The Tripartite partners agree that it is important to support and improve services for the First Nations impacted by diabetes and other related chronic diseases. The Tripartite Health Plan provides the vehicle for First Nations, BC (Ministry of Health and Regional Health Authorities) and Canada (First Nations and Inuit Health) to work in collaboration to assist the First Nations in BC and other responsible parties to develop strategies and services to reduce the occurrence of diabetes and its complications. Improved access to resources, data, information, and health personnel will provide a team effort that will evolve into a cohesive approach to enhancing the quality of health for First Nations in BC.
With assistance from the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative, the First Nations Health Council has secured two positions to assist First Nations communities with chronic disease prevention. The Physical Activity Specialist and Registered Dietician are providing education and tools regarding the benefits of good nutrition and regular physical activity in prevention and management of diabetes. These health professionals are both experts in their respected fields and will contribute their expertise to improve health and reduce rates of chronic disease in the First Nation community.
External Links
New! Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative Resource
The new Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative resource guide contains information on support for traditional wellness, nutrition, and physical activity. It offers knowledge, community support, and capacity building tools that preserve and cultivate traditional practices and medicines. Encompassing and embracing traditional wellness brings a holistic approach to the health and wellness of BC First Nations. For reliable nutrition information, program ideas, and even potential funding sources the guide will start you in the right direction. The physical activity resources provide support, outreach, coaching, training for capacity building events, and opportunities to support regular physical activity to help First Nations adopt and sustain healthy, active lifestyles. Some of these resources have components that are especially designed for Aboriginal people, while others give us a great place to start developing something that will really work in our community.
ADI_Resources.pdf
Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ccdpc-cpcmc/diabetes-diabete/english/strategy/adi.html
Great Diabetes Links:
Aboriginal
http://www.aboriginalcanada.gc.ca/acp/site.nsf/en/ao26146.html
http://www.diabetes.ca/aboriginal/index.asp
http://www.diabetes.ca/Section_Services/aborindex.asp
http://www.diabetes.ca/section_regional/alb_abro.asp
Mainstream
http://www.diabetes.ca/section_regional/bc_yk.asp
BC Childrens Hospital Diabetes Resources
For more information on Diabetes initiatives please contact:
Dr. Rosalin Hanna,
Physical Activity Specialist
778.772.5086
or, Suzanne Johnson
Nutritionist
778.227.4455
TCA: First Nations Health Plan Action Item:
A Northern Health Authority pilot will be implemented in collaboration with Health Canada and First Nations service providers to develop an integrated approach to Chronic Disease Prevention and Management focused on diabetes in certain communities, using an Aboriginal Health Collaborative process. This will build on the successes of the Chronic Disease Prevention and Management Community Collaboratives implemented in the North during the last three years, with significant gains in access to services and improved patient outcomes.