OAC Community Forum -September 26, 2018
Event Overview
We are delighted to invite you to the Aboriginal Community Forum hosted by the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition and the UAS-Ottawa Steering Committee. This event aims to foster meaningful discussions and gather your invaluable input as we navigate the future of our community initiatives.
Purpose of the Forum
The forum serves as a gathering for collaboration and relationship-building among community members and partners. Together, we aim to explore ways to enhance opportunities for our children and youth and ensure positive outcomes for the Aboriginal community in Ottawa.
OAC Community Forum Booklet
This document shares updates from the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition and its partners, starting with welcome messages from OAC leadership, Mayor Jim Watson, and Janice Burelle, along with the agenda for the Aboriginal Community Forum. It features key updates from OAC members, the Aboriginal Community Advisory Board (ACAB), the Ottawa Indigenous Health Strategy, the OAC History Project, and the Housing and Homelessness Community Project. The report wraps up by acknowledging the contributions of community members and highlighting the strength of the OAC’s partnerships.
Key Updates:
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Documentary on Homelessness: The OAC premiered a documentary highlighting the stories of four Indigenous community members facing homelessness in Ottawa, emphasizing the need for culturally-based case management for the homeless Indigenous population.
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Growing Partnership with the City of Ottawa: The OAC has strengthened its relationship with the city, actively participating in the Aboriginal Community Advisory Board (ACAB) and engaging with Elders to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)’s Calls to Action.
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Collaborative Efforts: Ongoing work with the Ontario Human Rights Commission and involvement in the City for All Women initiative reflect OAC's broad engagement in cross-cultural initiatives and policy discussions.
Areas of Focus:
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Strategic Planning: OAC continues to refine its strategic plan, ensuring alignment with community needs and broader Indigenous advocacy across urban Aboriginal Strategy sites in Canada.
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Housing and Homelessness: Addressing Indigenous homelessness remains a key area, with the OAC committed to identifying solutions through partnerships and advocacy.
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Community Partnerships: The coalition emphasizes its collaboration with various community partners to strengthen services and opportunities for the urban Indigenous population in Ottawa.
Elders
The OAC is thankful to collaborate with several elders in Ottawa. During the community forum, three elders delivered opening and closing remarks for the event. Their biographies are provided below.