Program
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
Tuesday, November 4 - 8 am to 4 pm
Important: The pre-conference workshops are not included in the conference activities. If you would like to attend one of these workshops, you must register and pay for it separately to the conference. Click here for information.
Tuesday
November
4
12:30 – 6:00 pm
Registration
1:00 – 3:00 pm
Showtime! Join us for an afternoon at the movies.
Rosie
Directed by: Gail Maurice, Métis writer-director-actor, Assini Productions
Last year’s hit Canadian film Rosie tells the story of a young, suddenly orphaned Indigenous girl, named Rosie, who is forced to live with her reluctant, street-smart, francophone auntie and her and her two gender-bending best friends in 1980s in Montreal. The film is spoken in three languages, English, French, and Cree, further displaying the diversity celebrated in this movie. Featuring a breakout performance from young star Keris Hope Hill, Rosie is a hopeful story about unity in a time of tragedy.
4:00 – 6:00pm
Opening Reception with Exhibitors and Artisans
Cultural Performance: Pow Wow Rangers
Wednesday
November
5
7:30 am – 4:00 pm
Registration
8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Wellness Centre
8:00 – 9:00 am
Networking Breakfast with Exhibitors and Artisans
9:00 – 9:30 am
Welcome / Greetings
Opening Prayer: Elder Calvin Morrisseau, CFNHM, FNHMA Board Knowledge Keeper
Greetings: Chief Stephen McComber, Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke
Welcome: Sylvie Aubuchon, A/Regional Executive Director, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Québec Region, Indigenous Services Canada
FNHMA Welcome: Marion Crowe, CFNHM, CAFM, CAPA, CIL, Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Health Managers Association
David McLaren, CFNHM, CIL, President, FNHMA Board of Directors, and Health Director, Kebaowek First Nation, QC
9:30 – 10:15 am
Opening Plenary
Celebrating 15 Years of FNHMA: Honouring Our Past, Shaping Our Future
Join us for a powerful and inspiring session as the First Nations Health Managers Association (FNHMA) commemorates 15 years of advancing excellence in First Nations health management. This session will reflect on the milestones, achievements, and partnerships that have defined our journey — from the launch of the Certified First Nations Health Manager (CFNHM) designation, to the delivery of critical pandemic supports and the growth of our national conference and professional development programs.
Through storytelling, visuals, and shared experiences, we will highlight the voices of community leaders, learners, and partners who have helped shape FNHMA. Together, we’ll look ahead to the next chapter — with a renewed commitment to supporting First Nations health leaders, strengthening systems rooted in culture and community, and walking together in the spirit of innovation.
Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or are just joining our circle, this session is a celebration of collective impact, community strength, and the vision that guides our path forward.
Speakers: Marion Crowe, CFNHM, CAFM, CAPA, CIL, Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Health Managers Association
David McLaren, CFNHM, CIL, President, FNHMA Board of Directors, and Health Director, Kebaowek First Nation, QC
Click here to download a copy of the presentation in PDF format.
10:15 – 10:45 am
Health Break with Exhibitors and Artisans
10:45 am – 12:15 pm
Concurrent Workshops
Workshop A
BIRCH: A Virtual Hub for Substance Use Treatment Programming within First Nations Communities
Bundles of Interventions, Resources, and Cultural Hub. BIRCH aims to provide access to culturally based virtual mental wellness and addictions resources that support a continuum of care for First Nations communities. Inspired by pandemic-related closures of in-person services and continued by the sustained need for complementary options, BIRCH is led and informed by First Nations addictions treatment centres who saw gaining potential for virtual mental wellness and addictions programming.
BIRCH resources include a public facing website that promotes First Nations addictions treatment centres and houses tools (www.birchbundle.ca); an internal resource hub for peer connection and access to tools and virtual mental wellness and addictions treatment programming resources; and program modules categorized by wellness outcomes of hope, belonging, meaning, and purpose; and can be implemented as virtual mental wellness or treatment programming, in-person programming, or as a complement to existing programming. Additional BIRCH tools include facilitation guides and resources, and an eHealth Guide for those looking to develop virtual mental wellness programming.
The workshop will explore applications of BIRCH and how content can be adapted to meet community context. The speakers will share case scenarios highlighting varying success implementing BIRCH Program Modules and associated tools for discussion. All resources will be available to the workshop participants.
Moderator: Calvin Morrisseau, CFNHM, FNHMA Board Member, Knowledge Keeper
Speaker: Kate Turner, Evaluation & CQI Coordinator, Thunderbird Partnership Foundation
Click here to download a copy of the presentation in PDF format.
Workshop B
Introducing a Trauma-Informed Workplace Framework: An Example from the Tsuut’ina Nation
Come learn from the Tsuut’ina Nation how and why implementing a comprehensive trauma-informed workplace framework is essential for effectively addressing issues such as lateral violence, harassment, bullying, and employee turnover. These challenges can significantly impact employees’ overall well-being and productivity, necessitating the creation of a more supportive and healthier environment for all staff members.
A trauma-informed approach operates on the foundation of recognizing and understanding the lasting effects of trauma on individuals. This understanding is vital, as it enables organizations to create an environment where employees feel safe, valued, and respected. The principles of safety, trust, and empowerment are at the core of this approach.
By implementing this framework, organizations can reduce workplace toxicity and enhance employee morale and retention, ultimately fostering a culture of healing, resilience, and collaboration. This proactive approach can enhance job satisfaction, boost productivity, and foster a more cohesive work environment, ultimately benefiting both employees and the organization.
In this workshop, the speakers will explore the work being done by the Tsuut’ina Nation to implement a comprehensive trauma-informed workplace framework and will speak about their experiences working with their own leadership, peers and staff along this journey, and the lessons learned thus far. This workshop will be beneficial for participants looking to establish similar workplace frameworks in their organizations.
Moderator: Mike Poitras, Director, Indigenous Relations Division, Public Health Agency of Canada
Speaker: Lacy Runner, CFNHM, Director, Health and Wellness Services, Tsuut’ina Nation, AB
Click here to download a copy of the presentation in PDF format.
Workshop C
Honouring Our Strengths: A Renewed Framework to Address Substance Use Issues Amongst First Nations People in Canada (Second Edition)
Since Honouring Our Strengths was published in 2011, much has changed. There is a need to update the framework to address the drug crisis that has developed due to the toxic drug supply as well as ongoing inequities created through health and social policies. Additional reasons to update the framework include ensuring it reflects current experiences, updating the language and the statistics, basing the content on the most recent knowledge, evidence and practices, strengthening culture as foundation and wholistic care that includes spirit centered care, and updating the renewal opportunities.
Thunderbird has been working with its partners, specifically the Assembly of First Nations, First Peoples Wellness Circle, the First Nations Health Managers Association and the First Nations Housing Professionals Association, to guide the development of the second edition of Honouring Our Strengths. A working group of First Nations Elders, Knowledge Keepers, researchers, academics, and service providers was established in February 2025 to guide and inform the updates.
A first draft of the second edition of Honouring Our Strengths has been developed, and Thunderbird is now focusing on engagement and validation of the new content.
Participants who attend this workshop will learn more about updates and will be invited to provide input and feedback into the second edition of the Honouring Our Strengths: A Renewed Framework to Address Substance Use Amongst First Nations in Canada (2011).
Moderator: Lynette McDonald, Indigenous Director, Programs and Products, Health Standards Organization
Speakers: Carol Hopkins, Executive Director, Thunderbird Partnership Foundation
Joanne MacMillan, Policy Analyst/Writer, Thunderbird Partnership Foundation
Click here to download a copy of the presentation in PDF format.
Workshop D
Bridging the Gap: Improving Access and Expanding Virtual Diabetes Care for Indigenous Communities in Alberta
This workshop will address the critical challenges and milestones in expanding access to a culturally safe diabetes care services, focusing on the unique needs of Indigenous populations in Alberta. The presentation will provide an in-depth look at the efforts and strategies employed to scale and deliver virtual diabetes care services province-wide, enhancing access to specialized diabetes care for underserved populations. The presentation will delve into the specific steps taken to ensure these services are culturally safe, inclusive, and tailored to the needs of Indigenous peoples.
Moderator: Dr. Alain Beaudry, Principal, Waapihk Research
Speakers: Kari Meneen, Director of Diabetes Services, OKAKI Diabetes Virtual Care Clinic
Jessica Oickle, Program Coordinator and Registered Dietitian, Bigstone Health Commission
Click here to download a copy of the presentation in PDF format.
12:15 – 1:45 pm
Luncheon and Presentation
The goal of this presentation is to highlight the significant impact of the Québec First Nations and Inuit Faculties of Medicine Program, developed in 2008. It is the result of a close collaboration between the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission and the four faculties of medicine in Québec. With a focus on culture and personalized support, this program has admitted 125 First Nations and Inuit individuals to medical studies in Québec. In addition to having an overview of the program’s development and terms and conditions, you will also note its benefits through a physician’s testimony.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Stanley Vollant, Innu surgeon, member of the Pessamit First Nation, professor and lecturer, and Medical Advisor for the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC)
Guest Speaker: Dr. Henri Cyr, Laval University
Click here to download a copy of the presentation in PDF format.
1:45 – 3:15 pm
Concurrent Workshops
Workshop E
Data Sovereignty and Research Relationships
The First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba works for 63 First Nations, 7 tribal councils, and 3 provincial territorial organizations in Manitoba, and it is structured and mandated to pursue tripartite collaboration for a unified health system in Manitoba. In Manitoba, First Nations have been working on data governance, ownership, control, access, and possession of data for over 25 years. There is a widening health gap between First Nations and all other Manitobans; for example, the life expectancy is an 11-year difference.
Data sovereignty is essential for the health and well-being of First Nations people. During this workshop, speakers will share the Data Sovereignty toolkit and respectful research protocols. Data sovereignty in Manitoba is to honour and protect our sacred responsibility to gather, analyze, interpret, and share our stories. Access to data is essential to improving and maintaining wellness and First Nations’ control over data results in useable information for equitable decision-making, health monitoring, and education for First Nations citizens. This information provides direction about the data that is important and what gaps exist and identifies priorities and direction for the next steps toward data sovereignty.
Moderator: Perry Kjargaard, Senior Director, Regional (Mid-West) and Indigenous Engagement, Canada Health Infoway
Speakers: Carla Cochrane, Data Sovereignty Implementation Lead, First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba
Dr. Stephanie Sinclair, First Nation Data Sovereignty Manager, First Nation Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba
Click here to download a copy of the presentation in PDF format.
Workshop F
You’re Not Alone, From Suicidal Ideation to Crisis Program Development
This workshop will focus on the current development of Maamwesying’s crisis program and the speaker’s personal journey. The speaker will address their experiences as a youth living on reserve and how they found themselves seeking services while in crisis in places that did not have the right tools or knowledge to properly help them. They will share how through culture and their own educational journey, they learned the research skills, clinical counselling skills and program development to help build and implement Maamwesying’s current crisis program that is based on Anishnawbek knowledge, ceremony and evidence-based practice.
Moderator: Mary Carlson, FNHMA Board Member and Health Director, Lac La Ronge Indian Band Health Services, SK
Speaker: Madeliene Assiniwe, Mental Wellness Program Manager, Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services, ON
Click here to download a copy of the presentation in PDF format.
Workshop G
Understanding Opioid Use and the Toxic Drug Crisis Among First Nations in Ontario: Effective Supports and Strategies for First Nations Health Management
The opioid and toxic drug crisis is a growing challenge for First Nations across Canada with rising harms, deaths and unpredictability in the unregulated/toxic drug supply. It is therefore crucial to recognize the urgent need for a coordinated response, one that advocates for community-driven, evidence-based strategies that align with First Nation cultural values and priorities.
This workshop will draw on First Nations specific data to better understand the scope and health impact of opioids and toxic drugs on First Nations across Ontario. It will also feature speakers with powerful lived experience, one who has personally navigated challenges of substance use, and the other will bring the perspective of a daughter, sister, and relative of people who use substances. Their stories will offer insights into the deep impact on families and communities and the importance of advocacy within First Nations health management.
Attendees will receive up-to-date information on the volatile and unpredictable nature of the unregulated drug supply in Ontario, shedding light on risks facing First Nations across the province and beyond. This will emphasize the importance of responsive health service delivery and continuous quality improvement to ensure community safety for people who use substances themselves, and their families and communities.
This workshop will also explore evidence-based and culturally relevant strategies that build on inherent strengths of First Nations. Participants will gain valuable tools to create safer, more supportive environments to reduce harms and improve overall health outcomes for First Nations facing opioid and toxic drug crises.
Moderator: Kimberly Fisher, CFNHM, FNHMA Board Member and Health Director, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, ON
Speakers: Sacha Bragg, Opioid Research Communications and Project Liaison, Chiefs of Ontario
Alexxis Kydd, Health Policy Analyst, Chiefs of Ontario
Click here to download a copy of the presentation in PDF format.
Workshop H
Bridging Health and Housing: A Collaborative Toolkit for Needs Assessment and Integration
In First Nations communities, the intersection of health and housing is critical, yet these sectors often operate in silos. This workshop will share a toolkit that was developed with the aim of bridging that gap by facilitating collaboration between health and housing organizations. Acting as a comprehensive roadmap, it will guide teams through conducting effective needs assessments, fostering meaningful conversations, and breaking down barriers across sectors.
By providing practical tools to integrate health and housing initiatives, this resource will empower organizations to work together, ensuring that services are aligned and responsive to the unique needs of their communities. Housing and Health Managers will be equipped to collaborate on creating more sustainable and holistic solutions for the future.
This toolkit acknowledges that well-being is not just about access to healthcare or housing in isolation, but about how these two elements interact. By encouraging collaboration, the toolkit fosters solutions that are sustainable in the long term. It helps communities avoid duplicated efforts, allowing for the creation of integrated programs where health and housing work in tandem to support each other.
Workshop participants will be provided with an overview of the toolkit and associated resources, leaving with strategies and tools to support their work in community.
Moderator/Speaker: Samara Lewis, CFNHM, Education Specialist, First Nations Health Managers Association
Speakers: Brooke Duggan, FNHP, Housing and Wellness Manager, First Nations Housing Professionals Association
Katelyn Knott, Research Analyst, Firelight Group, and member of Curve Lake First Nation, ON
Kassandra Woods, Program Manager, Firelight Group
Click here to download a copy of the presentation in PDF format.
3:30 – 4:30 pm
Annual General Meeting
(for FNHMA members in good standing only)
5:30 – 6:30 pm
Reception with Exhibitors and Artisans
6:30 – 10:30 pm
Banquet, Awards Presentation and CFNHM Convocation
Cultural Performance: Ottawa River Singers, and Dancers Kwena Bellemare Boivin and Owen Mayo
After-dinner performance: Midnight Renegade
Thursday
November
6
7:30 am – 12 pm
Registration
8:00 – 12:00 pm
Wellness Centre
The Wellness Centre is a safe space for our conference delegates.Visit the Wellness Centre at your leisure to receive a soothing neck massage, prepare a personal medicine bundle or simply take a quiet moment away from the busy conference activities.
8:00 – 9:00 am
Networking Breakfast with Exhibitors and Artisans
9:00 – 10:00 am
Plenary
Québec First Nations Health and Social Services Governance Process
This presentation aims to promote a common understanding of the First Nations health and social services governance process in Québec, while discussing its impact at the community and collective levels. Participants will learn more about the objectives of the new governance model, its co-construction stages, and the mandates entrusted by the Chiefs of the Assembly of First Nations Québec-Labrador (AFNQL). The proposed model is based on an integrated health and wellness planning approach, designed “by and for” First Nations. Thanks to an approach that has placed culture at the heart of this long reflection, this model ultimately aims to strengthen local autonomy, facilitate the transfer of federal responsibilities, and respond to the needs and priorities of our populations.
Speakers: David McLaren, CFNHM, CIL, Vice-President of Health for the Board of Directors of the First Nations of Québec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC), and Anishinabe from Kebaowek First Nation, QC
Donna V. Metallic, CFNHM, Member of the Board of Directors of the First Nations of Québec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC), and Mi’gmaq from Listuguj First Nation, QC
Click here to download a copy of the presentation in PDF format.
10:00 – 10:30 am
Health Break... Last chance to visit exhibitors and artisans!
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Concurrent Workshops
Workshop I
Cultural Safety Collaborative on Anti-Indigenous Racism Indicators
First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples have inherent rights to access, without discrimination, all health and social services (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples). However, racism against First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Canada’s health system is widespread, and results in avoidance of medical care, traumatic experiences, and negative health outcomes, including preventable deaths like Brian Sinclair’s in 2008, Eva Kullula-Ookpik’s in 2017, and Joyce Echaquan’s in 2020.
Despite the serious harms caused to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples by health systems and healthcare professionals, there is little data and reporting to bring attention to the issue and hold systems accountable.
In response, the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) committed to co-developing a core set of national cultural safety and anti-racism indicators that are distinctions based. An Indigenous-led Cultural Safety Measurement Collaborative (the “collaborative”) was formed to achieve this work. The process to select indicators centered First Nations, Inuit and Métis ways of knowing and being in acknowledgement of the fact that using Indigenous-led processes are fundamental to the appropriate use of First Nations, Inuit and Métis data. This presentation will describe the collaborative knowledge approach that was used to select cultural safety and anti-racism indicators.
Moderator: Karennahawi McComber, CFNHM, Director of Indigenous Health, Canadian Institute for Health Information
Speakers: Dr. Marcia Anderson, Vice-Dean, Indigenous Health, Social Justice and Anti-Racism, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba
Dr. Brittany Bingham, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, and Founder/Lead, Indigenous Equity Lab, Women’s Health Research Institute, and member of the Shíshálh Nation, BC
Leslie Spillett, Executive Director, Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc, and Knowledge Keeper, Ongomiizwin – Education, University of Manitoba
Click here to download a copy of the presentation in PDF format.
Workshop J
Strengthening Culturally Safe-r Grief and Bereavement Support in First Nations Health Services
Grief support for Indigenous peoples has long been shaped by colonial policies, systemic inequities, and a lack of culturally safe resources. The Indigenous Voices 3 project, funded by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, seeks to address these gaps by developing trauma-informed, community-led tools to support Indigenous health and social care providers, as well as community members navigating grief and loss. Rooted in Indigenous knowledges systems, this initiative is guided by a national Elders and Knowledge Carriers Circle, ensuring that Indigenous voices, experiences, and cultural practices are central to the work, fostering wholistic healing and intergenerational knowledge transmission.
This interactive workshop will provide an overview of the project’s progress, including insights into the co-development of culturally grounded grief resources with Elders, Knowledge Carriers, and Indigenous health professionals. Informed by a knowledge synthesis of existing Indigenous grief literature and resources, this initiative represents an important step in addressing the lack of culturally safe-r grief resources available to Indigenous communities. While the tools and resources will still be in development at the time of the presentation, attendees will gain an understanding of the project’s approach, key themes emerging from the work, the importance of distinctions-based resource creation, and will have an opportunity to sign up to receive the resources once they are available.
The speaker will discuss the role of First Nations Health Managers in advancing culturally safe-r grief support and practical strategies for integrating trauma-informed approaches into services.
This session is ideal for First Nations health leaders, health program managers, and practitioners committed to wholistic, culturally safe-r care.
Moderator: Cheyenne Joseph, Board Member, FNHMA, Director of Health, Assembly of First Nations and member of the Bear River First Nation, NS
Speaker: Holly Prince, Senior Advisor, Canadian Virtual Hospice, and member of the Opwaaganasiniing (Red Rock Indian Band), ON
Click here to download a copy of the presentation in PDF format.
Workshop K
Confronting the Crisis: Working Together to Improve Medical Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid use, opioid overdose, and other opioid-related harms are a national public health emergency in Canada, with Indigenous people disproportionally affected due to the ongoing effects of colonization and continued barriers faced when accessing health care services.
Opioid agonist treatment (OAT) is associated with lower mortality rates for those living with opioid use disorder (OUD) and localized, culturally responsive forms of OAT provision can reduce the burden of opioid use in Indigenous communities. While progress has been made in developing programs which center Indigenous voices, life experiences, and culture into community treatment approaches with OAT, multiple challenges with access to treatment remain.
In this workshop, participants will be invited to review the perspectives of Canadian Indigenous advocates for management of OUD who, as part of an Indivior sponsored qualitative study, have shared their perspectives on key barriers to, and facilitators of, OAT use in Indigenous communities. Themes identified in these focus group discussions will be used as a starting point for participants to share their community experiences with OUD and OAT, to identify and discuss the barriers and facilitators which apply to their communities, and to generate approaches that can be taken to improve care.
Moderator: Lesley-Anne Clements, Senior Manager Injury Prevention, Canadian Red Cross
Speakers: Carol Hopkins, Executive Director, Thunderbird Partnership Foundation
Mae Katt, Nurse Practitioner, Lakehead University
Click here to download a copy of the presentation in PDF format.
Workshop L
Supporting Data Literacy for First Nations Health Leaders
While more and more First Nations communities and health leaders are reclaiming their space and empowering themselves in the utilization of health data and research, there remain many communities and health leaders who have less comfort and knowledge in data literacy. This impacts the development of comprehensive planning and evaluation in health programming, using a community wide strength-based approach to collecting data, and developing indicators to measure the health status of their membership using both western and traditional data approaches.
The FNHMA, with support from Dr. Amy Bombay (Carleton University) and Dr. Bille Hardy (University of Toronto) and an Indigenous Advisory Group, is developing data literacy training designed for First Nations Health Managers and leaders responsible for planning, policy, and health service delivery. The goal is to equip First Nations Health Managers with the knowledge and skills to understand, analyze, and apply data in a culturally safe and effective way that will empower their community moving towards self-determination and supporting the needs of their Peoples.
This workshop will share an overview of the training and invite participants to engage in conversations on data literacy and increase their knowledge in this space. Participants will be invited to provide feedback to the FNHMA on the project to support its use and uptake.
Moderator: Andrea Aiabens, Special Projects Lead, First Nations Health Managers Association
Speakers: Dr. Amy Bombay, Associate Professor, Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, and member of Rainy River First Nations, ON
Chantel Jamieson, Research Assistant, First Nations Health Managers Association
Abigail Barnes, Research Assistant, Carleton University
Abigail Morris,Curriculum Development Manager, Carleton University
Click here to download a copy of the presentation in PDF format.
12:00 – 1:45 pm
Luncheon and Laughter
Comedy by Janelle Niles, Sipekne’katik First Nation, SK
1:45 – 3:15 pm
Concurrent Workshops
Workshop M
Cancelled
Workshop N
Our Journey: How Client and Community Voices are Central to Driving Service Delivery Improvements
Over 20 years ago, Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) began their journey toward understanding what quality care truly means. Rather than starting with a checklist, they listened to the Elders, nations, communities, families, and individuals. This commitment to community engagement, combined with ongoing efforts to respond to changing needs, was deeply rooted in the Bah’lats (Potlatch) values of respect, responsibility, and compassion. Through the sharing of stories and teachings, a clearer picture emerged of what was working, what was missing, and what mattered most.
This workshop will invite participants to step into that 20-year journey. It will explore how feedback and the development of performance measures helped CSFS understand the experience and impact of their services. More importantly, it will demonstrate how the process honoured Indigenous knowledge, elevated community voices, and created a shared path forward.
Moderator: Lori Keith, CFNHM, Special Projects Advisor, First Nations Health Managers Association
Speakers: Penny Gagnon, M.A., Chief Advisor, CARF Canada
Rachael Wells, Director of Quality and Innovation, Carrier Sekani Family Services, BC
Workshop O
Welcome to FNHMA’s Indigenous Health Navigator Project!
Moved to closing plenary.
Workshop P
Forced and Coerced Sterilization of Indigenous People in Canada and Bill S228
Join us for an information session with the Survivors Circle for Reproductive Justice on the history of forced and coerced sterilization and current developments in reproductive justice for First Nations, Metis and Inuit women, men, 2SLGBTQQIA+.
Learn about the origins of forced sterilization in Canada. Find out more about the current realities of forced sterilization in Canada and listen to the developments on criminalizing sterilization in Canada and advancing healing opportunities for survivors through Bill S228.
Moderator: Darlene Anganis, CFNHM, FNHMA Board Member and Director of Health, Membertou Wellness Home, NS
Speakers: Mona Bencharski, Registry Manager, Survivors Circle for Reproductive Justice
Kahsenniyo Kick, Public Education Lead, Survivors Circle for Reproductive Justice
3:30 – 4:15 pm
Closing Plenary
Welcome to FNHMA’s Indigenous Health Navigator Project!
Join Dr. Pamela Rose Toulouse for an exciting and informative introduction to a vital new project from the First Nations Health Managers Association (FNHMA). This is your chance to be at the forefront of a groundbreaking initiative and contribute your perspective from the very beginning.
Building on its flagship certification program, FNHMA is proud to launch the collaborative development of a new, culturally responsive, and competency-based certification program for the integral role of Indigenous Health Navigators (IHN) in the health system workforce. This program is designed to enhance the capacity of IHNs through the creation of culturally relevant competencies, robust curricula, and effective training programs.
This initiative aims to support the development of national networks of Indigenous health workers and promote the retention and recruitment of these essential individuals within their home communities and organizations. The goal is not to replicate existing programs, but to standardize and recognize the diverse skills of these professionals, which are complementary to those of First Nations Health Managers.
Be a part of the conversation as we embark on this two-year journey with community and mainstream partners to shape the future of Indigenous healthcare!
Moderator: Amil Reddy, Strategic Partner, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility, Canada’s Drug Agency
Speaker: Dr. Pamela Rose Toulouse, Indigenous Health Navigators Project Consultant, First Nations Health Managers Association
Click here to download a copy of the presentation in PDF format.
4:15 – 4:30 pm
Wrap-Up, Exhibitor Passport Draw
4:30 pm
Closing
Closing Prayer: Elder Calvin Morrisseau, CFNHM, FNHMA Board Knowledge Keeper
