Quick Info
Date: February 07, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM EST
Location: ADERSIM EOC, Schulich Building, York University
Registration: Please register here.
Important note: All registered participants will be sent a copy of the program. Those attending remotely will be provided with the zoom link as well.
Download the latest program here
This is a Learning event and all participants will receive certificate of attendance.
BACKGROUND
CIFAL York, Y-EMERGE, ADERSIM, and Mathematics for Public Health, Fields Institute are very pleased to host the first Vaccine for First Nations and Remote Communities Symposium.
The Symposium aims to address the unique challenges and lessons learned surrounding mass vaccination in First Nations and remote communities. Considering unique conditions of these communities, mass vaccination had its unique challenges and successes.
This symposium is a knowledge sharing, capacity building, and networking event that brings together healthcare professionals, community leaders, policymakers, and researchers to discuss strategies for improving mass vaccination policy, planning, and practice. Through collaboration and shared insights, we seek to build a more resilient healthcare framework that meets the specific needs of First Nations and remote communities in Canada.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The key goals and objectives of the symposium are to:
- Explore and develop strategies for overcoming logistical challenges of mass vaccination in remote and First Nations communities.
- Provide a platform for sharing successful vaccine programs, research, and case studies, allowing communities to learn from each other’s experiences.
- Understanding mathematical and computer models and simulations of mass vaccination for remote and indigenous communities.
- Foster dialogue between healthcare professionals and community leaders, focusing on culturally sensitive approaches to mass vaccination following major pandemic.
- Identify policies and practices that ensure vaccine equity. Ensuring that all populations have the opportunity to receive timely and appropriate healthcare services.
- Examine the public health issues unique to remote and First Nations communities, including infrastructure limitations, and propose solutions to mitigate these barriers.
- Contribute to the development of public health policies and frameworks that respect the autonomy and cultural values of First Nations and remote communities for Mass Vaccination.
TARGET AUDIENCES
- All levels of government
- First Nations Leadership
- Local Indigenous Health Organizations
- Federal Health Organizations
- Regional/Provincial Health Organizations
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Advocacy Groups
- Pharmaceutical Companies and Vaccine Manufacturers
- Local, provincial and Federal Emergency management organizations
- First Nation and Remote Community members
- Patients
- Primary and Secondary School Leadership/Nurses
- Faculty, Researchers and Students in Relevant Fields
- Public health leaders and decision makers
- Public health professionals
AGENDA 8:30AM-4:00PM (EST)-SYMPOSIUM (Hybrid) In person Location: Room N004 Schulich School of Business Building, 111 Ian MacDonald Blvd, North York, ON M3J 1P3 (map), Zoom link will be shared with all registered participants by email.
08:30-09:00 Welcome Notes
Opening Remarks and Welcome Notes by organizers
09:00-12:30 Presentations
Presentation 1: 9:00 - 9:50
Speakers: Dr. Nnamdi Ndubuka - Medical Health Officer, Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority, Saskatchewan
Dr. Grace Akinjobi - Manager of Public Health, Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority, Saskatchewan
Topic: COVID-19 Mass Immunization in Northern Saskatchewan First Nation Communities – Challenges and Successes
Presentation 2: 09:50 - 10:40
Speaker: Laura Hrdlicka - Public Health Nurse, Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Saskatchewan
Topic: Enhancing COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake: Mass Immunization Efforts in Northern Saskatchewan
10:40 - 10:50 Coffee Break
Presentation 3: 10:50 - 11:40
Speaker: Dr. Michelle Driedger - Professor and Head, Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba
Topic: Red River Métis Access to COVID-19 vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic in Manitoba: Missed Opportunities
Presentation 4: 11:40 - 12:30
Speakers: Solaine Laroche - RN, BN, Manitoba Métis Federation
Ainsley Balkwill - RN, BN, Manitoba Métis Federation
Topic: Successes and Challenges: Navigating Vaccination for the Red River Métis
