Virtual Series on First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and COVID-19
Last updated: January 19, 2021
The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH) is pleased to present a four-part virtual series that will look at look at the experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and communities with COVID-19.
Themes to be explored include: Indigenous governance and self-determination in planning and responding to COVID-19; socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 on the health and well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples; data collection on COVID-19 cases in First Nations, Inuit and Métis populations and communities; and innovative public health messaging on COVID-19 and Indigenous Peoples.
The series will run over four Wednesdays in January (13, 20, 27) and February 3, 2021 from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. PST.
There is no charge to participate, but registration is required as the number of attendees is limited. You will find dates, session titles and other details for each of the four sessions in the virtual series program.
QUICK LINKS
REGISTRATION
This virtual conference series uses Zoom technology. You will require a minimum of Windows 5.3.0 (or higher) or macOS 5.3.0 (or higher) to participate using your desktop computer. For requirements on accessing the conference using mobile devices or if you are just getting started with Zoom, see Zoom's F.A.Q, tutorials, and technical support pages.
VIRTUAL SERIES PROGRAM, RECORDINGS, & PRESENTATIONS
This section features information, webinar recordings as well as speakers' Powerpoint Presentations (PPT) regarding all four sessions of our COVID-19 Virtual Series.
Virtual Session 1 — January 13, 2021
This session, Indigenous governance and self-determination in planning and responding to COVID-19, brings together expert speakers working in a diversity of public health fields across Canada, including:
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Dr. Danièle Behn-Smith, Deputy Provincial Health Office, British Columbia - Presentation (PDF)
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Minnie Grey, Inuit Circumpolar Council of Canada
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Natan Obed, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami - Presentation (PDF)
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Tanya Davoren, Métis Nation British Columbia
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Dr.Shannon McDonald, First Nations Health Authority
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Marion Crowe, First Nations Health Managers Association
This panel will explore the role of Indigenous governance and self-determination in community responses to COVID-19, public health measures, and pandemic planning. Within this context, the speakers will discuss the challenges and opportunities for meeting First Nations, Inuit and Métis community program and service needs and how these have been addressed during this public health emergency.
WATCH WEBINAR RECORDING
Virtual Session 2 — January 20, 2021
This session, Socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 on the health and well-being of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis populations, brings together expert speakers working in a diversity of public health fields across Canada, including:
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Dr. Chris Mushquash, Lakehead University
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Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada
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Rebbeca Kudloo, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada
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Neil Belanger, British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society
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Dr. Myrle Ballard, University of Manitoba
The presentations will highlight the breadth of impacts that the pandemic has had on the lives of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. For example, they will highlight how First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples’ experiences with health inequities, mental health, physical safety and mobility have been exacerbated through the pandemic. Panelists will also offer up ideas for community-led solutions and strengths exercised by First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and communities throughout COVID-19, as well as policies and services to enhance their health and well-being. REGISTRATION
Virtual Session 3 — January 27, 2021
This session, Data collection on COVID-19 cases in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis populations and communities, brings together expert speakers who work in data collection, ethics and sovereignty, including:
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Jonathan Dewar and Maria Santos, First Nations Information Governance Centre
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Dr. Janet Smylie, Well Living House
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Courtney Skye, Yellowhead Institute
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Robyn Rowe, Laurentian University
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Pamela Wolfe-Roberge, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch
The panel presentations will look at how data collection for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples and communities has been done over the course of the pandemic. Speakers will highlight the challenges related to ethics, tracking, reporting and understanding of data. The panelists will also discuss what lessons we can take in public health emergencies going forward. REGISTRATION
Virtual Session 4 — February 3, 2021
This session, Innovative public health messaging on COVID-19 and Indigenous Peoples, brings together expert speakers who work in regional and national Indigenous organizations across Canada, including:
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Regional Chief Marlene Poitras and Regional Chief Kevin Hart, Assembly of First Nations
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Patricia D’Souza, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
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Tanya Davoren, Métis National Council
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Jocelyn Formsma, National Association of Friendship Centres
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Hagar Idlout-Sudlovenick, Qikiqtani Inuit Association
These presentations will focus on the innovative development of community and distinctions-based public health messaging on COVID-19. Regional and national organizations took immediate and on-going actions to develop and share credible public health information on the pandemic. They did this through the development of fact sheets, infographics and videos. The panelists will speak to these knowledge sharing formats and the lessons they have learned along the way for demystifying information and reducing stigma around COVID-19. REGISTRATION
NCCIH COVID-19 RESOURCES
Prepared by the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH), these podcasts, factsheets and other resources are intended to inform public health responses in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities throughout the country.
Podcasts
Fact Sheets and Reports
Webinars
External Resources
- The NCCIH COVID-19 Resource Library is a selective repository of external resources related both directly and indirectly to COVID-19 intended for diverse audiences including Indigenous communities, health practicioners and policy makers.
ACROSS THE NCCs
Each of the National Collaborating Centres for Public Health (NCCs) maintains a COVID-19 resource page. They are of particular interest to public health practitioners and policy-makers.