The pandemic has had major impacts on the health system, particularly for public health departments who find themselves in the centre of this crisis. Public health departments have had to rapidly adjust to their new realities. Indigenous communities have faced unique public health challenges and public health has needed to adapt to these heterogenous communities’ unique needs. In the James Bay Cree Nations, a regional public health approach to COVID-19 was challenging, particularly without many Cree team members to facilitate interactions with community members. Meanwhile, Cree communities took on major roles in the COVID response, bringing many local actors to the table. These communities also clearly identified their priorities during the pandemic, which were often different from provincial priorities at the time. By working together, regional public health and Cree communities developed local testing and contact tracing activities, including a contact tracer training program that was developed by the Eeyou Eenou (Cree) population for the Eeyou Eenou population. This contact tracing training was accompanied by contact tracing support and tool development for communities to undertake their own contact tracing or public health activities adapted to the community’s needs. The community’s expertise is paramount in the implementation of effective interventions that are adapted to local needs. In this half-day, we will share our experiences and reflect on the elements needed for the successful development of programs that are “by and for” indigenous and other communities.
This activity aims to capture the importance of collaboration with community partners in public health COVID interventions.
This training is designed for community partners as well as public health professionals who are interested in developing locally-tailored communicable disease interventions.
Pedagogical objectives of this half-day
At the end of the half-day, participants will be able to:
- explain the process leading to the creation of community partnerships for the implementation of a sustainable public health intervention in an Indigenous context;
- identify facilitators and barriers for building community partnerships.
Half-day facilitator
- Robin Gull Saganash, Regional Lead Community Contact Tracer and Trainer- Regional Public Health department of Cree Board of health and social services of James Bay
Noon to 1:45 p.m.
Lunch – Tour of posted communications and exhibitors (lunch is included for half-day participants)
Partie 1
1:45 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Welcome and introduction of afternoon with polls to get to know the participants.
2:00 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.
Presentation: Introduction to Eeyou Istchee and working in public health in the region. This session will touch on demographic, cultural, social, and political aspects.
Lucy Trapper: Coordinator of Chishaayiyuu and Team Lead response to community interventions liaison COVID-19 - Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay.
Paul Linton: Assistant director Chishaayiyuu - Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay.
2:20 p.m. to 2:35 p.m.
Presentation: “By and for”: Developing public health programs that were developed by Crees and for Crees.
Justine Daoust Lalande: Infectious Diseases Coordinator - Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay.
Lucy Trapper: Coordinator of Chishaayiyuu and Team Lead response to community interventions liaison COVID-19 - Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay.
2:35 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Questions and discussion with participants
2:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Small group discussion: what facilitators and barriers do you foresee for implementing the “by and by” approach in your work?
3:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Return to large group to share ideas from small group discussions.
3:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Short break
Part 2
3:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Presentation: Example 1: Community contact tracing for COVID-19.
Robin Gull Saganash: Regional Lead Community Contact Tracer and Trainer- Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay.
Catherine Dickson: Public Health and Preventive Medicine Specialist- Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay.
Clarence Jolly, Director of Public Safety, Cree Nation of Nemaska.
3:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Presentation: Example 2: Community COVID-19 rapid test clinics.
Jason Coonishish: Coordinator of Pre Hospital and Emergency Measures- Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay.
Justine Daoust Lalande: Infectious Diseases Coordinator- Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay.
Clarence Jolly, Director of Public Safety, Cree Nation of Nemaska.
4:00 p.m. to 4:10 p.m.
Question and discussion period with participants
4:10 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Small group activity: discussion of public health vignettes.
4:30 p.m. to 4:50 p.m.
Return to large group to share ideas from small group activity.
4:50 p.m. to 5:05 p.m.
Session wrap up with reflection on lessons learned and group polling activity.
Scientific committee
Responsible
-
Colleen Fuller, Physician in Charge of the Regional Public Health COVID Response, Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay.
Member
- Priscilla Weapenicappo, COVID Manager and Coordinator of Routine Services and Chishaayiyuu, Eastmain Miyupimaatisiiun Community Centres, Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay.