Sturgeon, Systems and Space - Connecting Indigenous Knowledge to Healthcare

Sturgeon, Systems & Space Connecting Indigenous Knowledge to Healthcare

Our Time Together Today 1. Reflect on the creation of the AHACs - the policies, people and practices that made it possible

2. Explore current realities of Indigenous people and healthcare in Ontario

3. Define a path forward - bridging reconciliation with right action

Artwork by Christie Belcourt

What are AHACs? Like the sturgeon, we are CONNECTORS • AHAC = Aboriginal Health Access Centre • Aboriginal community-led, primary health care organizations • Established in 1995, closely modeled after CHCs • In fact, by 1988, 2 Aboriginal CHCs were already functioning in Ontario (Toronto and Timmins)

 The success of CHCs and these 2 Aboriginal CHCs provided strong evidence that this type of organization could play a powerful role in improving health and wellbeing of Aboriginal communities throughout Ontario.

History of AHACs 1990

1998–2000

1994

Broad consultation with FNIM communities

AHWS created

• Identified Aboriginal community-led primary health care as key pillar of vision for Ontario’s future

Vehicle where all partners can JOINTLY manage health and social services for Aboriginal communities

1998: AHACs created in Hamilton, London, Manitoulin Island, Ottawa, and Sudbury 1999: Kenora and Rainy River District

2000: Thunder Bay

Aboriginal Health Policy for Ontario developed

Partnership between Ontario government, Aboriginal PTOs, Aboriginal service agencies and FNIM community members

1994

North Shore Tribal Council AHAC created Akwesasne AHAC created

1995

Connecting to… our Communities through Relationships

Connecting to‌ our traditional medicines

Connecting to… our Nations

Reflecting the beauty of Indigenous people and cultures

Wabano’s Diverse Clientele There are 43,000 Indigenous people in the National Capital Region.

Wabano serves 25% of these:14,000 people every year.

Artwork by Christie Belcourt

Current Realities  Like the sturgeon, Indigenous health has improved but it is still reeling from impacts of colonization and racism.

 Disproportionate burden of care – in every illness, Indigenous people are overrepresented.

 Funding inequity  Services inequity

THE IMPACT OF SPACE How we can move forward Sturgeon reminds us that:

 We need space to be strong  Building a strong nation is a journey:  Different routes

 Travel the distances  Make the connections along the way

 Repairing damage takes time and concerted effort

Thank you for choosing to re-build connections with us.