National Health Initiatives

The Community Development Division (CDD) continues to tailor their programs to reflect the priorities outlined in the IRC Business Plan. The CDD was actively involved with ITK (Inuit Tapirisat of Kanatami) in assessing and developing an Inuit specific approach on a number of health related initiatives. It also accessed funds from the federal government to initiate a number of health related programs. A strong Inuvialuit presence was established on Territorial and National Health Committees to ensure long-term benefits to the overall health of Inuvialuit living in the ISR as well as in Urban Centres.

At the same time, IRC continued to participate in developing an Inuit Action Plan between Canada's Inuit and the Government of Canada. Priorities focused on income and employment, education and training, health, housing and language. The core principle of the plan advocates an Inuit Specific approach to all federal programs, policies and initiatives. Inuit have participated in national steering committees and working groups that include Health Canada and First Nations, or in pan-Aboriginal forums that also include Metis and non-status organizations.

Inuit have been invited to participate in national policy and programs development exercises for various programs, including the First Nations/Inuit Mental Health Framework; First Nations/Inuit Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program; Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effects national framework; Home and Community Care; Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative; Injury Prevention; and Health Data/Information Systems. Inuit have been a part of the numerous Information and Feedback Sessions held across the Inuit regions.

Health Canada's involvement in Territorial issues and programs is named the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, within the Northern Secretariat of Health Canada. Programs being promoted within the ISR are Brighter Futures, Mental Health, Canada Pre-natal Nutrition, Home and Community Care, Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative, Healthy Babies, Injury Prevention, Parenting Skills, Child Development and Aboriginal Head Start.