Culturally appropriate care closer to home projects

Partner: Government of Yukon

This project is a collaborative effort between Yukon First Nations governments, Council of Yukon First Nations, Government of Yukon, and Yukon Hospital Corporation, to develop the Yukon First Nations Cancer Care Strategy, building on previous work funded by the Partnership. This project will focus on:

• Finalizing the Yukon First Nations Cancer Care Strategy through ongoing engagement with the Oversight Committee and working groups
• Creating a visual representation of the strategy that reflects First Nations perspectives and priorities
• Developing a sustainability and implementation plan for the strategy
• Establishing data linkage and governance processes to support cancer data and knowledge development
• Finalizing a feasibility report on mobile screening services

Partner: Cancer Care Alberta

This work supports the implementation of the Action Plan to Strengthen Indigenous Cancer Care in Alberta, developed by Cancer Care Alberta and First Nations and Métis communities through a previous Partnership-funded initiative. Working with provincial and local partners, the project helps to build a more inclusive and responsive cancer care system, by:

• Enhancing relationships and fostering culturally safer care environments
• Co-creating knowledge and improving access and continuity of care
• Building respectful partnerships and supporting traditional healing practices
• Increasing Indigenous representation in the cancer care workforce
• Delivering care closer to home

Partner: Métis Settlements in Alberta

In collaboration with Elders, Knowledge Keepers and local health and community partners, this project addresses the cancer prevention needs of Métis youth residing on Métis settlements across Northern Alberta by:

• Strengthening cancer prevention knowledge among Métis youth through promoting awareness of healthy lifestyle choices
• Engaging Métis youth in interactive learning activities supported by Métis settlement Elders and Knowledge Keepers, focused on relevant health issues and concerns, such as HPV and HPV vaccination
• Supporting holistic well-being among youth through the sharing of Métis culture, teachings and traditions as a foundation for lifelong health
• Participating in collaborative activities with Métis Settlement Family Resource Centre partners to share project outcomes with community partners
• Hosting youth-healthcare provider dialogues to support knowledge sharing about culturally safe and appropriate health services delivery and programs for Métis/Indigenous youth

Partner: Saskatchewan Cancer Agency

The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and partners are working to advance culturally safe, equitable cancer care. It is guided by Indigenous priorities and improved data systems and will focus on:

• Co-developing a First Nations and Métis Cancer Strategy grounded in First Nation and Métis community priorities.
• Advancing prevention and care initiatives by improving screening access, enhancing navigation and creating culturally appropriate resources.
• Embedding cultural responsiveness and Indigenous principles by expanding training and applying advisory committee guidance.
• Recruiting and retaining Indigenous staff by implementing targeted strategies to build a culturally responsive workforce.

Partner: Métis Nation Saskatchewan

This initiative supports culturally safe, community driven cancer care and prevention for Métis across Saskatchewan by:

• Supporting prevention and education through a peer support network, culturally grounded materials on smoking cessation and HPV awareness, and youth-focused messaging delivered via a train-the-trainer model
• Developing a Métis Cancer Prevention Action Plan informed by community input, and co-creating a Métis-specific cancer control strategy with the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency
• Advancing research and data governance by building research capacity, developing a Métis Cancer Surveillance Plan to access and repatriate relevant Métis health information data to inform health promotion
• Strengthening partnerships and advocacy with provincial health bodies and researchers to promote Métis-led cancer strategies and uphold data sovereignty

Partner: Tungasuvvingat Inuit

Guided by Inuit-led advisory groups and Elders, the project aims to improve access to culturally safe services and supports for urban Inuit in Ontario, address gaps in Inuit-specific data and education and embed Inuit knowledge and leadership into cancer care and planning by:

• Strengthening health system partnerships
• Engaging Inuit communities, youth and service providers in culturally grounded planning
• Enhancing prevention and screening, including youth-focused smoking cessation and Inuit-specific education
• Improving access to care through peer support, mental health services and culturally relevant training
• Advancing Inuit-led research and data systems to inform planning and promote health equity

Partner: Métis Nation of Ontario

This initiative leverages Métis Nation of Ontario data and cancer system partnerships to increase awareness, resources and access to cancer-related information for Métis citizens in Ontario by:

• Developing accessible resources to support screening, treatment and holistic health
• Creating storytelling tools to promote awareness of ovarian, cervical, colon and prostate cancers
• Hosting educational gatherings and support sessions
• Strengthening data partnerships and evaluating culturally tailored resources

Partner: Neqotkuk Health Centre

Building on a prior project which led to the development of a New Brunswick First Nations Cancer Plan, this initiative will contribute to a more culturally responsive and coordinated cancer care system for First Nations in New Brunswick by:

• Enhancing and strengthening collaboration between First Nations communities and tribal councils, non-profit and provincial health system partners through partnership tables and cultural competency training
• Co-developing a discharge protocol with Horizon and Vitalité Health Networks
• Developing culturally based survivorship and smoking cessation programming and education materials
• Establishing First Nations-governed data systems

Partner: Health PEI

The project aims to reduce barriers and increase access to culturally safe cancer care within the Health PEI cancer care program. This will be achieved by:

• Co-developing and implementing culturally appropriate training for healthcare providers with First Nations partners
• Integrating First Nations culture and community participation to eliminate barriers to equitable cancer care
• Establishing partnership tables to support collaboration among First Nations communities, Health PEI and government
• Promoting culturally safe care that reflects First Nations values, knowledge, and health priorities

Partner: First Nations Health Managers Association

This project aims to strengthen leadership capacity of First Nations health leaders through:

• Developing a workshop that explores First Nations cancer experiences, with emphasis on prevention, screening and access to care
• Incorporating regionally and jurisdictionally specific content into learning activities to ensure local relevance and practical application
• Equipping First Nations health leaders with tools to apply a public health lens in their programs and services to support improved cancer care and outcomes

Partner: Métis National Council

This project supports the Governing Members of the Métis Nation aiming to improve cancer care, prevention and awareness across the Métis Homeland. Guided by the voices and experiences of Métis citizens affected by cancer—and building on priorities identified through previous Partnership-funded work—the project will focus on:

• Supporting the development and implementation of strategies tailored to Métis priorities and lived experiences
• Gathering and analyzing data and reporting on cancer prevalence, care experiences and current initiatives
• Initiating national dialogues to identify care gaps, barriers, successes and challenges in cancer care models

Partner: Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services

This initiative aims to build trusting relationships and strengthen engagement between First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and the provincial cancer care program. It addresses the need for culturally safe, welcoming environments for First Nations, Inuit and Métis patients and families across the cancer care system. The project will focus on:

• Building trust through engagement with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners and communities
• Embedding standardized cultural safety training across the cancer care system
• Expanding access to culturally appropriate Peoples-specific cancer care resources and supports