Aboriginal Diabetes Programme

Goals & Objectives

To improve the quality of life for Aboriginal People living in an urban environment by supporting self determined activities which encourage equal access to and participation in Canadian society and which respects cultural distinctiveness

The objectives are:

To promote change in risk factors and health behaviours aimed at reducing diabetes in the urban Aboriginal communities; and,
To educate and encourage Aboriginal people on how to effectively manage diabetes.

Programme Summary

ADP is funded by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. The ADP provided culture-based diabetes prevention awareness, education and training, while educating community on the benefits of healthy eating and active living. Workshop and training sessions focus on health promotion, prevention of diabetes, and information required effectively managing diabetes and preventing complications. The ADP offers its services to all Friendship Centre programme staff, when requested.

Focus on Success

The ADP can play a key role in improving the health and well-being of urban Aboriginal people, which is a focus for all Friendship Centre programmes. Although the OFIFC does not have funding to support a diabetes programme in each Friendship Centre, the ADP objectives can be integrated into all programme areas. Friendship Centres are encouraged to access the services of the ADP to support healthy lifestyle improvements for staff, their programme clients and participants.

Development

In addition to ADP delivered workshops, the ADP has developed interactive healthy lifestyle workshops that can be integrated into existing Friendship Centre programmes. For example, "P'aamsewin" is a diabetes prevention (walking) programme that incorporates physical activity (based on the 10,000 Step Programme) with a diabetes prevention and education component. To receive training on this programme, Friendship Centres can contact the OFIFC ADP Trainer.

The ADP continues to advocate for enhances diabetes funding to better meet the needs of the urban Aboriginal communities.