1998 - 1999 Summary of Health Canada
Projects in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut

Our mission is to help the people of Canada maintain and improve their health.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Introduction
• Program Descriptions
• Organizational Structure
• How We Carry Out Business
• Future Directions
• Funding Allocated per Federal Health Promotion Program

Project Summaries

• Aboriginal Head Start Initiative
• AIDS Community Action Program
• Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program
• Community Action Program for Children
• Community Animation Program
• Population Health Fund

INTRODUCTION

Health Canada's Public Health Agency of Canada (PPHB) for the Alberta/NWT Region was established in 1992, which, as of April 1, 1999 was renamed the Alberta/NWT Region. Our mandate is to deliver federal health promotion programs in Alberta and the Northwest Territories through working collaboratively with organizations in the government, non-government and private sectors.

A key strategic direction for PPHB is population health. This is an approach which addresses the entire range of factors and the way they act together in determining the health and well-being of Canadians. Factors such as healthy child development, social supports, employment, education, and a clean environment all interact and impact our health. Population health strategies take into account these interactions and are designed to affect the health of an entire population or significant sub-populations.

The PPHB Alberta/NWT Region uses a life cycle approach to its program planning and delivery. Research and social marketing staff provide support in the development and implementation of these initiatives through strategic knowledge management and population health marketing.

PPHB works collaboratively with the Department of Health and Social Services and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment of the Government of the Northwest Territories through a Joint Management Committee on Health Promotion. This ensures that federal health promotion programs continue to be implemented in a way which complements territorial government health promotion priorities and avoids overlap and duplication. PPHB has also established links with eastern Arctic officials who will be focusing on implementation of health initiatives in the new territory of Nunavut.

The purpose of this report is to provide a comprehensive resource describing all projects funded in the Northwest Territories by PPHB Alberta/NWT Region. The projects described in this report were initiated or ongoing during the period April 1, 1998, to March 31, 1999. Total amounts of funding for multi-year periods are not listed as this document seeks to offer a snapshot of community initiatives, who did them, and how much money was allocated for work during a single fiscal year.

For ease of reference, project summaries are categorized according to the federal health promotion program from which they received funding. This report provides a brief description of all programs administered by PPHB Alberta/NWT Region in the Northwest Territories, and includes financial and summary information for all the projects that received federal funding in the 1998-1999 fiscal year.

The population health approach continues to provide the framework to guide policy and program development in the Public Health Agency of Canada. It is within this context that the Alberta/NWT Region funded projects in the Northwest Territories during 1998/1999 under the following programs: the Aboriginal Head Start Initiative; the AIDS Community Action Program, the Canadian Strategy On HIV/AIDS; the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program; the Community Action Program for Children; and the Population Health Fund (which includes the Community Animation Program).

Similar to our 1997/1998 report, we are pleased to highlight some of the recent accomplishments of the Aboriginal Head Start Initiative (AHS). The culturally appropriate activities which community members designed to support child development and school readiness have been put into enthusiastic action. Elders, parents and extended families are closely involved in daily program activities which include arts and crafts, outings on the land, traditional games and story-telling. Representatives from AHS projects also met in Edmonton during February, 1999. Here they participated in eastern and western territorial workshops which celebrated community accomplishments in building on the talents and skills of their children and families.

Advisory Committees, established to assist PPHB with the implementation of AHS in the eastern and western areas of the Canadian Arctic, have continued to provide guidance and support to Aboriginal Head Start activities. Committees are composed of Aboriginal people representing federal community-based projects, PPHB program management and territorial government representatives. These committees form part of the National Aboriginal Head Start Committee (NAHSC) which guides the implementation of the program across Canada.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS

Aboriginal Head Start Initiative (AHS)
Supports the development and implementation of community-driven and culturally appropriate programming designed to support healthy child development and school readiness.

AIDS Community Action Program, Canadian Strategy On HIV/AIDS (ACAP)
Develops and strengthens the ability of community-based organizations to address their particular HIV/AIDS issues through targeted prevention education, health promotion for people living with HIV/AIDS, and creating supportive environments.

Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP)
Helps community groups and organizations to address the needs of at-risk pregnant women, and to assist them in having healthier pregnancies and improving the health of their babies. The program focuses on mothers and infants up to 12 months postpartum.

Community Action Program for Children (CAPC)
Helps community groups and organizations address the health, educational, and developmental needs of children at-risk aged 0-6 years, while strengthening and supporting their families.

Population Health Fund (PHF)
Increases community capacity for action on, and across, the determinants of health by supporting initiatives that facilitate joint planning and coordinated action across sectors.

PHF dollars also support the Community Animation Program (CAP) which provides specific assistance to communities taking action on issues involving health and the environment.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

PPHB Alberta/NWT Region has developed an organizational structure to facilitate Health Canada's vision of a renewed health system based on a population health approach. This framework provides a broad, more holistic concept of well-being which addresses the wide range of determinants that affect our health, and supports comprehensive and coordinated action by the government, voluntary and private sectors.

The life cycle approach to population health addresses health as we move through three stages: childhood and youth, early to mid-adulthood, and later life. PPHB Alberta/NWT Region has established 5 sections to carry out business within the population health framework, and to focus action on the health determinants within and across the life stages. These sections and their key roles are listed below. Highlights of section activities will be provided following this brief introduction to our organizational structure.

• Research and Knowledge Development - information management, policy recommendations, models of practice and federal/provincial/territorial relations.
• Childhood and Youth - program delivery within a population health framework addressing childhood and youth through the management of the Community Action Program for Children, Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program, and the Aboriginal Head Start Initiative.
• Population Health - program delivery within a population health framework focusing on early to mid-adulthood and later life through management of the Population Health Fund (includes the Community Animation Program) and the AIDS Community Action Program.
• Social Marketing and Partnerships - population health marketing initiatives, development and enhancement of intersectoral partnerships and electronic information management.
• Planning and Operations - organizational administration, human resources, planning, finance and quality standards.

HOW WE CARRY OUT BUSINESS ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES, ACCOMPLISHMENTS

RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT SECTION

The Research and Knowledge Development Section (RKDS) was established in September 1997 to provide regional leadership and support as PPHB, AB/NWT moved forward in its implementation of the population health approach. RKDS has carried out this role in the following key areas of responsibility:

• health promotion and population health research (evaluation, models, best practices)
• population health knowledge management (synthesis, analysis, application, dissemination)
• consultations with various stakeholder groups
• regional FPT relations regarding population health
• policy background work on PPHB program management pre/post division of the Northwest Territories into Nunavut (East) and NWT(West), and self-government issues
• linkages with Métis Peoples in Alberta (advice on potential health systems)
• recommendations on policy directions in health promotion and population health

Future directions for the Research and Knowledge Development Section include facilitating access to and/or direct provision of data analysis services and enhancing regional capacity to forecast trends related to population health.

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH SECTION

The Childhood and Youth Section manages the Community Action Program for Children (CAPC), the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) and the Aboriginal Head Start Initiative (AHS). In addition to providing ongoing consultation and support to community projects funded under these programs, CYS is active in promoting best practices through facilitating training, networking and support among projects. Annual conferences bring projects together to share and learn from each other and from resource people in areas such as child health and development, program delivery, Aboriginal culture, health promotion, and evaluation.

Evaluation activities promote program improvement, knowledge development and accountability. Whether through an integrated evaluation addressing national, provincial and local needs (CPNP), outcome measurement (CAPC), or individual site-based evaluations (AHS), all projects participate in evaluation.

CYS also collaborates with other organizations at provincial and regional levels to promote the health of children and youth. Highlights include Alberta's Healthy Families initiative and the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome initiatives sponsored by Alberta and through the Western Provinces collaboration.

POPULATION HEALTH SECTION

As indicated in the introduction, Health Canada has adopted a population health approach to further its objective to maintain and improve the health of Canadians. This approach recognizes that many factors, in addition to the health care system, have a strong influence on health. The approach promotes prevention and positive action on determinants that affect the health of the population as a whole, or that of specific population groups.

The Population Health Section uses a population health approach in the delivery and management of the Population Health Fund, the AIDS Community Action Program and the Community Animation Program. In addition, the section is responsible for program delivery focusing from early adulthood through to later life.

The Population Health Section works collaboratively with other sections to promote use of a population health approach internally to create better informed decision-making. The section is also responsible for furthering the population health approach in communities.

Examples of work in these areas include the development of a public presentation describing population health and the determinants of health, and hosting a workshop focusing on skill development in these areas for community groups and agencies.

SOCIAL MARKETING AND PARTNERSHIPS SECTION

The Social Marketing and Partnerships Section (SMP) is one of PPHB's newest sections and was established in September 1997. At PPHB we see social marketing as a planned strategy for changing behaviour: it raises awareness to action, creates momentum and sells desirable values; not products or services. In its most general sense, social marketing is a new way of thinking about some very old human endeavours. In recent times, health promotion initiatives have utilized social marketing strategies to affect behaviour with regard to tobacco-use reduction, drug abuse, drinking and driving, HIV, immunization and physical activity.

In this vein, the Social Marketing and Partnerships Section works with community groups, non-profit organizations, corporate sponsors, and other intersectoral partners to analyze, focus and target population groups to positively affect attitudes and beliefs about healthy choices and healthy lifestyles by using the social marketing planning process.

In the AB/NWT Region, the Social Marketing and Partnerships Section has developed its capacity to:

• provide workshops to train others in utilizing social marketing strategies in program or project development;
• produce marketing materials for Branch social marketing endeavours; and,
• facilitate intersectoral partnership and leverage resources.

PLANNING AND OPERATIONS SECTION

The Planning and Operations Team is responsible for providing administrative and financial services to support PPHB operations in the Alberta/NWT Region and for providing advice to management and staff on administrative regulations, policies and procedures. Areas of responsibility include managing human resources and accommodations activities, monitoring program expenditures and commitments, preparing budget forecasts, and participating in strategic planning and priority setting.

Planning and Operations Staff also work closely with PPHB client groups, i.e., organizations funded through our program stream to provide advice on financial management practices and ensure that payments are processed promptly and accurately.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

The coming fiscal year promises to be one of focused activity and growth for the Public Health Agency of Canada of Health Canada. PPHB Alberta/NWT/Nunavut will enhance its role in improving access to health information through strategic use of its new regional website to share health promotion and population health learnings, and to encourage networking among health partners in federal, provincial and territorial governments, voluntary organizations and the private sector. Social marketing and research strengths will be focused to provide clear language evidence which can effectively be used by different stakeholders in their decision-making about preventive community health.

The region will also build on its strong work in healthy child development by supporting culturally appropriate, community partnership initiatives which focus on prenatal and family health, positive early childhood experiences and enhancement of school readiness. The mobilization of the population health approach will be further enhanced through strategic consultations with various sectors of our regional population to provide more opportunities for citizen engagement in initiatives to support community wellness.

Like you, we look forward to the opportunities that the new millennium will bring to strengthen our collective quality of life. We are convinced that the year 2000 and beyond will bring even more opportunities for PPHB Alberta/NWT to work collaboratively with present and future partners to take strong action on health and the factors which influence it.

FUNDING ALLOCATED PER FEDERAL HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAM NWT Region 1998-1999

Aboriginal Head Start Initiative

The program is funded to serve 16 Inuvialuit children aged 3-5 years, 5 days per week, in the community of Paulatuk. All program components are based on Inuvialuit language, culture and spirituality. Elders, parents and extended families are closely involved in program activities. A daily snack provides sound nutrition.

This Aboriginal Head Start project provides opportunities for children and their families to have their educational and developmental needs met. Sixteen children, aged 3-5 years, attend the program 3 hours per day, 4 days a week. Program staff consult with parents about the program activities. Elders teach and demonstrate Gwich'in language, arts and crafts and traditional skills. A daily snack program meets nutritional standards while emphasizing traditional "country" food. Parents are involved in a Parent Support Group and assist daily in program activities.

This project provides a safe, nurturing environment for 16 pre-school children, aged 3-5 years. Program components include: parental involvement through skill development and participation in program activities; language and culture taught by Elders, parents and community members; a nutritious lunch program emphasizing traditional "country" food; and immunization clinics. Field trips, sharing circles, culture, music and art are important program elements.

This Aboriginal Head Start project provides 16 children, aged 3-5 years with opportunities to enroll in a pre-school program that operates from September to June. All program components are sensitive to the cultural needs of children and their families. Parents and elders are involved in cultural events, arts and crafts and outings on the land. The snack program meets nutritional standards, while emphasizing traditional "country" food. Parents actively volunteer in the program and have opportunities to participate in workshops.

This project is based on holistic learning where children learn Dene culture and values. In this program, parents and Elders actively participate in preparing traditional "country" food. Elders provide traditional teaching during morning sessions and participate in parent and child interactive activities. Parents also have opportunities to attend a variety of skill development programs.

This Aboriginal Head Start project provides 32 children with a morning or afternoon pre-school program, 5 days per week for 10 months. Program components include instruction and hands-on activities focusing on Dene culture and the Dogrib language. Elders are involved in the program through story-telling and teaching traditional ways, arts and culture. Parents participate in program activities, including food preparation and planning. In addition, parents guide the development of this project through their participation on the Parent Advisory Council and Head Start Committee.

This Aboriginal Head Start project provides a flexible child and family-centred approach that meets the needs of high risk children and their families in the community. High risk children are assessed in partnership with the health centre. Parents and Elders actively participate in daily program activities such as arts and crafts, trips out on the land, traditional games, story-telling and singing. Traditional "country" food enhances nutritional requirements and complements the daily snack program.

This project provides an opportunity for 16 children, aged 3-5 years, to attend a program that deals with the social, physical, and emotional development of the child. All program components are based on Inuit language and culture. Elders, parents, and extended families are closely involved in teaching, skill development, and hands-on program activities like arts and crafts, traditional games and story-telling. In addition, both Elders and parents are involved in monthly planning meetings. A lunch program and a daily snack meet nutritional standards while emphasizing traditional "country" food.

This Aboriginal Head Start project is available to 16 children, aged 3-5 years, 5 days per week for 10 months per year. Program content and activities reflect the Inuit language, traditions and values. Elders regularly visit the program to spend time teaching language and culture through story-telling, traditional games and singing. Parents are involved in daily program activities, monthly planning and in parenting workshops. Program activities include day camping, dog team rides and tundra walks. A daily snack program meets nutritional standards while emphasizing traditional "country" food.

This project provides opportunities for children and their families to have their educational and developmental needs met. Sixteen children, aged 3-5 years, attend the program 3 to 5 hours per day, 4 days per week. In addition, the program is provided in home settings. Parents participate in the program through daily attendance, monthly planning meetings and by joining the parent support group. Elders are encouraged to offer their knowledge and skills by sharing stories, songs and skills, as well as by modelling language. A daily snack program meets nutritional standards while emphasizing traditional "country" food.

This Aboriginal Head Start project is offered 5 days a week to children aged 3-5 years for 10 months of the year. Parents are encouraged to participate in program development, monthly workshops and in program activities. Daily program activities are child-centred and activity-oriented and are carried out in both English and Inuktitut. Elders are involved through story-telling, sharing traditional games and singing. A daily snack program meets nutritional standards while emphasizing traditional "country" food.

This project provides opportunities for at-risk children to attend a holistic program that involves parents as facilitators and role models. Through daily activities conducted in Inuktitut, the children learn of their cultural traditions and values. Elders participate in guiding the children through story-telling, sharing knowledge and traditional games. A strong element of the program is parent participation with a focus on parenting skills, positive discipline practices and "parents as first teachers". Parents are also involved in program planning and evaluation. A daily snack program meets nutritional standards while emphasizing traditional "country" food.

This Aboriginal Head Start project includes four integrated components: universal access, holistic family involvement, a community team approach and culturally based programming. Through program activities, children aged 3-5 years learn how traditional values can be applied to everyday life in a learning atmosphere that builds interpersonal skills and self-esteem. Parents become pro-active in their children's education through involvement in the program and by follow-up activities in the home. Parenting courses and family support groups are also available. Elders are involved in daily program activities through story-telling, sharing traditional games and singing. A daily snack program meets nutritional standards, while emphasizing traditional "country" food.

AIDS Community Action Program

The mandate of this group is to establish, maintain and promote the use of a crisis line in Nunavut and to recruit and provide on-going training to volunteers. The project contributes to community mental health and well-being by providing access to information and support through its anonymous toll-free telephone system.

Project goals focus on the coordination and implementation of prevention initiatives through a project coordinator. A key activity is the development and delivery of "train-the-trainer" modules to produce qualified facilitators in HIV/AIDS prevention within a variety of agencies and targeted groups.

The goal of this project is to educate youth 12-14 years of age in the western Arctic about HIV/AIDS and to strengthen their capacity to make safer choices. A coalition representing a broad variety of agencies will be established in order to provide input and guidance throughout the project while refining service options to better meet the needs of youth in this community.

Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program

The Sa Naeah Prenatal Program focuses on increasing awareness of prenatal risk factors, and identifying local supports and resources. The program also works with local businesses to promote and provide nutritious food. The program includes lifestyle and nutrition counselling; referrals to and from appropriate health and social agencies; and cooking and nutritional sessions with emphasis on traditional foods. The program also offers well baby days with guest speakers at the public health clinic; support, information and nutritious snacks at weekly prenatal clinics; home visits; and food supplements.

This project focuses on improving nutrition and providing relevant prenatal health information to high risk mothers. Project education targets nutrition, pregnancy and birth, breastfeeding, early childhood care, drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Activities include counselling, videos, guest lectures, grocery tours, skill development in budgeting, meal planning and traditional cooking through a community kitchen. The program also provides food supplements, referrals to appropriate agencies and home visits where needed.

This comprehensive and participatory project is designed to improve the health of mothers and infants by promoting good nutrition and breastfeeding. Special efforts are made to reach out to pregnant teens. The program seeks to collaborate with pregnant women in determining their needs, and with community groups/individuals in delivering prenatal health information through interactive lessons. Areas covered include labour and delivery, parenting, nutrition, purchase of foods, safe food handling and preparation, budgeting, breastfeeding and infant care. Activities include guest speakers, videos and cooking classes. The program also seeks to organize lesson plans into a curriculum and to arrange for accreditation as a high school course.

This project enhances maternal child health in Taloyoak with a culturally sensitive prenatal nutrition component. The project is developed within a community wellness framework which responds to locally identified needs. Guidance and support are provided by the community health centre in partnership with a steering committee of local Inuit women and Elders. Project objectives are to ensure stable access to nutritious foods during pregnancy, to provide nutrition education, and to enhance food purchasing and budgeting skills. Activities include individual support for pre/postnatal women and their families, and increased support for breastfeeding mothers. Clients receive food vouchers to exchange for store-bought foods as well as country meat and fish from local hunters, who then exchange the vouchers for gasoline. This in turn facilitates more hunting and increases availability of country food for the community.

This project reaches out to women from outlying communities who come to Iqualuit to give birth as well as to the residents of Iqaluit itself. The goal of the project is to increase the mental, physical, and spiritual health of pregnant women at-risk, using both traditional and non-traditional ways of teaching. Program objectives include the development of a supportive learning environment based on the needs and desires of the participants. Budgeting, shopping and cooking skills will be developed among the participants through collective preparation of nutritious, economical meals utilizing traditional and non-traditional foods.

This project supporting local pregnant women at-risk consists of three integrated phases. The first phase promoted partnerships between community agencies, parents and families to improve prenatal health. This increased community awareness of pregnancy risk factors and non-institutional health resources as well as identifying specific local resources. The second phase was to recruit and train program staff, and to develop the participant recruitment strategy and program component. The third phase was the implementation of program activities and the fostering of community partnerships. Program components included education and skill development through nutrition counselling/ education, prenatal classes, breastfeeding promotion, baby feeding sessions and weekly cooking classes with food supplements.

This prenatal nutrition project offers a food supplementation component to address the nutritional needs of high risk pregnant women and provides various health promotion programs to facilitate their lifestyle awareness. Clients are involved in knowledge and skill development around issues such as food budgeting, shopping, menu planning and meal preparation. The health promotion programs address issues such as pre/postnatal care, labour and delivery, breastfeeding, nutrition, alcohol and drug abuse, smoking and other lifestyle factors pre/post-conception.

Funds for this project facilitate a comprehensive Community Wellness Planning Initiative for Hay River. The community has identified early childhood development as a priority. Support is provided in the area of prenatal education and awareness, with a focus on children and families at-risk. Issues identified by the community include poor prenatal nutrition, teenage pregnancies and the implications of pre/postnatal health, alcohol and substance abuse among expectant mothers, support for new parents, budgeting and cooking skills, infant nutrition, high risk pregnancies and infant care. There is a particular focus on breastfeeding support and information.

Community Action Program for Children

The objective of the toy lending library is to provide young children with the opportunity to play with others and to have exposure to educational toys, while increasing parental awareness of how they can participate in their child's development. It also provides opportunities for caregivers to identify children at-risk and to make special needs toys and books accessible to parents who otherwise may be unable to afford them. Workshops for parents are offered on a variety of topics.

This project seeks to offer quality programs and services to children who use the resources of the Centre and to children in the community at-large, by enlarging the availability of child care advocate workers. As well as providing counselling services to children staying at the shelter, the advocates also offer continuous follow-up and support to children and parents in the school environment. Educational programs focusing on parenting skills constitute a core element of the services provided.

This project promotes the health and social/intellectual development of children with developmental disabilities associated with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effect. The intent is to promote understanding, education and community action around the prevention of FAS/FAE and to facilitate the development of an effective community-based support system. Audio-visual materials and other resources are developed to promote the prevention of FAS/FAE and to support families who are dealing with this issue.

The goal of this project is to develop a community-based early intervention program which reaches at-risk pre-school children and their parents. The program provides ongoing preventive activity-based intervention for children with medical histories that place them at-risk for developmental delays or potential learning disabilities. The program enhances the intellectual, social and physical development of children, while strengthening and supporting the whole family. Project staff also work with parents to extend the program to homes and provide assistance on parenting issues.

The goal of the Small Steps Program is to develop a pre-school intervention program which provides holistic intervention strategies for children at-risk in Arviat and to improve parenting skills in the community. Under the supervision of the school principal and the inter-agency team, an intervention worker develops early childhood intervention plans for each child in consultation with agencies, parents and student support teachers. The close proximity of the intervention program with the daycare and the school allows for modelling of parent/child interaction and provides resource-sharing opportunities.

The goal of this project is to help Dene children have healthier and happier childhoods by increasing their families' ability to eliminate and deal with the effects of alcoholism, violence, child sexual abuse and other intergenerational dysfunctions in the home. This is done by providing mobile healing workshops, upon request, to Dene communities in the western Arctic. The workshops are experiential, participant-driven and culturally appropriate. Workshops cover areas such as FAS/FAE, anger management, parenting skills, communication skills, spousal abuse, sexual abuse, grieving and relationships. The promotion of health and social development within the context of community healing is the vision that directs the program. The overall mission is to support the re-building of families and communities.

This early intervention program will work in partnership with the Gameti Band to establish a licensed child centre for 3-4 year old community children as a way to promote knowledge and skill development for both children and their parents. The Centre will also provide student teacher training, and its programming will be both developmentally and culturally appropriate. All of these elements will help ensure the child's social, emotional, verbal, intellectual and physical readiness for kindergarten.

Community Animation Program

This project seeks to raise the profile of tobacco (including environmental tobacco smoke) as a major cause of cancer and to promote smoke-free restaurants and businesses in Yellowknife. Calling cards for use by the public to encourage non-smoking environments will be printed and distributed. A merchant recognition program to salute businesses active in promoting smoke-free environments will be launched, with press coverage, during national non-smoking week. The "Blitz" will also engage a high profile speaker to raise public awareness of the tobacco industry and its marketing activities directed towards new smokers.

The goal of this project is to organize a community clean-up that will help develop awareness of how a cleaner environment contributes to a healthier environment. Project activities include a dangerous goods round-up; the creation of educational materials and use of radio promotions; an awards celebration to honour all families whose homes have passed a home safety and property clean-up appraisal; and a poster contest for children to encourage a clean environment in their community.

Ecology North will sponsor a weekend workshop on participatory community education for sustainable living. Noel Keough and Colin Funk from Calgary will facilitate the workshop. These individuals are well known for their strong experience in popular education and participatory theatre as a means of teaching people about environmental issues. Participants in the workshop will develop ideas and implementation plans for projects on sustainable living in their home communities. Representatives from the eastern and western Arctic will be invited to participate in this event.

The Qikiqtarjuaq Interagency Group meets monthly to share information and collaborate on community issues. The group is composed of community members and a variety of health, business, education and environment professionals. Project monies will help strengthen group capacity to carry out their intersectoral activities. For example, the group will hire an individual to translate at monthly meetings, type and translate meeting minutes, call meetings, make community announcements on the radio and provide support for "group" radio programs on key community issues.

Twenty student members in the Destination Conservation Club from Grades 3 to 6 will organize a campaign to increase student awareness of energy concerns in our global community. Project activities will also include enhancing the paper and pop can recycling program in the school, making changes to exit lighting by using more energy efficient bulbs, installing lights with motion detectors in the entrances to save electricity, and purchasing timers for coffee makers and the computer lab so as to reduce energy consumption.

Storefront for Voluntary Agencies is a registered charity governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. This project will provide training in facilitation and strategic planning to pairs of executive directors and chairpersons in at least ten organizations in the eastern and western Arctic. This training experience will support the growth of a strong working relationship between the two key leaders of the organization, which in turn will facilitate on-going organizational development. Specifically, the executive director and chairperson will be better equipped to design and facilitate periodic planning sessions, community consultations and decision-making at regular board meetings.

This community kitchen for students will introduce information about basic nutrition, environmentally sound consumer choices and cost effective meal preparation. Many students who attend the school are from lower income homes and are often responsible for caring and cooking for siblings. Eight students will attend six weekly classes, after which a new set of students will enroll. Each student will bring home a family-sized portion after class and will receive a set of utensils at the end of the course. A manual will be developed to assist other schools to initiate a community kitchen for students.

These monies will support health and environment organizations to send representatives to workshops that will increase their capacity to address community-identified environment and health issues. Fees and travel expenses will be covered for events such as the Intersectoral Action Workshop sponsored by the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Harmony Foundation Institute for Environmental Values Education.

Population Health Fund

The goal of this project is to pilot a community-based breakfast and nutrition education program for thirty-five school- aged children from low-income families in Inuvik. The pilot project will involve planning a nutritionally balanced breakfast menu based on Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating, acquiring supplies and training volunteers who will assist with preparing and serving breakfast each school day. The project will also plan, implement and evaluate a practical, activity-based nutrition education program that targets children attending the breakfast program and their families. The Ingamo Hall Friendship Centre will host the program.

The Canadian Cancer Society and Dene Nation will hold a Cancer Information Workshop in Yellowknife for thirty candidates selected from small rural communities in the NWT. The goal of the project is to increase knowledge about cancer in the NWT and dispel myths and misconceptions about the disease. Workshop participants will be introduced to a Cancer Information Package (CIP) that presents culturally appropriate information on cancer derived from the NWT Cancer Registry. Following the workshop, participants will use the CIP to implement projects in their communities.

The project will work with community partners to plan, implement and evaluate a community consultation process leading to the development of a community addictions strategy in Rae-Edzo. The proposed community addictions strategy will include traditional methods of alcohol and drug counselling and rehabilitation. The strategy will also incorporate new community-based approaches focusing on prevention that target youth. Three community consultations are planned involving members of the Band Council and Community Services Board, as well as professional and resource staff, representatives of the target population and family members.

This project will work with the health centre, local Inuit organizations, schools, community representatives, elders and youth in Rankin Inlet to develop action plans to address crime prevention issues identified through a community consultation process. Project staff will work with the local Crime Prevention Specialist to increase awareness of the initiative, build community support and prepare funding proposals to implement and evaluate the action plans. Project partners will assist in promoting the community-based crime prevention initiative and will identify other potential partners and opportunities for funding.

Public Health Agency of Canada Alberta/NWT Region

Edmonton Office:

Suite 815, Canada Place
9700 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 4C3

Tel: (780) 495-2754
Fax: (780) 495-5537

Calgary Office:

620 Harry Hays Building
220 4th Avenue SE
Box 1236
Calgary, Alberta
T2G 4X3

Tel: (403) 292-6714
Fax: (403) 292-6696

Important Notices