IAPH Newsletter Fall 2009
Message from Malcolm King, Scientific Director
I am delighted to have the opportunity to serve the Aboriginal health research community in my role as Scientific Director of the Canadian Institute of Health Research, Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health. I am committed to work within CIHR and with our many partners in promoting good health and well-being for First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada and for Indigenous peoples abroad through research and knowledge exchange. I fully support the principle of community participation in research, and I respect the knowledge and abilities that communities have and will bring to the research arena. I believe that working respectfully with communities will help to achieve CIHR's quest for excellence in research that meets the health needs of all Canadians.
The challenge for the next few years is to continue building capacity to carry out research, particularly with our community partners. This means assisting with the development of skills and training, and devoting appropriate resources to research that meets the needs of Aboriginal communities. It also means carrying out sound and ethical research together in ways that respect community values and allow communities to stand as true partners in the research process.
It's not a time to be complacent; there is still an ongoing, unacceptable gap in the health status of Aboriginal Canadians. Dealing with this deficit requires addressing the complex determinants of health. It also requires valuing the strengths of Indigenous peoples to deal with these complex issues. Achieving our vision of good health and well-being for all Aboriginal people in Canada and for the world's Indigenous communities is only possible when we work together.
Dr. Malcolm King
Scientific Director
What's Inside
CIHR-IAPH National Virtual Network
CIHR-IAPH Interim Strategic Directions
Working to Strengthen a Spirit of Commitment
Aboriginal Health Research Networks (AHRNet) Secretariat
New IAPH Partnership with NAHO
CIHR Guidelines for Health Research Involving Aboriginal People
Professional Profile: Introducing Judith G. Bartlett
Student Connections / Connecting Students: Introducing Josie Auger
Knowledge Translation: "Metis Need To Know Too – A Novel KT Model"
Investments in Aboriginal Peoples' Health Research
IAPH Staff & Advisory Board Members
Out & About
Beyond Borders / International News
Northern Health: A Snapshot of the North
Dates to Remember
Book Release: The Crisis of Chronic Disease Among Aboriginal Peoples
Ethics: What's Wrong – or Right – with this Picture?
IAPH Information Sources
CIHR Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health (IAPH) and Network Environments for Aboriginal Health Research (NEAHR) Program:
A National Virtual Network
CIHR Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health: Interim Strategic Directions
IAPH interim strategic directions, pending community dialogues to take place in the coming months, are as follows:
- (Prioritize and resolve critical First Nations, Métis and Inuit health issues and ameliorate the effects of health inequities.
- Ensure inclusion and recognition of First Nations, Métis and Inuit values, culture and identity in health research.
- Enhance capacity and infrastructure to advance Aboriginal health research, including the implementation of CIHR Guidelines for Health Research Involving Aboriginal People.
- Facilitate and evaluate translation of Aboriginal health knowledge into policy and practice.
- Develop strategic regional, national and international partnerships to advance Aboriginal health research.
These align with CIHR strategic directions for health and health system research priorities outlined in the Health Research Roadmap launched October 22, 2009:
- Enhance patient-oriented care and improve clinical results through scientific and technological innovations.
- Support a high quality, accessible and sustainable health care system.
- Reduce health inequities in Aboriginal Peoples and other vulnerable populations.
- Prepare for and respond to existing and emerging global threats to health.
- Promote health and reduce the burden of chronic disease & mental illness.
Working to Strengthen a Spirit of Commitment by Networking and Building Alliances
On January 1, 2009, the CIHR Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health moved from the University of Victoria where it was led by former Scientific Director Dr. Jeff Reading, to the University of Alberta. Since January, IAPH's new Scientific Director Dr. Malcolm King and IAPH staff have worked to renew relationships with community organizations, health professionals, academics and researchers involved in research with Aboriginal peoples. Part of IAPH's focus, in addition to relationship building, has been on the CIHR Guidelines for Health Research Involving Aboriginal Peoples, Knowledge Translation activities and outcomes, Chronic Diseases, and HIV/AIDS.
In the coming months IAPH's largest project will be to develop and carry out a National Dialogue with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Canada. These Aboriginal Health Research Summits will take place during the early months of 2010 in four locations across the country.
To support the development of this project in culturally appropriate ways and to ensure inclusion of all Aboriginal peoples of Canada, CIHR-IAPH has brought together a Core Committee to help plan and guide processes that will help ensure the summit's success. The Committee includes Elders, First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and IAPH Advisory Board members.
Aboriginal Health Research Networks (AHRNet) Secretariat
The Aboriginal Health Research Networks Secretariat (AHRNetS) is the coordinating body for the nine Network Environments for Aboriginal Health Research (NEAHR) located across Canada. The NEAHRs collaborated to create the AHRNet Secretariat to enhance coordination and communication between their respective NEAHRs and among Aboriginal Health research networks, national Aboriginal health organizations and International Indigenous health research networks.
The Secretariat also accumulates and disseminates information about Aboriginal health research and other activities pertaining to Aboriginal health research via their website and email groups. AHRNetS has recently partnered with the National Aboriginal Health Organization´s 2009 National Conference to showcase Aboriginal health research and capacity building at the NEAHRs. For more information please contact Ali Darnay, Program Director, AHRNet Secretariat.
New Partnership with the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO)
The CIHR-Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health (IAPH) has recently signed a collaborative agreement with NAHO to create synergy between the two organizations. NAHO is a leading organization in knowledge translation for Aboriginal peoples in Canada; the organization recognizes the importance of culturally safe care to the improvement of health outcomes for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in Canada. Collaborative undertakings include:
- IAPH has joined the planning committee and is a funding partner for NAHO's 2009 National Conference: "Our People, Our Health."
- IAPH is soliciting contributions for NAHO's Journal of Aboriginal Health and will appoint a CIHR-IAPH representative to the editorial board.
- IAPH is providing awards to community members to attend NAHO's national conference.
- To learn more visit NAHO.
CIHR Guidelines for Health Research Involving Aboriginal People
Did you know…
The CIHR Guidelines for Health Research Involving Aboriginal People came into effect as policy for CIHR-funded research on July 1, 2008. Applicants whose proposed research will involve Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to familiarise themselves with these guidelines and in particular with the section "Application of the Guidelines," which outlines the situations in which these guidelines apply.
IAPH is introducing readers to accomplished Aboriginal researchers, up and coming individuals currently pursuing a degree and communities doing notable work in the health field. If you know of an individual or community you would like featured please contact an IAPH office.
Professional Profiles
Introducing Judith G. Bartlett
Judith G. Bartlett MD, MSc, CCFP, FCFP is a Metis researcher, health administrator and family doctor. Her first home was an abandoned northern Manitoba mining village. When she was five her family moved to The Pas where she spent her formative years. Living in Winnipeg since 1972, she graduated from medicine (1987) and family medicine specialty training (1989). After providing clinical services in the north, she spent six years with the federal government as Director, First Nations' Health Programs.
Having been bitten by the "curiosity bug" she returned to educational pursuits to complete a MSc. in Community Health (2003). Dr. Bartlett currently has an academic appointment in the Department of Community Health Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba; is the Director, Health and Wellness Department at the Manitoba Metis Federation; is a part-time family physician at the Aboriginal Health & Wellness Centre of Winnipeg; was recently appointed an Adjunct Scientist at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba; and is co-owner and CEO of an aerospace manufacturing company
Dr. Bartlett is currently a Principle Investigator (PI) in an international five-year CIHR-IAPH-funded Indigenous Health Workforce and Resilience study. She is also a successful recipient of a CIHR-IAPH funded Knowledge to Action research project: The "Metis Need to Know Too" study. She is now also undertaking two additional independent quantitative health research projects funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada to complete a detailed examination of cancer and diabetes among Manitoba Metis.
Student Connections / Connecting Students
Introducing Josie Auger
Josie Auger is a member of the Bigstone Cree Nation from the predominantly Indigenous community of Wabasca, Alberta. Ms. Auger is currently finalizing her dissertation in preparation for defense of her PhD research. Her research focuses on sexually transmitted infections (STI) / human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention using popular theatre and action research in an Indigenous community.
Ms. Auger was recently appointed to the CIHR HIV/AIDS Research Advisory Committee. In 2008 she was appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Nechi Training, Research and Health Promotions Institute in St. Albert, Alberta. Prior to this appointment, which she still holds, she taught Indigenous Studies, Canadian History, and Native Health Issues for the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta and Maskwachees Cultural College. She has also conducted research and written reports for various levels of government and Indigenous communities on health issues. Ms. Auger is committed to holistic healing that utilizes traditional healing practices and knowledge and culturally appropriate disease prevention and health promotion. Recently, she developed an Indigenous model of health for the Bigstone Health Commission.
While pursuing her education Ms. Auger received financial support from Network Environments for Aboriginal Health Research, National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, Alberta Health Careers Bursary, and the Bigstone Education Authority.
Knowledge Translation
"Metis Need To Know Too – A Novel KT Model"
(Bartlett J., Sanguins J. Martens P., Neufeld R., Carter S., Cook C., Elias B., and Hoeppner N.).
This study implements and evaluates a novel Knowledge Translation (KT) model that uses public participation to facilitate use of the outcomes of a "Metis Health Status and Health Utilization Study" to adapt Manitoba Health's programs and services to better meet the needs of the Manitoba Metis population. Learning from the successful "Need To Know" study by Martens (2005), this study brings the Metis community into a health services research KT process and supports KT network development.
It is expected that program user participation, from study design and indicators selection to program adaptation, will improve program uptake due to enhanced understanding and ownership. The KT "Metis Need to Know Too" Project Team includes the Manitoba Metis Federation and its Regions, Manitoba Health and Healthy Living, and two University of Manitoba groups: the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy and the Centre for Aboriginal Health Research. This new systematic and user-friendly KT model establishes a reality-based and honest participation process for brokering common ground between the interests, aspirations and expertise of community, university and health administrator partners.
Grounded in a participatory action research approach, each of five participation spectrum levels has a specific goal, method, and outcomes for each of the KT research partners. This study is important to the federal government's Aboriginal Health Transition Strategy and the model can be used by other research groups as a guide for KT activities.
Investments in Aboriginal Peoples' Health Research
Research dollars for Aboriginal health has been increased by CIHR.
IAPH Staff & Advisory Board Members
The IAPH is led by Scientific Director Dr. Malcolm King, who in turn is aided by staff and an Advisory Board. The advisory board is composed of a diverse group of national and international representatives of the public, private and non-profit sectors. Currently Associate Director Dr. Angeline Letendre, Janice Mathewsie, and Issac Bell work from the University of Alberta along with Dr. King; Laura Commanda and Jacques Dalton are Ottawa based. A welcome is extended to IAPH's newest advisory board members Pierre Haddad, Jennie R. Joe, Anne-Marie Robinson, Gail Turner, and Lee Wilson and to returning members Frederic Wien, Bernice Downey, Willie Ermine, Stephen Graham, Margo Greenwood, Laurence J. Kirmayer, Judy Mill, Janet Smylie, Isaac Sobel, Lisa Sterling, Paulette Tremblay. A word of thanks to departing members Michael Chandler, Ann Macaulay, Francine Romero, and Stanley Vollant; thank you for your contributions to IAPH.
Two of IAPH's new advisory members are featured this issue: Pierre Haddad and Jennie Joe.
Pierre S. Haddad, PhD
Dr. Haddad is a professor of pharmacology at the University of Montreal and a principal investigator at the Montreal Diabetes Research Center. Since 2003 he has lead the CIHR team in Aboriginal Antidiabetic Medicines.
Pierre was trained in pharmacology at the University of Montreal where he obtained a Ph.D (1986). After a postdoctoral fellowship at the Institute of General and Experimental Pathology at the University of Vienna, Austria (1986-1988) he continued his research at the Yale University Liver Center, USA (1988-1990). He then returned to the University of Montreal to establish an independent research laboratory.
Dr. Haddad has developed two major areas of research in the last two decades. The first addresses the cellular and molecular effects of cold preservation-warm perfusion (CI/WR) on liver cells and the second concerns anti-diabetic medicinal plants.
Jennie R. Joe, PhD, MA, MPH, BSN (Navajo/Dine)
Dr. Joe is currently a professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Arizona where she also directs the Native American Research and Training Center (NARTC) and teaches in the American Indian Studies graduate program.
Jennie completed her BSN in Nursing at the University of New Mexico. She completed an MPH, an MA in Anthropology and a doctorate in Medical Anthropology at the University of California Berkeley.
Dr. Joe is a public health practitioner and a medical anthropologist. Currently she is a member of the Institute of Medicine's Committee on Health Disparities and serves on the National Advisory Council for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at the National Institutes of Health. She has over 20 chapters published in scholarly books as well as peer reviewed articles in journals and a number of other research reports, articles, and book reviews.
Out & About
Malcolm King and William Commanda
Scientific Director Malcolm King met with respected Elder William Commanda during the Celebration of First Peoples in Canada event at Ottawa's Saint Paul University on October 29, 2009. "Grandfather" Commanda, 96 on November 11, 2009, became an Officer of the Order of Canada on November 5, 2009. He was awarded the Order "for his leadership as an elder who has promoted intercultural understanding and has raised awareness of the traditions and legacies of Canada's Aboriginal people."
Beyond Borders / International News
International Indigenous Health: Commonalities in Poor Health
Did you know…
- There are 370 million Indigenous people worldwide in more than 70 countries.
- Economic, social and health disparities are almost universal.
- Low standards of health are associated with poverty, malnutrition, overcrowding, poor hygiene, environmental contamination and prevalent infections.
- Inadequate clinical care, insufficient health promotion, and poor disease prevention services aggravate this situation.
- Some Indigenous groups, moving from traditional to transitional and modern lifestyles, are rapidly acquiring "lifestyle" diseases, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and physical, social and mental disorders linked to misuse of alcohol and drugs.
Source: Gracey M, King M. (2009). Indigenous health part 1: determinants and disease patterns. The Lancet. 374(9683). 65-75.
Northern Health / A snapshot of the North
Did you know…
- Inuit Nunaat is the Inuktitut expression for 'Inuit homeland.'
- Inuit Nunaat is comprised of four regions: Territory of Nunavut, Nunavik (region of Northern Quebec), Inuvialuit region (region of NWT), and Nunatsiavut (Northern Labrador).
- There are 52 communities across Inuit Nunaat.
The median age of the Aboriginal population in Canada (2006) was 27 years, compared with 40 for non-Aboriginal people.
Yukon:
Total population: 30,190
25% Aboriginal identity: 7,580
North American Indian: 6,275
Metis: 805
Inuit: 255
Total population median age: 38
NWT:
Population: 41,060
50% Aboriginal identity: 20,635
North American Indian: 12,640
Inuit: 4,160
Metis: 3580
Total population median age: 31
Inuvialuit region Inuit population: 3,115
55% of the Inuvialuit population is Inuit
Nunavut:
Population: 29,325
85% Aboriginal identity: 24,920
Inuit: 24,635 (84%)
Metis: 130
North American Indian: 100
Total population median age: 23
Median age (Inuit): 20
Nunavik (Northern Quebec):
Population: 10,700
90% Inuit population: 9,565
Median age (Inuit): 20
Nunatsiavut (Northern Labrador):
Population: 2,400
90% Inuit population: 2,160
Median age (Inuit): 26
Statistics Canada. 2006. Aboriginal identity population, by province and territory (2006 Census).
Aboriginal Peoples in Canada in 2006: Inuit, Métis and First Nations, 2006 Census.
Dates to Remember
- November 24-26, 2009: National Aboriginal Health Organization National Conference, Ottawa
- December 2-4, 2009: Leaders in Indigenous Medical Education (LIME) Connection III, Melbourne
- December 2009: Anticipated release of revised draft of the Tri-Council Policy Statement on Research with Humans for a 60 day written consultation period
- May 2-4, 2010: Transcultural Health Conference, Calgary
- May 24-28, 2010: Knowing Your Roots: Indigenous Medicines, Health Knowledges and Best Practices, Poulsbo, Washington State
- July 11-15, 2010: 20th IUHPE World Conference on Health Promotion, Geneva
- September 3-10, 2010: Healing our Spirit Worldwide, 6th Gathering, Honolulu
Book Release
The Centre for Aboriginal Health Research (CAHR) at the University of Victoria and the Centre´s director, Dr. Jeff Reading, are pleased to announce its second publication: "The crisis of chronic disease among Aboriginal Peoples: A challenge for public health, population health and social policy." The book, published by the Centre in October 2009, will be distributed by CAHR free of charge across Canada. The Centre acknowledges the funding bodies that made free distribution possible: Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research, Canadian Institute of Health Research, and Network Environments for Aboriginal Research BC. If you wish to receive a hard copy please contact Rachel Link and provide your mailing address. The book will also be available through various venues including the CAHR website.
Ethics: What's Wrong – or Right – with this Picture?
Part of each IAPH newsletter will be devoted to ethics and its surrounding issues. In the next issue an ethical dilemma will be presented; would you like to share a burning issue? Please contact IAPH staff.
IAPH Information Sources
CIHR – Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health Information Sources
Host Institution (University of Alberta) Based Institute Staff
Malcolm King, PhD FCCPScientific Director
Email: king@ualberta.ca
Angeline Letendre, RN PhD
Associate Director
Email: aletendre@telus.net
CIHR - Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health
602 College Plaza
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB T6G 2C8
Telephone: 780-492-8943
Fax: 780-492-6115
Ottawa Based Institute Staff
Laura Commanda MSW
Assistant Director Partnerships, KT & International Relations
Email: Laura.Commanda@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
Room 97, 160 Elgin Street
Address locator: 4809A
Ottawa, ON K1A 0W9
Telephone: 613-941-4440
Fax: 613-954-1800