Partnerships

Aboriginal Nurse, The,  Dec 2000  

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A.N.A.C. have undertaken a project with the Planned Parenthood Federation of Canada (PPFC) which will identify and better address sexual and reproductive health concerns of Aboriginal peoples. The project, funded by the EJLB Foundation, over three years will, pull together information about existing resources, provide new material to fill the gaps and produce and pilot a Sourcebook. This will be done collaboratively with both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organizations.

Specific directions for the project emerged from a national Aboriginal roundtable organized by A.N.A.C. in February, 1999.The purpose of the roundtable was to produce a response from Canadian Aboriginal communities to the twenty-- year action plan produced at the `International Conference on Population and Development' held in Cairo in 1994.The response was in preparation for the 1999 follow-up meeting and addressed a number of special concerns for Aboriginal people raised by the action plan, particularly in the area of sexual and reproductive health. Roundtable participants identified gaps in culturally appropriate infor mation and tools for programs and services in sexual and reproductive health.Additional guidance for the Sourcebook project was obtained by consulting national and local Aboriginal organizations, the Planned Parenthood Federation of Canada (PPFC) and its affiliates, and federal government officials.

The sourcebook will include information about:

* re-affirmation and community support for motherhood and fatherhood;

* maternal and child health, including contraception, pre-natal nutrition, food security, substance abuse, fetal alcohol effects, breast-feeding, parenting support, etc.;

* support for parents in aiding healthy child development and providing sexual and reproductive health education;

* gender issues;

* violence and sexual violence, the legacy of residential schools;

* services for prostitutes, street youth, the homeless;

* STD's including the rapid increase in HIV/AIDS in Aboriginal communities;

* spiritual aspects, attitudes and values;

* accessible and appropriate health services for Aboriginal women,

* re-affirmation of traditions and culture as a way strengthening identity and pride and reducing self-destructive behavior

We are currently in the first phase of gathering information and materials. If you know about resources, tools, programs, stories, etc. which you think could be part of the Sourcebook, contact at A.N.A.C. Head Office at 613-724-4677.

The Planned Parenthood Federation of Canada is a prochoice, volunteer organization dedicated to promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights in Canada and in developing countries. They are the only non-government organisation in Canada that provides services, information and counseling exclusively on sexual and reproductive health. For more than 30 years, PPFC has worked nationally and internationally to ensure that people have access to universal, reliable information and services in order to make informed decisions related to their sexual and reproductive health. Twenty-seven independent Planned Parenthood affiliates in 68 communities across Canada provide clinical services, education, and counseling to over 310,000 Canadians every year; ninety percent of these clients are under 30, the vast majority of which are women. As a member of the International Planned Parenthood Federation PPFC actively supports projects to improve the sexual and reproductive health of women, men and youth in developing countries. PPFC projects work in partnership with local governments and non-governmental institutions.

As a voluntary organization, Planned Parenthood Federation of Canada is managed by an Executive Director, Bonnie Johnson who reports to a voluntary Board of Directors. A staff of 12 employees and 5 volunteers works with the Executive Director to promote sexual and reproductive health issues across Canada and in developing countries. Bonnie is originally from Manitoba and Saskatchewan where she worked and volunteered with community health centers and within the women's health movement. Bonnie has served on both the board of directors of the Canadian Abortion Rights Action League and PPFC's board of directors during the 1980's. Bonnie has been Executive Director of PPFC for the past 10 years.

For more information about PPFC, visit their website at www.ppfc.ca

Copyright Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada Dec 2000
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