
OAC Community Forum - May 22, 2024
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 platform 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 provides an overview of the OAC and its activities. It begins with welcome messages from the Prime Minister, Mayor, Ottawa Public Health, and OAC Co-Chairs, followed by the event agenda. Key sections detail the OAC’s vision and mission, along with updates on initiatives like the Indigenous Mental Well-Being Strategy and the Indigenous Housing and Homelessness Strategy. Additionally, it includes organizational updates from member groups, recognizes community leaders and Elders, features cultural performers, and concludes with a photo gallery and a thank-you note, highlighting the importance of collaboration within Ottawa's Indigenous community.
Additional Materials:
Key Updates:
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Increased Community Support: The OAC has seen growing collaboration and support from individuals and organizations in Ottawa who share the goal of creating a sense of belonging for Indigenous people.
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New Spaces, Opportunities, and Programs: The OAC has worked tirelessly to establish new spaces and programs for the Indigenous community, focusing on advocacy for urban Indigenous people in Ottawa.
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Staff Growth: The OAC team continues to expand, driven by a collective vision shaped by the priorities of the Indigenous community.
Areas of Focus:
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Advancing Calls for Justice and Action: The OAC emphasizes the importance of implementing the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
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Indigenous Culture and Knowledge: The foundation of the OAC’s work is Indigenous culture, knowledge, and ways of being, as they strive to create a city where Indigenous people feel they belong.
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Collaborative Partnerships: Building meaningful relationships with partners is essential for creating an inclusive Ottawa that values Indigenous people. These partnerships are crucial, though they come with both inspiration and challenges.
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Community Empowerment: The OAC leadership is committed to helping Indigenous community members in Ottawa realize their purpose and live fulfilling lives, with a focus on collective action and community priorities.
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Gratitude and Ongoing Commitment: The OAC acknowledges the contributions of its partners and community members, reaffirming their commitment to working together for a better future.
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.