OAHAI



The Ontario Aboriginal Health Advocacy Initiative (O.A.H.A.I.) is a project of the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy (A.H.W.S.). The O.A.H.A.I. was implemented as a compliment to the A.H.W.S. Projects such as the Aboriginal Health Access Centres, Healing Lodges, Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Workers, Health Outreach Workers, and Birthing Centre.

O.A.H.A.I’s mandate is to address the inequitable access to quality, culturally appropriate health services for Aboriginal, First Nation, and Metis people throughout the province of Ontario. The Initiative facilitates awareness, develops information and training and provides training and education to health stakeholders. The training looks at systems of redress, protocols and approaches for dealing with inadequate treatment of Aboriginal clients within the health care system. The Initiative does not provide direct advocacy services.

There are four Health Advocacy Developers (H.A.D.) strategically located throughout the province working to develop and maintain positive public relations, awareness of Aboriginal health issues, while continually supporting Aboriginal self-determination in health. The Health Advocacy Developer provides training to service providers, front line workers, and organization representatives by gathering information and developing successful training modules to address health issues. In so doing, workers are able to access an informational and training network when necessary and reduce valuable time spent locating information. Trainer workshops and resource materials are continually developed to assist front line workers with various health issues; please contact the H.A.D. in your region for a current listing or access our website at www.oahai.org.

O.A.H.A.I manager: JoAnne Miller

Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres (O.F.I.F.C.)
219 Front St. E. Toronto, ON
M5A 1E8

Tel: 416-956-7575
Fax: 416-956-7577
Email: jmiller@ofifc.org