Agenda

The conference opens with ceremony, guided by Elders and Knowledge Carriers, honouring the cultural richness of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.

Commencing with traditional greetings and territorial acknowledgments, the gathering embraces a spiritual atmosphere that not only sets the tone for the conference but also reflects our commitment to cultural respect, diversity, and collaboration in the pursuit of shared knowledge and understanding.

More details coming soon…

More details coming soon…

This session provides a foundation for the knowledge exchange and outlie the current policy frameworks being developed in Canada that pertain to First Nation, Inuit, and Métis people.

Tanya Nancarrow, Senior Policy Advisor at Health Canada’s End-of-Life Care Unit, will present the national Indigenous Palliative Care Framework and provide an update on the engagement on Indigenous perspectives on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD).

Jonathan Dunn, Senior Policy Analyst representing the Assembly of First Nations, will present the Wholistic Continuum of Long-term and Continuing Care: First Nations and Inuit-led engagement activities concluded in 2022.

Indigenous Services Canada has been working with the Assembly of First Nations and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami as leads on co-development since January 2023 with a commitment to return to cabinet with the co-developed options for a new and more wholistic long-term and continuing care framework and associated policy options. Development of the Métis portion of the long-term and continuing care framework will follow a different timeline than the First Nation and Inuit work, with a return to the cabinet for the Métis co-developed part of this work by spring 2025. The knowledge exchange will surface alignment with the palliative and MAiD initiatives.

Don Burnstick, The infamous comedian and entertainer, is recognized for his comedic performances that incorporate Indigenous humour and storytelling.

This panel will explore critical dimensions of care in Indigenous communities. Ryan Fritsch, Legal Counsel at the Law Commission of Ontario, examines the “”Last Stages of Life for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Law Reform,”” offering insights into legal considerations shaping end-of-life care.

Dr. Cara Bablitz, Métis Palliative Care Physician and Founder of George’s House, along with Lindsay Yarrow, Senior Program Lead at Healthcare Excellence Canada, will present on Health Care Excellence’s partnership with George’s House, highlighting collaborative healthcare initiatives to improve equity in access to palliative care for people who are structurally or vulnerably housed.

Together, these perspectives create a rich tapestry of legal, housing, and healthcare approaches, fostering a deeper understanding of comprehensive care in Indigenous contexts.

Key Takeaways:

• Gain insights into the legal considerations and reforms needed to enhance end-of-life care within Indigenous communities.
• Understand the importance of housing initiatives in supporting the well-being and dignity of Indigenous individuals and families.
• Gain insights into successful healthcare partnerships aiming to improve health outcomes and access to care for Indigenous communities.

Join this engaging panel discussion featuring three distinguished speakers at the forefront of palliative care innovation.

Holly Prince, Project Manager at the Centre for Education and Research on Aging & Health (CERAH), Lakehead University will present a suite of culturally relevant palliative care education and resources.

Joanna Vautour, Research Coordinator at McMaster University, will present Supporting the Journey Home: Growing the Community Bundle to Care for those with Serious Illness in First Nation Communities.

Jennifer Hudder, Education Liaison with SE Health, will provide valuable perspectives on enhancing the scope of practice for Personal Support Workers (PSWs) in palliative care. Discover the interconnected strategies shaping the future of palliative care, from education and community involvement to workforce development.

Key Takeaways:

• Explore a comprehensive suite of palliative care education and resources targeted to registered and non-registered healthcare providers and community caregivers.
• Understand the role of community-driven care through the growth of the Community Bundle for serious illness.
• Gain insights into advancing palliative care by expanding the scope of practice for PSWs.

Embark on a profound exploration as Alice Muirhead from the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer shares insights on the “Beginning the journey into the spirit world: First Nations, Inuit and Métis approaches to palliative and end-of-life care in Canada” resource.

Following this, Victoria Marchand from the National Association of Friendship Centres will present urban Indigenous perspectives on end of life.

These presentations offer unique perspectives on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis palliative and end-of-life care experiences, identify challenges and strengths, and innovative approaches to meeting the needs of Indigenous peoples.

Key Takeaways:

• Gain insights on Indigenous perspectives on journeying into the spirit world.
• Explore urban Indigenous perspectives on end-of-life care.
• Experience a session that weaves together depth and diverse perspectives of Indigenous peoples, offering a wholistic understanding of the multifaceted nature of the end-of-life journey.

A feedback session following the panel presentation from Session 3A serves as a crucial phase where attendees actively contribute their thoughts and insights, becoming the foundational element for a comprehensive report on End of Life Policy and Intersectoral Collaboration.

The feedback collected during this session will be instrumental in shaping this detailed report, providing an authentic representation of the audience’s experiences, opinions, and suggestions.

A feedback session following the panel presentation from Session 3B serves as a crucial phase where attendees actively contribute their thoughts and insights, becoming the foundational element for a comprehensive report on Education and Transformative Practices for Navigation End of Life.

The feedback collected during this session will be instrumental in shaping this detailed report, providing an authentic representation of the audience’s experiences, opinions, and suggestions.

A feedback session following the panel presentation from Session 3C serves as a crucial phase where attendees actively contribute their thoughts and insights, becoming the foundational element for a comprehensive report on Traditional and Foundational Approaches to End of Life.

The feedback collected during this session will be instrumental in shaping this detailed report, providing an authentic representation of the audience’s experiences, opinions, and suggestions.

Join us for a session featuring Melinda Laboucan from Goba Care, addressing “”Supporting Yukon and Nunavut Patients Receiving Care in Edmonton.”” Following this, Tyler Giesler from SE Health First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Program will present on “”Indigenous Health Professional Retention & Recruitment.””

These presentations address vital aspects of Indigenous healthcare, exploring support for patients receiving care away from their home territories and initiatives promoting the retention and recruitment of Indigenous health professionals. This session aims to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges and solutions in ensuring equitable and culturally appropriate healthcare experiences for Indigenous peoples.

Key Takeaways:

• Gain insights on strategies and challenges involved in supporting patients beyond home territories.
• Explore initiatives to retain and recruit Indigenous health professionals, contributing to the improvement of Indigenous healthcare services.
• Understand the broader picture of Indigenous healthcare, examining how these presentations contribute to fostering equitable and culturally sensitive healthcare experiences for Indigenous communities.

Immerse yourself in a compelling panel discussion where palliative care providers share groundbreaking initiatives. Kimberley Ramsbottom, Outreach Program Coordinator and Elder Beatrice Twance-Hynes, Biigtigong Nishnaabeg, will share Hospice Northwest’s Gashkendamide’e Grief and Bereavement Program.

Join Jennifer Dobbelsteyn, Mary Noella Augustine, Anita May Joseph, and Margaret Ann Milliea as they present the visionary “”Home for Life”” project. This applied research study, aimed at supporting independent living for Elsipogtog First Nations Elders, revolutionizes end-of-life care.

Explore how these initiatives contribute to nurturing healing spaces for grief and creating transformative homes that honour an individual’s choice to remain at home in community.

Key Takeaways:

• Gain deep insights into the Gashkendamide’e Grief and Bereavement Program’s transformative role in palliative care.
• Explore the innovative “”Home for Life”” project, with a focus on supporting independent living for Elsipogtog First Nations Elders.
• Learn from providers dedicated to nurturing healing spaces for grief and developing transformative homes that redefine end-of-life care for indigenous communities.

Also speaking: members from “Home for Life”

“Engage with a session featuring Edith Mercieca* from Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services, exploring “”Creator’s Care””. Following this, Lori Montour from Six Nations Home & Community Care shares insights on the “”Development and Delivery of Community Palliative Care””.

Concluding the session, Albert McLeod offers perspectives on “”2 Spirit LGBTQQIA+,”” shedding light on the unique considerations for this community. This session aims to provide a diverse and wholistic understanding of Indigenous health and palliative care, incorporating spiritual, community-based, and inclusive perspectives.

*Accompanying Edith Mercieca are the Senior Patient Advisory Committee, Elders group that advised and guided the Creators Care Program:
Willard Pine, Marie Pine, Mary Hill, Mary Simon, Marella Scofield, Delores (Harvey) Trudeau, Millie Young, Lavina Gignac, Lulubelle Tessier “

A feedback session following the panel presentation from Session 4A serves as a crucial phase where attendees actively contribute their thoughts and insights, becoming the foundational element for a comprehensive report on End of Life Policy and Intersectoral Collaboration.

The feedback collected during this session will be instrumental in shaping this detailed report, providing an authentic representation of the audience’s experiences, opinions, and suggestions.

A feedback session following the panel presentation from Session 4B serves as a crucial phase where attendees actively contribute their thoughts and insights, becoming the foundational element for a comprehensive report on Education and Transformative Practices for Navigation End of Life.

The feedback collected during this session will be instrumental in shaping this detailed report, providing an authentic representation of the audience’s experiences, opinions, and suggestions.

A feedback session following the panel presentation from Session 4C serves as a crucial phase where attendees actively contribute their thoughts and insights, becoming the foundational element for a comprehensive report on Traditional and Foundational Approaches to End of Life.

The feedback collected during this session will be instrumental in shaping this detailed report, providing an authentic representation of the audience’s experiences, opinions, and suggestions.

Join us for an insightful session featuring Emily Field from Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak, exploring “”Perceptions of Métis Women, 2SLGBTQQIA+, and Gender Diverse Peoples on MAiD.”” Following this, Wajihah Mughal from the Manitoba Métis Federation will present on “”MAiD Research – Perspectives of the Red River Métis.”” These presentations address the diverse perspectives within the Métis community regarding Medical Assistance in Dying, shedding light on the complexities and considerations surrounding this critical healthcare topic.

Key Takeaways:

• Gain insights from Emily Field on the perceptions of Métis women, 2SLGBTQQIA+, and gender-diverse individuals regarding MAiD.
• Learn from Wajihah Mughal about MAiD research, specifically focusing on the perspectives of the Red River Métis community.
• Understand the importance of diverse voices and perspectives within the Métis community in shaping discussions and decisions related to MAiD.

Join us for an insightful panel discussion featuring Indigenous organizations and providers working within healthcare innovation.

Sebastien Lefebvre from Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services will begin the discussion by sharing the latest research on dementia and memory clinics. Christopher Hersack, representing Manitoba First Nations Personal Care Home Network, will provide valuable insights into the Network’s contributions to Indigenous healthcare.

Gain a comprehensive understanding of how these leaders are shaping the future of Indigenous healthcare through research, care networks, and innovative housing solutions.

Key Takeaways:

• Gain insights into innovative strategies for enhancing healthcare services related to cognitive health.
• Understand the challenges and opportunities in establishing effective care networks within Indigenous communities.

Join Kathy and Carla Bird as they share knowledge on the integration of Indigenous practices and medicines with Westernized health care.

Key Takeaways:

• Gain valuable insights from Kathy and Carla Bird on how traditional Indigenous Knowledges is integrated with Western approaches in providing care for Indigenous peoples.
• Insights into Inuit perspectives on care and well-being.
• Explore the delicate balance achieved when bridging traditional Indigenous practices and Western methodologies in caring for Indigenous peoples, fostering a wholistic and culturally relevant approach.

A feedback session following the panel presentation from Session 5A serves as a crucial phase where attendees actively contribute their thoughts and insights, becoming the foundational element for a comprehensive report on Indeginous Perspectives on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD).

The feedback collected during this session will be instrumental in shaping this detailed report, providing an authentic representation of the audience’s experiences, opinions, and suggestions.

A feedback session following the panel presentation from Session 5B serves as a crucial phase where attendees actively contribute their thoughts and insights, becoming the foundational element for a comprehensive report on Education and Transformative Practices for Navigation End of Life.

The feedback collected during this session will be instrumental in shaping this detailed report, providing an authentic representation of the audience’s experiences, opinions, and suggestions.

A feedback session following the panel presentation from Session 5C serves as a crucial phase where attendees actively contribute their thoughts and insights, becoming the foundational element for a comprehensive report on Traditional and Foundational Approaches to End of Life.

The feedback collected during this session will be instrumental in shaping this detailed report, providing an authentic representation of the audience’s experiences, opinions, and suggestions.

Join us for as we revisit the highlights of our Knowledge Exchange, bringing together the collective wisdom shared throughout our event. In this recap and reflection session, we’ll revisit key insights, memorable moments, and impactful discussions that have contributed to our shared journey of learning and understanding.

Video presentation.

Session description coming soon…

Join us for a heartwarming and reflective traditional closing ceremony that honours the rich tapestry of knowledge, experiences, and connections woven throughout this event. Guided by Elders, this session will offer a space to express gratitude, reflect on shared learnings.