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Urban Indigenous Health Alliance

The Need

First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals in Ottawa face significant health challenges. This prompted the formation of the urban Indigenous Health Alliance. A 2016 Needs Assessment highlighted key elements for an Indigenous Model of Care, including prevention, community leadership, informed choice, a holistic approach, support networks, collaboration, and the importance of identity and belonging.

What We Did 

The Ottawa Indigenous Health Alliance consists of Indigenous service organizations and local health institutions, focused on enhancing Ottawa's health systems to deliver culturally competent services to Indigenous community members.

Key Elements of the Indigenous Model of Care:

  • Prevention and Promotion: Shifts toward preventive health care.

  • Community Leadership: Community members manage their health and own their care plans.

  • Informed Choice: Collaborative decision-making is prioritized.

  • Holistic Approach: Considers mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health.

  • Support Networks: Multiple supporters aid community members.

  • Collaborative Relationships: Strengthens partnerships between health institutions and community services.

  • Identity and Belonging: Recognizes the importance of a strong sense of identity for accessing services.

  • Historical Context: Acknowledges the impact of colonization and institutional practices on health engagement.

Infographics

Projects Overview

2017 

Following a needs assessment, the Alliance launched several initiatives funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care:

  1. Cultural Safety Training Survey: Assessed the availability of Indigenous cultural safety training among health providers.

  2. Educational Videos:

    • Aimed at improving care for Inuit.

    • Focused on culturally safe practices for Métis.

    • Highlighted racism faced by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.

  3. Bus Tour: Increased understanding of Indigenous resources and cultural safety practices among health service providers.

2018 

"Share Your Story" was a joint research initiative by the OAC and Wabano, gathering insights from FNIM community members, including those facing racism in healthcare.

  • Objectives:

    • Collect baseline data on health care practices.

    • Use stories as training resources for health personnel. 178 stories were collected, enhancing understanding of Indigenous health experiences.

2019 

Two key initiatives were undertaken:

  • InEquity Framework

  • Contribution to the "Planning from an Indigenous Lens" Symposium

Initiatives

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Initiatives

Bus Tour Photos

Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition

Mailing Address:
2323 St. Laurent Blvd.
Ottawa, ON K1G 4J8

Office Address:

150 Elgin St.

Ottawa, ON K2P 1L4

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We acknowledge the gift of being on Anishnabek territory and specifically on Algonquin Territory. We want to recognize the two closest Algonquin First Nation communities: Kitigan Zibi and the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan. We also recognize that today - Ottawa is a gathering place for First Nations, Inuit and Métis from across Canada. This land acknowledgement commits us to the original relationship we were building together – through friendship and peace.

© 2023 by Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition

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