Indigenous Health Conference tackles clean water, social determinants of health
The University of Toronto's Faculty of Medicine, Continuing Professional Development is hosting the 2nd Biennial Indigenous Health Conference at the Hilton Meadowvale, May 26-27, 2016.
This year, the conference will focus on how health care providers can work together towards improving the health inequities faced by Indigenous populations (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) and provide a forum to discuss ways to move towards reconciliation. Health Care practitioners from across the country, as well as some of the best academic minds and community partners working in the field, will converge for 2 days of informative, 'must-attend' sessions.
One of these sessions is the closing plenary. Moderated by Dr. Faisal Moola from the David Suzuki foundation, the plenary will focus on the importance of water and watersheds in sustaining the health and well-being of Indigenous communities. Recent water issues in Muskrat Falls in Labrador, Grassy Narrows First Nation Ontario and West Moberly First Nation BC have had a devastating impact on the health of community members. This panel will bring these issues to light and discuss solutions to address them.
"Health care providers play a critical role with Indigenous populations in advocating for the improved status of individuals, families, and communities. Through creating dialogue with Indigenous peoples, health experts, policy makers and health care providers, there is an opportunity to improve health care and advocacy for Indigenous peoples in Canada" says Dr. Anna Banerji Course Director and Conference Chair.
Attendees from across Canada will gather to hear from some of the nation's most knowledgeable and dynamic speakers including Chief Isadore Day, ITK President Natan Obed, Dr. Cindy Blackstock, Dr. Evan Adams, and many more.
Key themes will include determinants of health, cultural competency, health disparities, chronic disease and infectious disease, mental health, traditional ways and self-determination and the impact of the environment on the health of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Provided by University of Toronto
