program

11C Assembly of First Nations – Health Canada
Biomonitoring Project
Elsa La Corte, Assembly of First Nations
The First Nations Biomonitoring Initiative - National Results is a
national survey that collects information relevant to the health of
First Nations people through questionnaires and direct physical
measurements. The biomonitoring component examined the presence
of 97 environmental chemicals that were selected based on
considerations such as suspected health risks, level of public concern
and comparability with other studies. These environmental chemicals
were selected from a candidate list of over 200 individual chemicals
and groups.
Biomonitoring has become an essential tool in efforts to identify
and control peoples’ exposure to environmental chemicals. Human
biomonitoring is the measurement in people of a chemical, the
products it makes after it has broken down or the products that might
result from interactions in the body. Data can be used by scientists
to assess if there are potential health risks from household and
industrial chemicals present in an individual’s environment.
12A House Insurance On Reserve
Gil Saunders, Alliance First Nations Insurance Brokers
Inc. and Doug Clarke, Capri Insurance Services Ltd.
An outline of what to consider before making an insurance buying
decision, factors that affect premium cost and how to mitigate these
costs, whether for an individual’s policy or Community Housing.
Claims process, Underwriting factors and Loss Prevention as
they relate to availability and affordability of First Nation Housing
Insurance.
12B A Discussion on Providing Different Infrastructure
Delivery Options
Glen Ohs, Regional Manager, BC Coast, Corix Utilities, BC
Operations
Historically First Nations have not benefitted from the same degree of
economic development opportunities, in their traditional territories, to
the same degree as non-Aboriginal communities throughout the rest
of Canada. Individual communities are diverse in nature, each having
their own opportunities, challenges and constraints. Nonetheless they
all share a common desire. A desire to share in the opportunities
and create long-term well-paid employment for their young people. A
multi-generational vision, that will result in careers not just short-term
jobs. In order to achieve this objective of closing the socio-economic
gap, we need to focus on finding a sustainable solution or approach
for their communities. An approach that shares the generational
view. A solution that can offer career paths not just jobs. A regional
solution, owned by First Nations, operating in partnership for a longterm,
cost-effective and sustainable solution. This regional solution
promises to build long term local capacity not only with technical
skills and business acumen but also provide financial stability for the
First Nations now and in the future.
12C OCWA’s Experience on the Hub Model for Operations of
Water and Wastewater Facilities in Ontario
Eric Nielson, Senior Operations Manager, Northeastern
Ontario Hub, Ontario Clean Water Agency
The presentation will consist of a description of the Hub model used
by OCWA, and how it can be applied to First Nation facilities. We
will talk about our training, our flexibility, how we help First Nation
facilities operate under the guidance of strict water treatment
regulations. We will touch on the essential importance of clean
drinking water, and the importance of clean effluent water from
sewage treatment plants.
13A Shelter Allowance as it relates to Housing and the
implementation of a Universal Rental Regime
Donnie Garrow, Assembly of First Nations
Shelter allowance, which is part of Income Assistance, has been a
challenge to many communities especially in British Columbia, the
Prairie and Atlantic provinces. This session will attempt to provide
clarity on the situation surrounding Shelter Allowance and the
requirement to implement Universal Rental Regime in the community.
13B Affordable Homeownership and Building Skills with
Habitat for Humanity
Jay Thakar, Aboriginal Housing Program, Habitat for
Humanity
The Aboriginal Housing Program at Habitat provides Aboriginal
families access to affordable homeownership in both urban areas as
well as on Traditional Territories. The “Partnering Families” participate
in building their home and enhance their home maintenance and
financial management with Habitat. Over sixty Aboriginal families have
realized their dream of homeownership with Habitat over the last five
years. Let’s explore Habitat Partnership.
February, 3–5, 2014
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