9:30 – 10:15 am

Opening Plenary - Leadership in First Nations Health Accreditation
Speaker: Carol Hopkins, Executive Director, National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation

Workshop A

Innovative Tool for First Nations Communities: Guide to Procedures for Accessing Health Services (GPS)
The First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC) is introducing to you the new GPS!
In fact, this is a Guide to explain Procedures for Accessing Health Services for First Nations living on- and off-reserve. This tool will provide guidance to the First Nations health workers while allowing them to better understand how the various processes related to accessing health care services operate for the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program and other provincial services(Quebec). The community workers will therefore be able to more effectively provide advice and support to their clients related to the steps they must take in order to access health care and services.
This guide assembles all of the information required in order to properly understand the various health programs that are offered to the First Nations members:
. All of the frameworks of the NIHB program;
. The reimbursement forms;
. The criteria and frequency limits for renewals;
. Model letters for appeal levels 1, 2 and 3;
. Examples of letters of appeal;
. Lists of care and service providers on a provincial scale; and
. Fee schedules;
This guide is intended to complement the NIHB information booklet that was produced by the Assembly of First Nations in collaboration with Health Canada. The GPS will guide the health workers through the steps, eligibility criteria and processes related to the health programs that are available to the First Nations members.
Speakers: Jessie Messier, Program Officer, First Nations of Québec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission
Isabelle Verret, Liaison Officer - Health Services, First Nations of Québec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission

Presentation by all speakers.

Workshop B

Cultural Safety and Competency in Addictions Services
The National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation (NNAPF), through its work supporting the implementation of Honouring our Strengths: A Renewed Framework to Address Substance Use Issues among First Nation Peoples in Canada, has developed a series of discussion papers and toolkits on Cultural Safety.  These include common indicators to support human resource management practices that both leadership and practitioners can apply within their community. This joint presentation by Nora Bresette and Michael Martin will look at practical applications of understanding cultural safety and its implications within First Nation communities; steps to reach cultural safety; and indicators to assess cultural competency at the organizational/community level.  This workshop will also speak to 1) defining cultural competency and safety through reflective discussion, and 2) further allowing the participant to rate their organization/community’s cultural-competency capacity at a systems-level, with ample opportunity for participants to share their own stories.
Speakers: Nora Bressette, Past Director, Nimkee Treatment Centre and Renewal Project Coordinator, National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation
Michael Martin, Research Manager, National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation

Presentation by all speakers.

Workshop C

Partnership in Community Health Planning - Council of Yukon First Nations and CESO
The goal of this presentation is to share a unique process to support community health planning which is driven by Yukon First Nations and coordinated through an umbrella agreement between the Council of Yukon First Nations and CESO.
In 2012 the Council of Yukon First Nations, with funding from Health Canada, developed a partnership with CESO to provide community health planning support to health and social directors in individual Yukon First Nations through CESO Volunteer Advisors.
Under this initiative, health and social directors identified particular health planning goals for their individual communities.  These goals ranged from developing a limited number of operational policies through to more comprehensive community health planning.  Although the goals were diverse, there were two common objectives:   to build capacity at the community level in health planning and to provide mentoring to health staff.
Two unique aspects of this initiative were the range of health planning activities and expertise, within a context of commitment to capacity building, and the coordination and feedback loop through the Commission of health and social directors which is convened by the Council of Yukon First Nations.
Speakers: Tricia Isaac, Program Coordinator, National Services, CESO
Reanna Mohamed, Manager, Aboriginal Health Transition Fund, Aboriginal Health Human Resource Initiative, Council of Yukon First Nations
Katherine Stewart, Lead Volunteer Advisor, CYFN/CESO

Presentation by all speakers.

Workshop D

Building and Maintaining Momentum - Quality Improvement Through Accreditation
Since 1999, Accreditation Canada has supported Aboriginal organizations with culturally relevant accreditation programming. Accreditation Canada approaches quality improvement as an ongoing journey that emphasizes a holistic approach. Today, over 100 Aboriginal organizations participate in the Qmentum accreditation program.
At this workshop, participants will hear from an Accreditation Specialist with over five years of experience in supporting Aboriginal organizations during the accreditation process. The speaker will share key strategies that have helped organizations maintain momentum during this process, and continue to achieve success through their quality improvement initiatives.
Workshop participants will leave with practical information about accreditation, including strategies for maintaining momentum after the on-site survey, top three lessons for success with quality improvement initiatives.
Speakers: Elaine Allison, Health Manager, Wagmatcook Health Centre and Accreditation Canada Surveyor
Colleen LaBillois, Accreditation Coordinator, Listuguj Community Health Services
Hélène Tassé, Accreditation Specialist, Accreditation Canada

Presentation by all speakers.

Clik here for a copy of the presentation in FRENCH

Luncheon - Respecting the Gift of Life: An Aboriginal Perspective
Elder Criger will discuss Aboriginal philosophies on health & healing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He will underline the wisdom of understanding and embracing holistic healing, that of incorporating mind, body and spirit.
Speaker: Cat (Mark) Criger, Traditional Aboriginal Elder in Residence, University of Toronto

Luncheon sponsored by: PATH DMS

Workshop E

Provincial Support for Integrated Primary Care on-Reserve
In many First Nations communities, health programs and services are delivered by a local health centre managed by the local First Nation to serve the needs of their communities. Services are often required that cannot be provided on reserve and clients need to access the provincial system. The goal of a healthcare system is to ensure patients receive services in an efficient and effective manner, from the right provider to the right program and at the right time. Many First Nations struggle to encounter this experience and are faced with chronic system barriers when attempting to access and navigate basic primary care.
Primary care is complex and includes various services/programs and stakeholders. The Health Services Integration Fund (HSIF) is a national initiative supporting collaborative planning aimed at better meeting the healthcare needs of First Nations. Key objectives include integration of federal and provincial services, sustainable partnerships, improved access, and participation of Aboriginal peoples in guiding health programs and services.
The HSIF is successfully establishing partnerships through the Alberta project “Provincial Support for Integrated Primary Care on-Reserve” that will facilitate accessible, coordinated primary care programs and services on and off reserve. Twelve First Nations in Alberta are leaders who are working collaboratively toward improved health. The project experiences will provide value to all First Nations communities as we break down the invisible borders and work in a coordinated manner to enhance healthcare collectively.
Speakers: Kirsten Dupres, CFNHM, Director of Health, Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council
Renee Rebryna, Healthcare/ Nurse Consultant, Redaka Consulting Services Inc.
Liette Snache, Director of Health, Western Cree Tribal Council

Presentation by all speakers.

Workshop F

Knowing Your Spirit: Sharing Cultural Knowledge and Resources
Presenters will share cultural knowledge and resources that will benefit fellow Health Managers with their personal development and community health delivery. Traditional teachings from a variety of sources including the Wabanaki culture, Traditional Elders wisdom, Medicine Wheel teachings and the Seven Sacred Teachings can help with individual healing journeys and in the delivery of community health programs and initiatives.
Taking care of one’s self is an essential part of Health Management. Managers are faced with many challenges on a day to day basis. Presenters will share personal experiences of cultural teachings that can benefit self-care and community wellbeing. A Medicine Wheel Circle of Life tool sheet that can facilitate individual healing and personal development will be discussed.
Presenters will assist participants in building cultural competency through discussing their work experience of how culture is interwoven into community health planning, accreditation, programs and initiatives. Community resources developed by the Neqotkuk Health Centre will be illustrated to participants.
Presenters look forward to sharing their knowledge and resources and welcoming others in the journey of knowing the spirit of personal and community development.
Speakers: Laurie;Ann Nicholas, Community Health Coordinator, Mawiw;Council of First Nations Inc.
Roxanne G. Sappier, Health Director, Neqotkuk Health Center

Presentation by all speakers.

Workshop G

Workshop H

Accreditation Journey – A Tale of Two Treatment Centres
Nenqayni Wellness Centre Society is joining with Leading Thunderbird Lodge to share their experiences of the Accreditation Journey.
Both are youth treatment centres and both have worked with two difference accrediting bodies. Nenqayni has three programs that are accredited while Leading Thunderbird Lodge has one.
Presenters will discuss the accreditation journey and will provide observations of what has worked well and lessons learned. Nenqayni and Leading Thunderbird Lodge considers the accreditation journey to be a valuable experience that has helped them to grow as organizations and increased capacity to provide top quality services to individuals and communities through their centre’s programs.
Quality improvement is a high priority for Nenqayni Wellness Centre and Leading Thunderbird Lodge who use the process of accreditation on a continual basis to provide relevant standards to measure identified areas: leadership & governance, financial management, information management, support of quality improvement, ethics, rights & individual choice, health & safety, administration & management, and service delivery. The Aboriginal, Culturally Significant Programs, Addiction Programs, Intensive Treatment Programs and Mental Health Programs allow the centres to focus on culturally significant and specific needs of the persons they serve.
Speakers: Meghann Brinoni, Special Projects Coordinator , Nenqayni Wellness Centre
Jan Cyr, Administrative Supervisor, Leading Thunderbird Lodge
Sharon A. Duffy, Intake Coordinator, Youth ; Family Inhalant Program, Nenqayni Wellness Centre

Presentation by the Nenqayni Wellness Centre.

Prayer: Elder Garry Sault, Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, ON

Plenary - BC First Nations Health Directors
An update on the tripartite framework agreement on First Nation health governance.

Workshop I

Multi-Disciplinary Use of Electronic Medical Records
The speakers will discuss how the Ginew Wellness Center was successful in overcoming the challenges and barriers in implementing EMR as a tool for providing holistic care to their clients.  You will hear how they embraced opportunities that enabled them to become a leader in the implementation and multi-disciplinary usage of an EMR system.
One result of the multi-disciplinary usage of the EMR was that a number of paper charts became combined into one electronic chart.  This E-chart now records chronologically the client’s visits with a team of health providers that provide the client services.  You will learn about other EMR benefits such as case management, data mining for health planning purposes, and better care for the client.
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Inc. will speak to the overarching eHealth Long Term Strategy and the Manitoba First Nations (MFNs) Technology Council, sharing Lessons Learned in the multiple collaborative eHealth projects (eMR/cEMR, eChart, Panorama, Telehealth, etc) that they are involved in. The primary focus will be the Canada Health Infoway funded community electronic medical record (cEMR) project that brought digital health to 9 MFNs through positive innovative partnerships.
The cEMR Project Phase III is working towards interoperability with the Health Information Access Layer (HIAL), which will enable the secure exchange of medical information such as nurse charts, administered immunizations, allergies and medication history between the nine First Nation Communities and authorized electronic medical record systems.
Speakers: Lisa Clarke, Electronic Medical Record Manager, eHealth Program, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Guy Gosselin, Executive Director, Ginew Wellness Center, Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation, MB

Workshop J

Understanding Health Funding Authorities
In this session, participants will engage in an interactive learning session that covers the following topics: Health Canada’s Funding Authorities and the agreements, planning and reporting requirements of the different models; Budgeting; Accounting for Budgeting; and the Federal Joint Funding Agreement between Health Canada and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC).  Sharpe technology will be used to gather and share information from session participants about the topics being covered in the session.
Speaker: Terry Goodtrack, M.A. (P.Admin.), B.Admin., CGA, CAFM, CAPA, President ; Chief Executive Officer, AFOA Canada

Workshop K

The Power of Prevention: ;Good for Your Patients, Good for Your Community
3M Canada recognizes the opportunities and challenges unique to Aboriginal communities.  Dialogue with Aboriginal organizations and Health Canada has highlighted the common desire to focus on preventive approaches towards oral health as a means to improve outcomes and reduce expenditures.
Oral Health problems have been linked to other medical conditions.  Preventive dentistry can improve oral health and have more desirable outcomes than other dental services (such as extractions or restorative treatments), while also being the less expensive treatment. According to the 2008/2009 NIHB expenditures report, $68.7M was spent on restorative services, representing 39% of the total dental expenditures. Preventive treatments were only $17.2 million, representing less than 10% of dental services. Investment into preventive dentistry will improve oral health at a lower cost (compared to the cost of restorative products), resulting in less demand for more expensive procedures.
3M ESPE represents the Dental Products division of 3M Canada and creates programs that are intended to contribute to improving the oral health of all Canadians.    3M ESPE proposes to implement an education and training program for Dental professionals that are currently servicing the targeted First Nations community.  The program would include the following goals:

• Education on evidence-based risk assessment tools
• Tailoring and execution of a preventive measures program
• Monitoring and learning about the use of 3M ESPE preventive reputable risk assessment programs within the targeted communities
  

Improved oral health of First Nations and Inuit Communities could then provide a basis for potential policy change toward greater investment into prevention by Health Canada.
Speakers: Dawne Persson, Early Childhood Development Manager, Carrier Sekani Family Services
Joanne Devereux, Marketing Operation Manager, 3M ESPE Dental Products, 3M Canada

Presentation by all speakers.

Workshop L

Successful Influenza Program at Heiltsuk Health Centre: What are the Keys to our Success and Lessons Learned?
Influenza is one of the leading causes of acute respiratory infection. Studies have shown that provision of influenza vaccines to healthcare workers have direct impact in the transmission of influenza. It is therefore paramount that healthcare workers who have high risk of exposures to influenza should be vaccinated against it. Decades of scientific data supports the importance of immunizing healthcare workers against influenza. However, in spite of the evidence of the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine, vaccine uptake amongst healthcare workers continues to be dismal.
The accreditation process enabled the Heiltsuk Health Centre to re-examine its internal infection control policies and one of which was the Facility Influenza Immunization Policy. The original influenza policy was developed in 2008 but it was revised in 2012 in response to the BC Ministry of Health recommendations around healthcare workers influenza and masking protocol during 2012 influenza season.
Staff communication about the changes to the existing policy and incentive offered to staff proved to be significant which reflected with an high uptake of the vaccine. In the future, the Heiltsuk Health Centre would like to further explore whether influenza immunization should be a condition of employment. The Heiltsuk Health Centre would like to utilize the Canadian Healthcare Influenza Immunization Network (CHIIN) 5 steps to an Effective Immunization Program with the aim of attaining 100% influenza vaccine uptake within its facility.
Speaker: Eden Foreman, Community Health Nurse, Heiltsuk Health Centre, BC

Bigstone Health Commission - Our Approach to An Enterprise Model for Integrated Health Care Delivery
The Bigstone Cree Nation through its Health Authority completed the two phases of the joint AFN and Health Canada Pilot Project for the Transfer of Non-Insured Health Benefits; a 10 year process. Having completed that and three additional years of extensions they have now entered into a new 10 year Transfer Agreement for the management and delivery of all Health services including NIHB.
Bigstone feels strongly about the advantage that managing NIHB provides for a community, Tribal Council or other organization. They believe that having the economic levers of NIHB aides in the planning and delivery of service to their members and that the benefits that can flow from Transfer support their goal of achieving improved health outcomes by addressing the Determinates of Health.
Bigstone has created employment opportunities by delivering goods and services through the businesses developed to provide for the delivery of those NIHB programs. The profits made in these businesses in turn provide revenues for increasing programs and services on reserve. 
Representatives for the Bigstone will speak to the path to a Healthier community, the Risks and the Rewards, and the opportunities for Employment and Profit.
Speakers: Barry Phillips, Chief Executive Officer, Bigstone Health Commission, MB
Lyle McLeod, Owner, Lyle McLeod Consulting Group Inc.

Presentation by all speakers.

Workshop N

Reflecting on Program Development and Partnerships with Mental Health First Aid – First Nations
M ental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a course that was first developed in Australia in 2001 to train participants to provide assistance to a person that is developing a mental health problem or in mental health crisis. In 2010, MHFA training in Canada came under the leadership of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, resulting in the growth of the program nationally.
The objective of this presentation is to provide an overview of the partnership process that was used to develop a course that would be applicable to Canada’s First Nations peoples. This presentation will provide participants with an enhanced understanding of process of the partnerships created between the three partner communities and Mental Health First Aid. It describes the observations and results and progress of developing the MHFA-FN course curriculum. Many promising practices for developing First Nations mental health promotion programs were identified in a literature review and the course development process. Ensuring that the course – and course development process - was based on the principles of mutual respect, mutual recognition, mutual sharing and mutual responsibility. Frequent dialogue among partners has been beneficial to developing a shared understanding of the importance of both ways of knowing - Western and First Nations to improving lives.
Preliminary results of this project further demonstrate the need for mental health programs to be centered on collaboration and partnership with First Nations communities to ensure relevant, culturally safe curricula that responds to the needs of First Nations peoples and communities.
Speakers: Lori Lafontaine, Manager, Mental Health First Aid, Aboriginal Programs, Mental Health Commission of Canada
Rhonda Ross, Health Director, Opaskwayak Health Authority

Workshop O

Become a Certified First Nations Health Manager (CFNHM)
Are you interested in becoming a Certified First Nations Health Manager (CFNHM)? Are you interested in professional development?
Join FNHMA staff to learn about the Certified First Nations Health Manager (CFNHM)designation. There are two pathways to certification: Courses and Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). FNHMA offers 5 exciting courses in First Nations health management that lead towards your certification and FNHMA will recognize and honor the experiences that you already bring to your profession.
During this workshop we will walk you through the options available to you!
Moderator/Speaker: Marion Crowe, CFNHM, CAFM, Executive Director, First Nations Health Managers Association
Speaker: Jim Pealow, Special Advisor, First Nations Health Managers Association

Presentation by all speakers.

Workshop P

Assuring, Improving and Maintaining Culturally Appropriate Quality of Care Through First Nations Professional Certification
and Training Program Accreditation
This presentation will highlight the role of First Nations Wellness/Addictions Counsellor Certification Board's (FNWACCB) professional certification and training programs accreditation in assuring, improving, and maintaining service of the highest quality to clients in the health, wellness and addictions field. This presentation will be of interest to individuals who have important responsibilities in regards to the quality of care their personnel provides to First Nations individuals, families and communities.
One of the most effective ways to ensure, improve and maintain the quality of care best suited to the unique needs of Aboriginal clients is to select and hire staff with the competencies required to fulfill the responsibilities of their position. We will demonstrate how our certification standards reflect the competencies required to function effectively in a variety of occupations within a continuum-of-care framework. Participants will understand how those who hold a professional certification with FNWACCB possess the same professional competencies as other mainstream workers, but also possess the crucial cultural knowledge, skills and attitudes required to work with First Nations clients.
Professionally and culturally relevant training is another important factor in maintaining quality of care. We will show how FNWACCB certification encourages the ongoing acquisition of knowledge and skills, and how its training program accreditation ensures that existing and future workers are able to access culturally relevant, safe programs that equip them for their career and offers certification eligibility.
Speakers: Alan Podsadowski, Executive Director, First Nations Wellness/Addictions Counsellor Certification Board
Giselle Robelin, Registrar and Director of Standards, First Nations Wellness/Addictions Counsellor Certification Board

Presentation by all speakers.

3:15 - 4:00 pm

Closing Prayer and Closing Plenary

Prayer: Elder Garry Sault, Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, ON

Closing Plenary - The Important Role of a Health Director in Providing Our Communities with Quality and Safe Health Care
Ruby Jacobs, recipient of the Indspire Award for Health in 2013, will focus on the importance of understanding current standards and best practices in achieving responsible and accountable outcomes in First Nations health care. Ruby will discuss how quality services must be sustainable and that we continually strive to improve health outcomes and provide access to quality health services.
Speaker: Ruby Jacobs, Consultant, Member of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, ON and recipient of the Indspire Award for Health in 2013