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Indigenous Health Council (IHC) Report

The years 2021 and 2022 have called on us all to look to the Seven Sacred Teachings of Love, Courage, Humility, Respect, Honesty, Wisdom and Truth to face the immense health and societal challenges created by the COVID pandemic. As a health council, we have continued to serve the Indigenous community through research, advocacy, and activism. The following encapsulate our community work to date:

Incorporation

The IHC is in the process of defining its terms in view of incorporation. A local lawyer is ensuring that this process is appropriate to the needs of the IHC as the health system in Ontario evolves.

Research

The IHC is engaged in ongoing research as it refines its present and future priorities. Dr. Amrita Roy and team have provided important and current assessment. Future interests are also underway researching the strength of community relationships. It has been a fulsome year.

Kate Brant, Indigenous Community Development Worker

As the Indigenous Community Development Worker, Kate Brant has proven invaluable to the Indigenous community at large. Although extremely busy, Kate ensures she maintains and strengthens relationships with community members. The following are some of the events attended or led, and responsibilities carried by Kate:

  • Kate sits at various health and wellness tables such as the Indigenous Health Council (IHC), the Indigenous Interprofessional Care Team (IIPCT), the Ontario Health Team’s leadership table, the Indigenous Ontario Health Team, and the Early Years Regional Planning committee.
  • At the COVID 19 vaccination clinic specifically offered to Indigenous people and their families, Kate was a constant, reassuring presence. At that time, she also handed out over 500 business cards providing Indigenous resource connections.
  • Kate developed a mentor/mentee relationship with Sanket Sathiya, a young Indian physician working in Kingston.
  • Kate attended the Sacred Fires the Indigenous community organized to honour the spirits and families of the children buries at Residential School sites.
  • Having received Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) training to Level 3, Kate sits at the Kingston ACEs Coalition table, and joined the Advocacy subgroup of Kingston’s ACEs Coalition.
  • Kate joined Kingston Speaks Inclusion, a project aimed at improving the relationship between Kingston Police and the Indigenous community.
  • The annual Stroke Symposium invited Kate to give a personal account of her experience as a stroke survivor.
  • Attending a Knowledge Exchange, Kate shared what was learned from a study on the effects of COVID 19 on the Indigenous community.
  • Kate received training from the Indigenous Diabetes Health Council (IDHC) on Retinopathy Screening.
  • Kate carried out various Indigenous openings, one of which was for the new Kingston East Community centre, and provided smudging teachings at that time.

Coming Up

Programs & Services

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