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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 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.

Booket

OAC Community Forum Booklet

This document provides an overview of recent activities by the OAC and updates from its member organizations. It features welcome messages from the OAC co-chairs, the Mayor of Ottawa, and Ottawa Public Health, followed by a community gathering agenda. Key sections highlight the OAC’s vision, mission, and significant achievements over the past three years.

The document also honors notable community leaders such as Dr. Vera Etches, Donna Gray, and Cora Lee McGuire, along with cultural performances by the Ottawa River Singers and Twin Flames.

It concludes with tributes to lost community members, a photo gallery, and a thank-you to contributors and partners.

Additional Materials:

Updates

Key Updates:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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:

  • 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.

  • Innovative Solutions: Emphasis on developing new, creative approaches to solving issues affecting the Indigenous community in Ottawa.

  • Collaborative Efforts: Continued collaboration with partners, governments, and community members to support Indigenous community well-being.

  • Honouring Leadership: Recognizing past leaders and the contributions of community members in navigating the pandemic.

Focus
Elders

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.

Photos

Photos

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