Seeking Elder and Youth Dyads

To all First Nations, Inuit and Metis Youth interested in Aboriginal Health

Summary: The '2009-2010 Aboriginal Health Research Summits' (AHRS) is a Project established by the CIHR – Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health (CIHR-IAPH). The Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health is seeking applications for up to (15) Elder/Youth Dyads to participate in a National Dialogue Summit on priority areas of Aboriginal health and health research.

Successful applicants will assume the role of a mentor/mentored relationship and work and travel together to attend a one-day gathering with other First Nations, Inuit and Metis Elders and Youth from across Canada.

Elder/Youth Dyads will be asked to share their experiences and knowledge in relation to community health and wellness issues, existing or potential collaborative community and/or community-research initiatives in Aboriginal health: areas of discussion may include social determinants of health, research and community ethics, health data, Indigenous knowledge/traditional medicine, community knowledge, knowledge translation, and mental health. In particular, each dyad will bring to the Summit ideas for future planning in community health and wellness.

Applicants should indicate a willingness/capacity to undertake a participatory role in the discussion of priority research areas in health. In addition, Elder and Youth must be available for travel between the dates February 8-15, 2010.

Who Can Apply? Youth must be between the ages of 18-35. They must have a close working and/or mentored relationship with the Elder and/or Traditional knowledge holder planning to attend, and must currently be enrolled in an education program that will lead to a career related to Aboriginal health and wellness. High school students 18 years and over able to demonstrate past experience and/or a strong interest in the area of Aboriginal health and health research will also be considered.

Knowledge and experience in community-based research projects and experience working with Aboriginal communities or organizations in areas of health and wellness will be considered an asset.

Duration: 2-3 days including travel.

Cost: Travel expenses will be paid by the Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health.

Deadline: January 15, 2010

Please send a 1-2 page letter of interest describing the following:

  1. First Nations, Inuit, or Métis Community of Elder and Youth
  2. Interest and experience in area of Aboriginal health and wellness
  3. Current education and education goals in Aboriginal health and wellness
  4. Relationship and experience with Elder or Knowledge Holder
  5. A brief description of Elder or Knowledge Holder experience and/or interest in areas of Aboriginal health and community wellness
  6. What you hope to learn if chosen to attend the Summit
  7. Attach a CV or resume if available

Please send your application by mail, email or Fax to:

Dr. Angeline Letendre
Associate Director
CIHR – Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health
# 602 College Plaza
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB T6G 2C8
letendre@ualberta.ca
Fax: 780-492-6115