October 2021 Atlantic Indigenous Health Conference: Full Schedule

NOTE: agenda subject to change

10:00am ADT

Opening Prayer & Remarks

Speakers

Paul Prosper

Regional Chief

Paul Prosper is Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations and represents the Mi’kmaw Chiefs of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Prior to his appointment in 2020, he served as Chief of Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation from 2013 to 2020. Paul is a proud graduate of the IB&M Initiative... Read More →

Vanessa Nevin

Director of Health, Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat

Vanessa Nevin is the Director of Health at the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Secretariat and comes from Sipekne’katik First Nation within Mi’kmaki. Vanessa leads a dynamic health department that works to improve the health and wellbeing of First Nations through participation... Read More →

Dr. Imelda Perley

Elder and Cultural Consultant, Oluwikoneyak Weckuwapasihtit and Ciw Wolakomiksuwakon

Dr. Perley is a member of St. Mary’s First Nation who is currently the Elder-in-Residence at Chief Harold Sappier Memorial Elementary School. She is also a part-time instructor at UNB teaching Wolastoqey Language and Wabanaki Worldviews courses. Imelda is retired from her position... Read More →

Tuesday October 5, 2021 10:00am - 10:30am ADT

Remarks & Cultural Teachings

10:30am ADT

Two Moccasins, Two Worlds

You have two moccasins on your feet, walk in both worlds, Grandson. Learn what they learn, always remember where home is though.” A highly personal keynote, Ryan shares his story of failure & triumph and charts his path from a kid that grew up “in the bush” to becoming the first Indigenous comedian to ever a record a full mainstream comedy special with CBC TV. At times, heartbreaking, at times hilarious, Ryan’s honest take on the intergenerational effects of residential school on him and his family, his (re)connection to culture & ceremony and the balance it takes to live in today’s contemporary context is all covered in the this forward-looking & challenging keynote presentation."

Speakers

Ryan McMahon

Founder & CEO, Makoons Media Group

Ryan McMahon is an Anishinaabe comedian, writer, media maker and community activator from Couchiching First Nation in Treaty 3 Territory. As the founder & CEO of Makoons Media Group, Ryan brings indigenous stories to light through conversations, research & investigation. He provides... Read More →

Tuesday October 5, 2021 10:30am - 12:00pm ADT

Keynote

12:00pm ADT

Break for Lunch

Tuesday October 5, 2021 12:00pm - 1:30pm ADT

Break

1:30pm ADT

Cultural Teaching

Tuesday October 5, 2021 1:30pm - 2:00pm ADT

Remarks & Cultural Teachings

2:00pm ADT

Healing Our Spirits

We must acknowledge our ancestral medicines that continue to guide our wholistic healing journeys as we stand strong to maintain our cultural resiliency against the threat of Covid and the many strains of systemic racism that attack our cultural safety. This session will share the gift of naming ceremonies from the womb to beyond as one of the many traditional healing ways of knowing. Naming Ceremonies are used to weave spiritual, emotional, physical and mental strength to nourish our passion for ancestral knowledge needed for our wholistic well-being. Opolahsomuwehs ‘21

Speakers

Dr. Imelda Perley

Elder and Cultural Consultant, Oluwikoneyak Weckuwapasihtit and Ciw Wolakomiksuwakon

Tuesday October 5, 2021 2:00pm - 3:00pm ADT

Plenary

3:00pm ADT

Honouring Our People Awards

Tuesday October 5, 2021 3:00pm - 3:30pm ADT

Remarks & Cultural Teachings

3:30pm ADT

Closing Remarks

Tuesday October 5, 2021 3:30pm - 3:45pm ADT

Remarks & Cultural Teachings

10:00am ADT

Tajikeimɨk Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Health and Wellness

Speakers

Philippa Pictou

Director of Policy and Planning, Tajikeimɨk

Philippa Pictou is a proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who lives on a small hobby farm outside Truro, Nova Scotia. She is a member of Millbrook First Nation. Philippa has a Master of Social Work Degree from Dalhousie University and a Certificate in Community Development... Read More →

Sharon Rudderham

Director of Health Transformation, Tajikeimik

Sharon is a Mi’kmaq from the First Nation community of Membertou located in beautiful Unama’ki (Cape Breton),Nova Scotia. Sharon and her husband are proud parents of one daughter Kayla. Sharon is a child of a Shubenacadie Residential school survivor and she has been a passionate... Read More →

Wednesday October 6, 2021 10:00am - 11:05am ADT

Plenary

11:05am ADT

Break

Wednesday October 6, 2021 11:05am - 11:15am ADT

Break

11:15am ADT

Jordan’s Principle: Putting Children First

Limited Capacity seats available

Jordan's Principle is a child-first principle ensuring First Nations children get the services they need when they need them. Learn about how we can all ensure First Nations young people can access public services in a way that is reflective of their distinct cultural needs, takes full account of the historical disadvantage linked to colonization, and without experiencing any service denials, delays or disruptions because they are First Nations.

Speakers

Brittany Mathews, BA

Reconciliation and Research Coordinator, Michif and a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta

Brittany (she/her) is Michif and a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. Her family more recently comes from St. Paul, Alberta with ancestry from St. Francois Xavier, Manitoba. She grew up in the Bow Valley of Alberta and moved to Ottawa to pursue an undergraduate degree at the... Read More →

Wednesday October 6, 2021 11:15am - 12:00pm ADT

Breakout Session

11:15am ADT

L’nuwey Pisun-Mi’kmaq Medicine

Limited Capacity seats available

A brief presentation about how L’nuwin Pisun came to the Mi’kmaq and what are some of the more common plants used by the L’nu in treating many conditions. Particular emphasis will are on Maskwiomin and its uses in treating skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and it’s potential for diabetic foot care.

Speakers

Tuma Young

Teaches Mi’kmaq Studies, Cape Breton University

Tuma Young, LL.M, QC is an L’nu (Mi’kmaq) from Malagawatch First Nation and his band is Eskasoni First Nation. Tuma was born into the Attu’wej (Squirrel) clan for the Aplikjumuj (Rabbit) clan, Tuma is the spouse of Nicolaas Honig and resides in Sydney River where he teaches... Read More →

Wednesday October 6, 2021 11:15am - 12:00pm ADT

Breakout Session

11:15am ADT

Medicine Wheel Health: Learning to incorporate physical, mental, spiritual and environmental wellbeing into our health goals.

Limited Capacity seats available

Medicine Wheel Health: Learning to incorporate physical, mental, spiritual and environmental wellbeing into your health goals. We will start with decolonizing mainstream health fitness ideals and then reconstruct them based on Indigenous values and true holistic health.

Speakers

Jesse Benjamin

Personal Trainer, Veterinarian, Fancy Shawl Dancer, and Mi’kmaq artisan

Jesse Benjamin is a mother of 4, a Personal Trainer, a Veterinarian, Fancy Shawl Dancer, and Mi’kmaq artisan. She is the founder of Two Eyed Wellness: which helps Indigenous people reclaim their health and holistic wellness through fitness and nutrition programs that combine modern... Read More →

Wednesday October 6, 2021 11:15am - 12:00pm ADT

Breakout Session

11:15am ADT

Mi'kmaq Cancer Care Strategy

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

Karlee Francis

Cancer Learning and Capacity Development Lead, Mi'kmaq Cancer Care Strategy

Karlee Francis is a Mi'kmaw woman from Eskasoni, First Nation. She received her education from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia and graduated from the Bachelor of Science (Medical Sciences) program in 2018. She is a fluent speaker in the Mi'kmaq language and graduated... Read More →

Chelsea Googoo

Advocacy Case Manager/Social Worker, Union of N.S. Mi'kmaq

Chelsea Googoo is a Mi’kmaw woman who is originally from the community of Eskasoni, N.S. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Dalhousie University in 2006 and her Bachelor of Social Work from St. Thomas University in Fredericton, N.B. in 2014. She has worked with the Mi’kmaq... Read More →

Dylan Letendre

Project Manager/Health Promotion & Cancer Screening Lead, Mi’kmaw Cancer Care Strategy

Dylan Letendre is Michif/Metis from the community of Batoche in Saskatchewan. He has a degree in Economics and International Development from Dalhousie University and is the Project Manager/Health Promotion & Cancer Screening Lead with the Mi’kmaw Cancer Care Strategy at the Union... Read More →

Wednesday October 6, 2021 11:15am - 12:00pm ADT

Breakout Session

11:15am ADT

Moose Hide Campaign

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

Raven Lacerte

Co-founder and National Ambassador, Moose Hide Campaign

David Stevenson

CEO, Moose Hide Campaign

David Stevenson is CEO of the Moose Hide Campaign. David has worked in Indigenous social wellness for over 25years-from Native youth outreach worker in Vancouver’s Downtown East End to executive positions in government leading reconciliation initiatives.He is of Irish, French and... Read More →

Wednesday October 6, 2021 11:15am - 12:00pm ADT

Breakout Session

12:00pm ADT

Break For Lunch

Wednesday October 6, 2021 12:00pm - 1:30pm ADT

Break

1:00pm ADT

Powwow Fitness

Bodyweight only, strength exercise class, combined with powwow dance moves to create one sweaty and fun workout!

Speakers

Jesse Benjamin

Personal Trainer, Veterinarian, Fancy Shawl Dancer, and Mi’kmaq artisan

Wednesday October 6, 2021 1:00pm - 1:30pm ADT

Break

1:30pm ADT

Cultural Teaching & Performance

Speakers

Morgan Toney & Keith Mullins

Mi’kmaq Singer-Songwriter/Fiddler

Morgan Toney is a 22-year-old Mi’kmaq Singer-Songwriter/Fiddler from Wagmatcook First Nation. Morgan combines his Mi’kmaq roots and his love of Cape Breton Celtic tunes in the creation of this fresh new music which he calls “Mi’kmaltic. He has a debut album produced by multiple... Read More →

Crystal Gloade

Artist, Birchbark Quilled Crafts

Millbrook First Nation Artist, Crystal Gloade, has been perfecting her crafts since her early teens. For years, she has shared the knowledge of her crafts by putting on community workshops throughout Mi’kmaw country.Her real passion is working with birch bark, sweet grass, and quills... Read More →

Wednesday October 6, 2021 1:30pm - 2:00pm ADT

Remarks & Cultural Teachings

2:00pm ADT

Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance

Speakers

Naomi Bird

Junior Policy Analyst, W2SA

Naomi Bird (they/them) is a Two-Spirit Nehithaw (Woods Cree) person and community organizer from Treaty 6 territory. After graduating from Dalhousie University Naomi began working with the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance as a junior policy analyst. This fall Naomi began their masters... Read More →

Wednesday October 6, 2021 2:00pm - 3:00pm ADT

Plenary

3:00pm ADT

Honouring Our People Awards

Wednesday October 6, 2021 3:00pm - 3:30pm ADT

Remarks & Cultural Teachings

3:30pm ADT

Closing Remarks

Wednesday October 6, 2021 3:30pm - 3:45pm ADT

Remarks & Cultural Teachings

10:00am ADT

The Road Less Traveled

From student council President in a small rural high school, to valedictorian of her law school class, and a national TV show, Candy Palmater’s life experiences are at once unique and universal. Her varied career has included 10 years with the Nova Scotia Department of Education and a brief stint on CBC radio where Canadians fell in love with her. Harper Collins is about to publish her first book, a memoir of her wild and wonderful life. This orateur, writer and humorist will, through words of guidance and personal stories, share her passionate perspective on inclusion, radical self- acceptance and the love of reading. You will feel empowered to affect change in yourself, your family and your community.
Prepare to laugh, cry, and be uplifted!

Speakers

Candy Palmater

Orator, writer, humorist and actor, The Candy Show

Candy Palmater is an, orator, writer, humorist and actor. She created and hosted The Candy Show, an award- winning national television variety series for APTN. She also hosted The Candy Palmater Show on CBC Radio One. She is a regular contributor to The Next Chapter and Because... Read More →

Thursday October 7, 2021 10:00am - 11:05am ADT

Keynote

11:05am ADT

Break

Thursday October 7, 2021 11:05am - 11:15am ADT

Break

11:15am ADT

Addressing Lateral Violence: Restored Spirit

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

Marilyn A. Francis

Marilyn is a Mi’kmaq mom, grandmother and auntie, with 3 adult children and 10 grandchildren. She resides in Kespuwitk, the traditional land of her people, known as Mi’kma’ki aka Yarnouth, NS.Marilyn is dedicated to preserving and promoting Mi’kmaq traditions, teachings, language... Read More →

Thursday October 7, 2021 11:15am - 12:00pm ADT

Breakout Session

11:15am ADT

Atlantic Indigenous Para-Sport Opportunities

Limited Capacity seats available

Indigenous ParaSport opportunities in the Atlantic Region are now growing with more and more communities, organizations and investment support the development of Indigenous athletes, coaches, programs and infrastructure. This initiative is working together with individuals, communities and leaders to increase access and participation to ongoing training, athlete and coaching programs and events.

Speakers

Robert Bernard

Business owner of a number of Indigenous owned companies

Robert Bernard is a business owner of a number of Indigenous owned companies, most recently thecreation of its new business called “Indigenous Guide Consulting Services” in 2020. These companiesare based out of We’koqma’q L’nu’ekati - Mi’kmaw Nation in beautiful Unama’ki... Read More →

Thursday October 7, 2021 11:15am - 12:00pm ADT

Breakout Session

11:15am ADT

N'uwey Apogonmati: Holding our people together

Limited Capacity seats available

This presentation will share insights from the Matriarchal Worldview/Grandmothers' understanding of our creation stories and the importance of language to oral traditions as blueprint to guide us forward. The acknowledged, deep, love we hold for the Earth, our Mother, is experienced within the ceremony in our Bodies, cycles of our Life, and Consciousness made Whole by our language. Our ancient societies were mother centered and mother-based; motherhood is the foundation of our ancestral ways. What does it mean and why is this knowledge so important for our wellbeing and wellbeing of all life? Our Clanmothers/Grandmothers provide deeper understanding of our Selves, of our History, Values, Beliefs and Practices. All through our History, it was understood women were the life-givers and original teachers.

Speakers

Miigam’agan

Elder-in-Residence, St. Thomas University in Fredericton, NB

Miigam’agan is a Wabanaki/Mi’kmaw grandmother of the Jagej Clan from Esgenoôpetitj/ Burnt Church. She is a mother of three wonderful people and a grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren. Her life has been devoted to rematriation in Wabanaki drawing on her language. She is... Read More →

Thursday October 7, 2021 11:15am - 12:00pm ADT

Breakout Session

11:15am ADT

The Truth about Success: Taking Control of the Evaluation Agenda

Limited Capacity seats available

Evaluation has the potential to be a positive force in supporting reconciliation. For far too long, evaluation in Indigenous communities has been an extractive process where community has been strictly the subject or evaluand, rather than the driver of the evaluation. Community context and values have been lost in inauthentic processes where judgements regarding success have been made based on the standards of the dominant culture. This presentation will provide a brief overview of the differences between Euro-Western and Indigenous approaches to evaluation. In addition, a brief overview of potential tools and approaches that can be used to help Indigenous communities control their own evaluation agendas.

Speakers

Larry K. Bremner, CE FCES

Proactive Information Services Inc.

Larry, who has worked in evaluation for 40+ years, is proud of his Métis heritage and is passionate about issues of equity and access. He believes too many evaluations focus on programs whose ‘beneficiaries’ (individuals, communities) are seen as having needs or deficits, rather... Read More →

Thursday October 7, 2021 11:15am - 12:00pm ADT

Breakout Session

12:00pm ADT

Break For Lunch

Thursday October 7, 2021 12:00pm - 1:30pm ADT

Break

1:30pm ADT

Cultural Teaching & Performance

Speakers

Aaron Prosper

Aaron Prosper is a member of Eskasoni First Nation and now resides in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. In 2017-2018, Aaron served as President of the Dalhousie Students’ Union, becoming the first Indigenous person to serve in this role.A graduate of Dalhousie’s Bachelor of Science (Neuroscience... Read More →

Thursday October 7, 2021 1:30pm - 2:00pm ADT

Remarks & Cultural Teachings

2:00pm ADT

First Nations are Rooted in Resilience

This presentation will offer a culture-based definition of resilience and explain the inherent nature of resilience from an Indigenous Worldview. The culture-based concept of resiliency discussed here also supports identification of one's own resiliency traits and characteristics that have transcended historical oppression and current-day adversity.

Speakers

Carol Hopkins

CEO, Thunderbird Partnership Foundation

Carol Hopkins is the CEO of the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation (a division of the National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation) and is of the Lenape Nation at Moraviantown, ON. Carol was appointed as an Officer in the Order of Canada, 2018. In 2019, she was recognized... Read More →

Thursday October 7, 2021 2:00pm - 3:00pm ADT

Plenary

3:00pm ADT

Honouring Our People Awards

Thursday October 7, 2021 3:00pm - 3:15pm ADT

Remarks & Cultural Teachings

3:15pm ADT

Closing Prayer & Remarks

Speakers

Vanessa Nevin

Director of Health, Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat

Laurie Ann Nicholas, BSc, RD, CFNHM

Registered Dietitian and a Certified First Nation Health Manager, First Nation Health

Laurie Ann is a Wolastoqey (Maliseet) woman from the Neqotkuk (Tobique) First Nation in New Brunswick. She is employed as the Indian Day School/60s Scoop Coordinator.She is a Cultural Practitioner, drummer, traditional dancer and a pipe carrierLaurie Ann graduated in 1988 from St... Read More →

Thursday October 7, 2021 3:15pm - 3:45pm ADT

Remarks & Cultural Teachings