Partnership Between the Indigenous Centre for Occupational Health and Public Safety (ICOHPS) and CCOHS Aims to Enrich Workplace Safety in Indigenous Communities
Press Release
From: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
December 17, 2025
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and the Indigenous Centre for Occupational Health and Public Safety (ICOHPS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to work together to enrich health and safety in Indigenous communities in Canada.
Both organizations share the belief that every worker in Canada deserves a healthy and safe work environment, free from illness and injury. The agreement outlines commitments to advance workplace safety, and may (or could) include:
- developing partnerships with government and industry leaders
- creating a safety management system or similar product
- updating safety programs
- hosting a national conference focused on Indigenous occupational health and safety
- holding ongoing discussions to highlight occupational health and safety practices for Indigenous communities
This partnership connects two leading organizations in Canada that focus on occupational health and safety and reinforces a shared passion to improving well-being for everyone.
Quotes
“Partnering with the Indigenous Centre for Occupational Health and Public Safety is key to advancing workplace health and safety for Indigenous communities and their workers. By combining our expertise and resources, we can share knowledge, align resources, and develop culturally relevant programs that address the unique needs of Indigenous communities across Canada.”
– Anne Tennier, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)
“We look forward to working with CCOHS to strengthen health and safety in ways that truly respect the experiences, strengths, and priorities of Indigenous communities. Together, we can build practical, culturally grounded solutions that support the well-being of our workers and communities through our Indigenous Laws of the people.”
– Toby Desnomie, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer, Indigenous Centre for Occupational Health and Public Safety (ICOHPS)
Quick facts
- The Indigenous Centre for Occupational Health and Public Safety (ICOHPS) develops public safety-awareness education programs in a variety of fields as well as needed safety management systems for their operations. They work with employers and their employees, and community members engaging in work, family and play activity, that will in turn reduce human and financial losses for their Nations.
- The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) is Canada’s national resource for the advancement of workplace health and safety. The Centre promotes the total well-being – physical, psychosocial, and mental health – of working people in Canada by providing information, education, tools, and solutions that encourage attitudes and methods that will lead to improved worker physical and mental health, and prevention of work-related injury and illness. A federal departmental corporation, CCOHS is governed by a tripartite Council of Governors with representation from employers, labour and jurisdictions who are dedicated to the advancement of workplace health and safety across Canada.
Contacts
For more information (media only):
Jennifer Howse
Senior Communications Specialist
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)
(289) 442-4057
media@ccohs.ca
www.ccohs.ca
Toby Desnomie
Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer
Indigenous Centre for Occupational Health and Public Safety (ICOHPS)
Founder and Chairman
National Indigenous Research Council for OH&S
(306) 570-4478
Tobyd.icohps@gmail.com
www.icohps.ca
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