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AFN Press Release ...

National Chief Welcomes Health Council of Canada's Support of Blueprint on Aboriginal Health

OTTAWA, Feb. 7 /CNW Telbec/ - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine welcomed the Health Council of Canada's strong endorsement of the Blueprint on Aboriginal Health process, contained in today's Second Annual Report to Canadians, Health Care Renewal in Canada: Clearing the Road to Quality.

"The Health Council recognizes that the urgent need to close the gap in poor health between First Nations and the rest of Canada can only be achieved through collaborative action," said National Chief Fontaine. "Over the past year, the Assembly of First Nations, based on input from First Nations regions and communities, developed a detailed First Nations-specific framework to the Blueprint on Aboriginal Health. This Framework received support from all provincial premiers and territorial leaders at the First Ministers Meeting in Kelowna."

The Blueprint on Aboriginal Health was a commitment first made by First Ministers and Aboriginal leaders in September, 2004. The AFN's contribution can be found at www.afn.ca
"It is reassuring that independent experts of the Health Council of Canada have closely examined the Blueprint and have recognized its 'historic importance' and 'tremendous potential' to improve Aboriginal health in the next decade," said the National Chief. "Canada's new Minister of Health, Tony Clement, has already informed the AFN that he is prepared to move forward on working through the details of the Blueprint. I look forward to our first face-to-face meeting in the coming weeks."

The First Nations Framework includes many transformative elements that can achieve common objectives identified by the Health Council of Canada: improving waiting times, protecting patient safety, building First Nations health human resources capacity, and clarifying roles and responsibilities among federal, provincial, territorial and First Nations governments. Reducing waiting times is a key priority for the new federal government and for all Canadians.

"New investments will be necessary to achieve the Blueprint's objectives," stated National Chief Fontaine, "Without securing the additional funding announced last November, the First Nations health system will be capped, resulting in funding shortfalls, which will translate to reduced, deferred, or the elimination of necessary services."

It is the AFN's position that a holistic approach addressing all health determinants is the long term strategy needed to ensure lasting and meaningful progress on addressing the gap in health status between First Nations and other residents of Canada.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.

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For further information:

• Bryan Hendry, AFN, Health and Social Communications, (613) 241-6789, ext. 229 or cell (613) 293-6106;
• Don Kelly, AFN, Communications Director, (613) 241-6789 ext. 320 or cell (613) 292-2787;
• Ian McLeod, AFN, Bilingual Communications Officer, (613) 241-6789 ext. 336 or cell (613) 859-4335;
• Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor, Office of the National Chief; (613) 241-6789 ext. 243 or cell (613) 298-6382

Dr. Roger Strasser distributed the following letter requesting Letter of Interest from qualifying First Nations to host the second NOSM "Follow Your Dreams" workshop scheduled for August 1-3, 2006. The deadline for submitting your LOI is February 18.

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January 24, 2006

Dear Chief and Council:

Re:  Letter of Interest:  “Follow Your Dreams”, Follow-up Workshop

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) is pleased to announce a second Aboriginal Workshop to be held on August 1, 2 and 3, 2006.  This workshop, will serve the Northern Ontario School of Medical as a blueprint for Aboriginal input in a follow-up from the “Follow Your Dreams” Workshop held in Wauzhushk Onigum in June 2003.

One of the key recommendations from the “Follow Your Dreams” Workshop was to establish an Aboriginal Reference Group.  This Group is made up of representatives from various Northern Ontario Aboriginal Communities and Organizations.  It has been working with the Director of Aboriginal Affairs to plan the follow-up workshop to the “Follow Your Dreams” Workshop held in June 2003. 

The Aboriginal Reference Group has appointed a steering committee for the planning of the Workshop. The Steering Committee consists of representatives from the Aboriginal Reference Group and the staff at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

The purpose of this Workshop is to inform the Aboriginal peoples of the progress made by the School and to provide a forum for continuing dialogue with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

Our objectives for this workshop are as follows:

1. Provide a forum for Aboriginal peoples to communicate ongoing desired role within NOSM.
2. Provide an update of activities to date from the “Follow Your Dreams” workshop.
3. Evaluate NOSM progress in relation to its Aboriginal partners.

The Steering Committee is requesting a Letter of Interest from communities who are interested in hosting this Workshop. 

Listed below are the minimum criteria a Community would need in order to be considered for hosting the Workshop:

• Demonstrated involvement and/or interest in the Northern Ontario School of Medicine
• Demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal issues around Health Research and Education
• Accommodations for at least 100 people or a short driving distance from the meeting site
• Facilities/meeting rooms for large and small group sessions to accommodate 100
• Catering of all meals and refreshments for all participants
• Evening Cultural Activities
• Event staff and security
• Transportation to and from the event site
• Audio/Visual equipment
• Broadband, connectivity, high speed internet, video conferencing capabilities (considered an asset)

All submissions are welcome and will be reviewed by the Steering Committee responsible for the coordination of the Workshop.

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is committed to its partners.  Please forward your Letter of Interest to the Steering Committee by February 18, 2006.

Attention:  Steering Committee
c/o Cathy Powell, Executive Assistant – Vice Dean, Academic Activities
Northern Ontario School of Medicine
ATAC Building 6th floor
955 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, ON  P7B 5E1
(807) 766-7391
cathy.powell@normed.ca

Sincerely,

Dr. Roger Strasser
Founding Dean and Professor
Northern Ontario School of Medicine