5th Annual Vancouver Island Chiefs Health Symposium
Dear Chiefs/Designates:
RE: 5th Annual Chiefs Health Symposium Invitation
Date: October 27, 2008 – 6:30pm-8:30pm – Welcome Reception (deserts & coffee will be served)
October 28, 2008 – 8:30am – 4:30pm – Symposium (lunch will be served)
Location: Vancouver Island Conference Centre
101 Gordon Street, Nanaimo, BCTheme: Who Speaks for Our Health; Advocacy for Lasting Change.
Each year for the past five years, Inter Tribal Health Authority has hosted a oneday symposium for the Chiefs of Vancouver Island. The purpose is to highlight health issues and practices that impact First Nation health. Chiefs, health workers, and community leaders have attended this event.
Past themes have focused on housing, health and jurisdiction, traditional knowledge and traditional foods. This year, the theme is about advocacy as a means of creating lasting change for better health amongst the First Nation families and communities of Vancouver Island. It is building on the tradition of Speakers in the Longhouse and Potlatch to bring about change.
The symposium will present special guests Mary Ellen Turpel Lafonde, Representative for Children and Youth of BC, speaking about the role of advocacy to improve the lives and potential of children in care; and, Dr. Gabor Mate, physician, author and advocate for people living with addictions. As well, the Chiefs panel will speak to key health issues and the role of effective advocacy.
The Symposium will begin the evening of October 27th with a reception from 6:30pm – 8:30pm – deserts & coffee will be served. There will be a special presentation from the Maori people by a company called Kahui Tautoko. This company’s mission is to support organizations to do great things in their communities by continually improving and growing the services and programs delivered by Indigenous and government organizations to enable them to contribute effectively to the development of their communities.
All Vancouver Island Chiefs or their designates are welcome to attend. Upon completion of an Expense Claim Form (provided) reimbursement of one night’s hotel at a rate of $109 plus parking & taxes will be available to one Chief/Delegate per First Nation should he/she require a room. ITHA cannot cover other travel costs. Health workers and community leaders are welcome to attend at their own expense.
For registration please RSVP to Patti or Erin at ITHA as soon as possible at 250.753.3990 or toll free at 1.877.777.4842.
ITHA looks forward to another successful Chiefs Health Symposium.
Hychqa, Gilakasla, Kleco.
Terry Fox,
Executive Director
Inter Tribal Health Authority
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Two Local Hotels have Special Conference Rates for the Event; please make your own reservations:
The Coast Bastion Inn
11 Bastion Street, Nanaimo, BC
Reservations: 1.800.663.1144
Best Western Dorchester Hotel
70 Church Street, Nanaimo, BC
Reservations: 1.800.528.1234
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