit Tuttarvingat of NAHO

7:50 p.m. Speech by James Makokis, 2007 NARMP National Spokesperson

8: 00 p.m. Hand Drumming by Damian Abrahams, 2009 National Aboriginal Role Model

8:05 p.m. Speech by Nadine Gagné, 2005 National Aboriginal Role Model

8:15 p.m. Musical performance – Inez, 2008 National Aboriginal Role Model

8:30 p.m. Acknowledgements

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 announces Lunch Sessions 2009 National Conference Our People, Our Health

OTTAWA, ON—The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) invites conference participants and media to attend a series of lunch and learn sessions at the upcoming 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.

“First Nations, Inuit and Métis have a history of breaking bread together,” says Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay, CEO of NAHO. “Each day during the NAHO 2009 National Conference Our People, Our Health, participants are provided the opportunity to increase their awareness of important issues by hearing from community leaders, documentary film makers, and past and present National Aboriginal Role Models while enjoying a healthy and nutritious meal.”

Wednesday November 25, 2009 – 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Lunch Session with Keyano College - Presentation of the Documentary Good Medicine

Good Medicine is an innovative documentary project commissioning five First Nation filmmakers to each produce a six minute high-definition video interpreting the question: What constitutes a healthy community from First Nations Albertan perspectives in Alberta?

Presented by Leo E. Jacobs, Chairperson of Aboriginal Education Community & Upgrading Education and Roger P. Nason, Manager, Applied Research & Development Executive Office for Keyano College

Thursday November 26, 2009 – 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Lunch Session with National Aboriginal Roles

In this plenary the lived experiences of current and former National Aboriginal Role Models will be shared: What does it mean to be a National Aboriginal Role Model as part of the National Aboriginal Role Model Program?

Chair: Steven Vanloffeld
• Amber Asp-Chief, First Nation, 2009 National Aboriginal Role Model
• Gloria Kowtak, Inuit, 2007 National Aboriginal Role Model
• Dr. Alika Lafontaine, Métis, 2005 National Aboriginal Role Model
• Jaime Koebel, Métis, 2004 National Aboriginal Role Model

NAHO Announces Sponsors 2009 National Conference Our People, Our Health

The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) is pleased to announce the sponsors for the upcoming 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.

“We are very pleased with the tremendous support from our sponsors,” Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay, CEO of NAHO. “Without their sponsorship this national conference would not be possible. This is the largest Aboriginal health conference in Canada this year.”

These sponsors are:

• Canadian Institute of Health Research
• Aboriginal Health Research Networks (AHRNet) Secretariat
• Anishnabe Kekendazone NEAHR
• Indigenous Health Research Development Program
• Atlantic Aboriginal Health Research Program
• Centre for Aboriginal Health Research
• Kloshe Tillicum
• Alberta NEAHR
• Indigenous Peoples’ Health Research Centre
• Nasivvik Centre for Inuit Health and Changing Environments
• National Network for Aboriginal Mental Health Research
• Canadian North
• Canadian Institute for Health Information
• Earthlore Communications
• Aboriginal Healing Foundation
• Research Western, The University of Western Ontario

Registration for the Our People, Our Health conference is still open. Full details on the conference including agenda, breakout sessions and registration information click here >>

NAHO releases final agenda for 2009 national conference

OTTAWA, ON – The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) released the final agenda for its upcoming national conference entitled Our People, Our Health in Ottawa November 24-26, 2009.

“As a leader in First Nations, Inuit and Métis health research and public education in Canada, NAHO has worked very hard to organize this special event,” said NAHO Chief Executive Officer Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay.

Canada’s largest and most important gathering of Aboriginal health care professionals in 2009 will feature a superior line-up of workshops and events no one will want to miss.

Over three days, experts from Canada, the U.S. and abroad will talk about recent innovations and existing or emerging trends in population health research as they relate to reducing disparities among First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, families and communities.

In addition to high quality sessions and workshops, NAHO will also be hosting two very special events to welcome delegates and speakers to the conference and celebrate some of NAHO’s accomplishments.

NAHO will celebrate the National Aboriginal Role Model Agenda’s 25th anniversary with a reunion banquet November 24, 2009 The NAHO conference banquet November 25, 2009 will feature a special demonstration by APTN’s Cooking with the Wolfman star Chef David Wolfman.

To view to final conference agenda, or to register for the conference, please visit www.naho.ca/conference.