Indigenous knowledge takes centre stage at Anishinabek Nation Health Conference
By Jesse Johnson
SAULT STE. MARIE, ONTARIO — The Anishinabek Nation’s Health Secretariat hosted its 12th Annual Health Conference on October 27-29 at the Quattro Hotel and Conference Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. This year’s theme was Sacred Responsibility: Advancing Indigenous Health Priorities.
Day 1 kicked-off with introductions from Elder Leona Stevens, a song from Elder Neil Monague, an opening drum and an Honour Song for Namaygoosisagagun First Nation, performed by the Garden River Youth Drum Group, and opening remarks were made by Anishinabek Nation’s interim Health Director Kimberly Lalonde and Northern Superior Regional Chief Mel Hardy.
“I want to commend the staff; they worked diligently to put on this conference, and we hope that it is an enjoyable experience, a learning experience, and that it offers services, space, and time to gather among your colleagues,” says Lalonde.
Following introductions, Dr. Alexa Lesperance, an Anishinaabe Family Physician from Naotkamegwanning First Nation (formerly known as Whitefish Bay First Nation) in Treaty #3 and Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek in the Robinson-Superior Treaty area, spoke on Menopause: Hormone Changes Throughout the Life Cycle.
“Menopause is often used to describe the ‘entire transition’, but it’s a singular moment in time when you officially realize you haven’t had a period in 12 months. One is not ‘in menopause’; you’ve now hit it and are post-menopause,” says Dr. Lesperance.
After the keynote presentation, Lorieann Whittaker, Anishinabek Nation Health Policy Analyst, and Northern Superior Regional Chief Hardy provided an update on the work completed by the Anishinabek Advisory Council on Health (AACOH) and the Chiefs Committee on Health (CCOH).
Lorraine Cook provided a community spotlight presentation on Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek.
Trevor Stratton’s keynote presentation on Walk with Me: Pathways to Health kicked-off the afternoon, exploring HIV and ensuring people remain alive and connected to care, regardless of where they are in their healing journey.
“People have to be alive to heal,” says Stratton.
The first day concluded with reflections and a song by Elders Leona Stevens and Neil Monague.
On Day 2, Lalonde presented the Tony H. Jocko Memorial Heroes in Health Awards to seven deserving health professionals. This year’s recipients were Cheryl Shawana, Nipissing First Nation; Kathy MacLeod-Beaver, Alderville First Nation; Leila Macumber, Serpent River First Nation; Lena Andre, Michipicoten First Nation; Lorraine Cook, Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek; Sandra Bisaillon, Thessalon First Nation; and Janine Knott, Curve Lake First Nation.
Dr. Nicole Redvers encouraged participants to create spaces where healing and solutions can emerge through relationships, community knowledge, and connection to the land during her presentation on The Path We Walk: Indigenous Perspectives on Planetary Health.
In the afternoon, Dr. Jennifer Reynolds spoke on Gambling in a Changing World. Following that, a Grandmother’s Panel focused on The Change of Life and Elder Stage.
One of the panellists recalled experiencing her first menstrual cycle without anyone explaining what was happening. She described feeling embarrassed and relying on conversations with her peers to understand the changes in her body.
On day three, a Grandfather’s Panel on Our Role as Fathers preceded Chiefs of Ontario Health Secretariat Special Projects Coordinator Frances Pine’s presentation on Mental Health and Substance Use Mapping Project.
Dr. Pamela Toulouse presented on Indigenous Cultural Safety in Health, which helped wrap-up the conference.
Workshops included topics such as Understanding the Role of Gut Health in our Holistic Health (Kyra Follis); Supporting the Journey Home (Kathleen Bartlett and Bethany Bocchinfuso); Living the Good Life (Elder Keith Knott); Breaking the Cycle: A Journey of Healing for Men (Elder Wes Whetung); Caring for Ourselves as We Care for Others (Ophelia O’Donnell); Spirit First: Re-Connecting to Creation in the Helping Field (Elder Liz Osawamick); a Mini Drum-Making (Elder Neil Monague); and an update on the Health Transformation initiative.