PHO Webinar: Centring Indigenous Ways

You are invited to a group conversation reflecting on, and un-learning, the ways substance use supports have been typically approached when working with Indigenous communities.

Discussions will be guided by Indigenous perspectives, wisdom and lived experience on what collaboration looks like when it is rooted in de-colonization, reconciliation, and respect for Indigenous self-determination. Attendees will be asked to critically reflect on the dominant reliance on “standard frameworks” and question the ways that medicalized models of care fail to consider holistic health and root causes of substance use harms. Speakers will point to ways that mainstream care has excluded the diverse realities of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples, and re-iterate how Indigenous medicine, knowledge, and expertise are the only way forward. A connected discussion will focus on the importance of following the lead from Indigenous communities in this work, and adopting a process-oriented approach (i.e. rooted in relationship building).

Intended audience: Community initiative partners: Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention Chatham - Kent Public Health Unit, Norwest Community Health Centres and partners. Municipal Drug Strategy Coordinators of Ontario, Ontario Network of People who Use Drugs and COMOH Drug/Opioid Poisoning Crisis Work Group.

Note: For the best live experience, please ensure you are using a current version of Zoom (5.8.3 or higher) in Chrome or another modern browser to support interactive features.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Share the importance of following the lead from Indigenous expertise in all aspects of substance use services.
• Identify ways to build partnerships with Indigenous communities rooted in principles of meaningful collaboration, de-colonization, and respect for self-determination.
• Understand substance use within its root causes and its impact on holistic health (i.e. beyond physical health).

About the presenters: Daniol Coles, Adele Madigan, Darryl Souliere-Lamb, and Ashley Smoke

Daniol Coles, Advisor, Indigenous Strategy and Engagement, Public Health Ontario

Adele Madigan, Knowledge Keeper

Darryl Souliere-Lamb, Mental Health and Wellness Systems Coordinator, Indigenous Primary Health Care Council (IPHCC)

Ashley Smoke, Secretary, Ontario Network of People Who Use Drugs

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.

Stay up-to-date

Stay up-to-date on upcoming events and calls for abstracts by visiting our calendar. If you have submissions, or questions or comments about the items above, send them to capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.

Accessibility

Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.