Health Watch - April 2014

Teaming up with cancer agency for study

Metis Nation-Saskatchewan and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations have teamed up with the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency to identify First Nations and Metis cancer sufferers in hopes of using that data to improve cancer surveillance, care and services. Riaz Alvi, provincial leader of epidemiology and performance with the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, said providing culturally-specific care is a priority. Details of the three-year, $1-million-plus project are still being worked out. The study will focus on rural, remote and isolated communities. Pilot programs utilizing the data to improve cancer care and services will take place at the English River First Nation Health Clinic, Ochapowace First Nation, Battleford Tribal Council Indian Health Services and with members of the MN-S. “I think this partnership is an indication of where the future of health care is going, especially with respect to First Nations and Metis people. We need to pull together,” MN-S President Roger Doucette told the Leader-Post. According to the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, rates of common cancer among First Nations, Metis and Inuit people have increased over the past few decades, with the rates of cancer in some communities exceeding those of the general Canadian population.

Journey in the Big Land is a three-year initiative aimed at enhancing cancer care services for Labrador Inuit, Innu and members of the NunatuKavut Community Council. Funding of $800,000 from the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer was awarded to the Cancer Care Program of Eastern Health, which provides programs and services to all Newfoundland residents. The initiative recognizes the unique challenges faced by many Aboriginal people when confronted with a cancer diagnosis, including language barriers, cultural differences and geographical isolation from primary care to secondary and tertiary health centres. The framework for the Journey in the Big Land initiative was developed as a result of a stakeholder forum which was attended by representatives of Eastern Health, Labrador- Grenfell Health, Nunatsiavut Government, NunatuKavut Community Council, the Innu Nation and Aboriginal cancer patients, family members and community elders. Eastern Health is the largest, integrated health authority in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The B.C. Cancer Agency is working with the First Nations Health Authority and Metis Nation B.C., among others, to determine barriers facing Aboriginal people when it comes to cancer care. Funding from the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer has been distributed to the different Aboriginal agencies to conduct the research and implement the programs, with the B.C. Cancer Agency working in a supporting role. The work will include four aspects: what happens when treatment is concluded; the launch of videos across western Canada of Aboriginal people telling their stories about their cancer experiences; gaps in care from a Metis perspective in B.C.; and the development of a program with groups from the Yukon that will look at the challenges Aboriginal people in that territory face. The B.C. Cancer Agency provides most of the cancer treatment to Yukon patients through its Vancouver centre. Funding goes through until 2017.

The Wabano Centre in Ottawa has received $150,000 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to design a “cultural safety training program” to help hospitals, police services and other partners provide better service to Aboriginal peoples. Wabano Centre staff will then train its partners. Wabano Centre Executive Director Allison Fisher said Indigenous peoples often face barriers when it comes to accessing health care or other services because many providers lack understanding in First Nations culture. The cultural safety training program is due to be completed by 2015.

Diabetes centre opened

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and Health Services’ Diabetes Centre for Excellence recently celebrated its grand opening. The centre is a community tribute to the future health and wellness of Akwesasne. The vision behind the structure was to have a home for specialized services focusing on prevention and diabetes management. The Let’s Get Healthy Program offers family-based education programs in fitness, diabetes health, nutrition and prevention. “Engaging the community in the promotion of a healthy lifestyle is the mission of the Diabetes Centre for Excellence,” said Heather Garrow, program manager, in a news release. The $3.6 million building provides space to address diabetes management, including a 2,500 square foot fitness room, a heated floor for yoga, a pool for aquatic exercise, including an assisted lift for easier access and a theatre kitchen.
The nutritional support includes both counseling and cooking demonstration space. A relaxation room offers a mind-body connection to teach meditative stress reduction. Diabetes affects 16 per cent of the people living on the territory.