Aboriginal Liaison Strategy Update

The Canadian Paraplegic Association Ontario is now beginning to implement its Aboriginal Liaison Strategy across the province, beginning in the region of Thunder Bay.

As an immediate response to the needs identified at our round table sessions last May, I was hired in October, 2009 to begin to increase disability supports available to Aboriginal individuals living with physical disabilities. Currently, we are in the process of hiring a second Regional Services Coordinator for the Thunder Bay region. This is a new position and will be responsible for the Northwestern part of the region, including a dedicated mandate to do outreach to Aboriginal individuals living with a spinal cord injury or other physical disability.

As we move forward, CPA Ontario’s Aboriginal Liaison Strategy will strive to accomplish the following goals:

-Develop culturally sensitive supports for aboriginal clients when it is necessary for them to leave their home community for rehabilitation and other medical needs.

-Facilitate a smooth transition for Aboriginal clients to return to their home communities and to participate in a meaningful way.

-Find innovative ways to transport clients to and from their home communities.

-Increase disability awareness in remote communities.

-Develop partnerships and collaborative plans to meet priority needs of Aboriginal clients.

-Lobby Chiefs and Councils to improve supports for individuals with disabilities in their communities.

-Build a relationship with the Federal Government to inform and direct program development.

-This position will be a resource for each of the 21 provincial Regional Services Coordinators to utilize across the 14 LHINS.

We will also develop an effective communication strategy to ensure:

-Aboriginal Clients and families are aware of CPA Ontario and see value in accessing services.

-On reserve, health centre staff and Chiefs and Councils are aware of and seek assistance from a CPA Ontario Regional Services Coordinator.

-Reach individuals with physical disabilities living in First Nations communities.

-Facilitate meetings, when required, with Chief and Council when clients are released from hospital.

-Staff is knowledgeable about the complexities and challenges of federal jurisdiction over reserve services.

And we will strive to find creative solutions to do outreach in remote communities:

-Utilize teleconferencing capabilities using the Ontario Telemedicine Network.

-Develop educational videos and materials to be available in communities and on-line.

-Develop web-based message boards, support networks, and blogging/information sharing.

-Explore using strategies learned from the peer support model that we are creating on the Six Nation’s Reserve in the development of a culturally sensitive peer support model for Aboriginal/First Nations individuals with a spinal cord injury.

CPA Ontario also recognizes the need to ensure that every aspect of the Aboriginal Strategy is developed in a way that is culturally sensitive, culturally competent, and culturally safe.

In order to address the unique challenges and needs identified it will be important to forge partnerships and develop a collaborative approach to service delivery. Therefore, we welcome all ideas, suggestions, and questions you may have. Please contact me directly with any comments or questions at:

Darren Lillington
Regional Services Coordinator, Thunder Bay
Tel: (807) 344-3743
Toll Free: 1-866-344-4159
Fax: (807) 344-9490
Darren.lillington@cpaont.org.