Untitled - Phoenix Sinclair Inquiry

The Maternal Child Health Program across Canada is a new initiative and as such has and
will require commitment to resources and shared expertise, creative space, experience, and
knowledge acquisition for a meaningful unfolding of the program. Growing pains are to be
expected. Given its newness, specifically in the context of an indigenous population, it would
be inappropriate to apply any rigid standard or measurement of ‘success’ to programming.
Instead, Kim Scott of Kishk Anaquot Health Research writing on the National Maternal Child
Health Evaluation Strategy suggests, “MCH teams should consider ‘success’, in terms of
progression or travel on the journey because this expression better recognizes the process of
growth. Journeys require rest; travelers get lost, arrive in unexplored territories or circle back
towards the beginning and start again. Initiated in the spirit of enhancing life outcomes for
First Nations’ children and their families, MCH must first focus on the attainment of early
implementation objectives (2006: 1).
FNIHB committed to a bilateral process with the Assembly of First Nations on policy issues
and long-term monitoring of all early childhood interventions implemented in First Nation
communities. The AFN then consulted with their regional constituencies to discuss ongoing
development and implementation protocol. The National Maternal Child Health Program team
reports to the Director Child and Youth Division at FNIHB and the Director General of the
Community Programs Directorate. In Manitoba, the regional communications and management
protocol mirrors the national model having the regional SF-MCH team (co-managed between
AMC and FNIH) reporting up through the regional to national FNIH(B) offices.
The national evaluation plan was prepared in a consultative process that included key
stakeholders from community, regional and federal levels. Meetings in 2005 included
volunteers from First Nation communities, FNIH regional representatives, representatives
from Provincial and Territorial Organizations affiliated to the Assembly of First Nations and a
representative from the Assembly of First Nations.
NATIONAL MCH EVALUATION GUIDELINES
The following information was provided to the regions by the national office, prepared by
Kishk Anaquot Health Research. SF-MCH used this information as a starting point for the
development of a grounded research-evaluation approach – grounded in terms emanating from
the knowledge, experience, traditions, and interests of the Manitoba SF-MCH participants and
staff.
The national guidelines advise on evaluation activities, anticipated outcomes, a logic model,
evaluation plan development for process and impact evaluation and methodologies. Several of
these evaluation topics are summarized in turn.
ACTIVITIES
Early developmental activities are to include consultation and development of MCH with
First Nation organizations and communities. Program development activities would include:
selection and design of specific training opportunities, culturally reflective performance
measurement tools and evaluation strategies capable of supporting an evidence-based approach
to program expansion.
Manitoba First Nation Strengthening Families Maternal Child Health Pilot Project | 31