OAC Community Forum - May 23, 2023
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 highlights recent activities from the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition and shares updates from its member organizations. It begins with welcome messages from the OAC co-chairs, the Mayor of Ottawa, and Ottawa Public Health, followed by the agenda for the community gathering. Key sections reflect on the OAC’s vision, mission, and major accomplishments from the past three years.
It also celebrates the contributions of respected community leaders like Dr. Vera Etches, Donna Gray, and Cora Lee McGuire, and features cultural performances by the Ottawa River Singers and Twin Flames.
The document wraps up with tributes to community members we've lost, a photo gallery, and heartfelt thanks to all contributors and partners.
Additional Materials:
Key Updates:
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Resilience and Community Strength: Over the past three years, the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition (OAC) witnessed the strength and resilience of the Indigenous community in Ottawa. The 500 staff members across 10 OAC organizations worked tirelessly to support individuals and families during the challenges of COVID-19.
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Ongoing Challenges: Despite the pandemic, long-standing issues such as homelessness, affordable housing, food security, mental health, and addictions remained prevalent. The OAC focused on finding innovative solutions to address these recurring challenges.
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Partnerships with the City: Special recognition was given to two key City partners, Dr. Vera Etches and Donna Gray, for their leadership and support during the pandemic. Their contributions were critical in keeping the Indigenous community safe and advocating for Indigenous-specific approaches.
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Leadership Transitions: Marc Maracle, OAC’s founding chair, stepped down in December 2020 to focus on Gignul Housing. Allison Fisher, Executive Director of Wabano, led OAC through the pandemic and stepped down as co-chair in February 2023.
Areas of Focus:
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Post-COVID Recovery: The OAC is focused on addressing the persistent issues that existed before the pandemic and were exacerbated during COVID-19, such as homelessness, mental health, and food security.
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Innovative Solutions: Emphasis on developing new, creative approaches to solving issues affecting the Indigenous community in Ottawa.
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Collaborative Efforts: Continued collaboration with partners, governments, and community members to support Indigenous community well-being.
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Honouring Leadership: Recognizing past leaders and the contributions of community members in navigating the pandemic.
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.