Anishinabek Nation Health Secretariat celebrates 9th annual Health Conference in North Bay

By Jesse Johnson

NORTH BAY –The 9th annual Anishinabek Health Conference took place at the Best Western Hotel and Conference Centre in North Bay, Ont., from Oct. 17-19.

The theme for the conference – “Noojimong Aanjitoong Ezhchigeng – Healing Through Change, Learning together to move our communities forward in the area of Health” – guided the planning and conference itinerary.

The Anishinabek Nation’s Health Secretariat organizes this conference annually to bring delegates from the 39 Anishinabek Nation member First Nations together to share information and learn about current health topics.

Stan Wesley was the master of ceremonies and Elder Mary Elliott from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation, and Elder Neil Monague from Beausoleil First Nation opened the conference with songs, laughter, and words of wisdom.

Following the opening prayer, Anishinabek Nation’s Health Director, Jamie Restoule, thanked his staff for organizing this event and thanked participants for attending the conference.

Nipissing First Nation Councillor Jane B. Commanda welcomed everyone to the territory and Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Reg Niganobe acknowledged the many challenges facing health directors and how difficult their roles are in the current landscape.

Participants attended workshops that focused on 2SLGBTQ+; lateral violence; CanChild’s About My Child; an introduction to language; and Men’s Mental Health.

There were four keynote speakers who shared knowledge on a range of topics. Keynote speakers included Dr. Andrea Sereda who spoke on the current healthcare system and how it’s failing our most vulnerable populations; Susie Jin who spoke about diabetes; Michelle Lafontaine spoke on the PAIL (prenatal and infant loss) Network; and, Dr. Astrid Guttmann and her team that spoke about Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.

“We had some incredible keynote speakers who shared a lot of important information,” said Restoule. “I’m confident our health professionals gained a lot of pertinent information that they will take back to their communities. I’m also grateful to our staff for putting together another successful conference.”

There was also the Tony H. Jocko Memorial Heroes in Health award ceremony in honour of Tony Jocko-baa who joined the Anishinabek Nation back in 2006 as the Federal Health Policy Analyst in which he provided exceptional advocacy and service.

One of this year’s winners was Kim Genereux of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory who works at the Noojmowin-Teg Health Centre on Manitoulin Island.

“Kim is the Anishinabek Health Care Navigator serving seven First Nations on Manitoulin Island as well as off-reserve clients. Kim goes above and beyond for all of her clients, treating each one of them and their families as though they are her own family,” says her nominator.

The other award winner was Kimberly Lalonde from Nipissing First Nation.

“Kimberly’s remarkable two-decade-long tenure with Nipissing First Nation Health Services is a testament to her unwavering dedication, compassionate service, and tireless commitment to promoting health and wellness for Nbisiing citizens,” says her nominator.

Community Heroes in Health build capacity within First Nations territory by empowering residents to become more active and healthy to improve the overall well-being of the community. Each year, recipients are recognized at the annual conference for their outstanding leadership, mentorship, and best practices in each of their respective community health programs.

“I am very happy to be here with you today to celebrate another successful Health Conference and to be a presenter to a couple of individuals who have exceeded their regular duties in their community in order to keep our citizens safe. Let’s celebrate and honour those members in our territory who have stepped up and extended themselves to help others while keeping us safe during this difficult time,” says Restoule.

On the final day, there were Nookmis and Mishomis teachings from Elder Elliott and Elder Monague.

For more information about the Anishinabek Nation’s Health Secretariat, go to www.anishinabek.ca.