Approach to Environmental Health: A First Nation

Perspective

By: Pam Tobin, MA January 22nd, 2013

Overview

Definition of Environmental Health A case study

Research questions Study design

Train the trainer approach Summary Documentary Questions

Environmental Health Aspects of the natural and built

environment that may impact human health

Environmental health includes the following: direct pathological effects of chemicals, radiation and some

biological agents, and;

the effects (often indirect) on health and well being of the broad physical, psychological, social and cultural environment, such as land use, housing, development and transport (WHO)

A Case Study

Healthy Land, Healthy Future Study

A Community Study to Examine Health Issues and their Relationship to Environmental Contaminants within the Takla Lake First Nation and Tsay Keh Dene Traditional Territories

Funded by Health Canada

A Case Study Cont’d

Multi-phase project (2007 – 2011) Soil/water sample collection/analysis; interviews Plant, animal and fish sample collection/analysis;

interviews Human hair sample collection/analysis for mercury; food frequency questionnaire

Traditional food use, industrial activity, contaminants, impact to health and wellness

A Case Study Cont’d

Community meeting to introduce project Individual Interviews

Identification of sample sites Identification of concerns with environment

Conduct samples and map sites Thematic analysis of concerns Report back to communities

Traditional Territory

Research Questions

How and why had the diet for the TLFN and TKD changed in the past 40 years?

Are contaminants present in the soil, water, plants and animals and fish in the traditional territories?

If contamination is present, can the identified levels impact human health?

How can we build on this knowledge to better inform appropriate interventions?

Study Design

Qualitative and Quantitative in scope Soil, water, plant, animal and fish sample

collection/analysis Interviews, focus groups, food frequency

questionnaires GIS mapping Hair samples Community validation

Approach

Research Ethics Board Community participation Training Communications

Newsletters 1-page updates Brochures Calendars

Community Participation

Staff Training

Safety First! First Aid Training Field Kits Radios Protocols

Staff Training

Takla Field Training, Summer 2007

Tsay Keh Field Training, Summer 2009

Train the Trainer The train the trainer models reflects the theory that people who train others recall 90% of what they teach and that people learn new information through trusted social networks.

The model creates a team of community-based trainers who can deliver training in a specific program. They, in turn, train other community members.

Often 3 days in length and includes a curriculum, a guide for the trainers and materials for trainees.

TTT Field Training

Stellat’en and Nadleh field training, Summer 2011

Xeni Gwet’in and ?Esdilagh Field Training, Summer 2012

Communications

Summary

Environmental Health and FN communities Holistic approach to health and wellness Connection to the land Traditional versus western perspectives

Build on existing strengths within communities Train the trainer model Multiple communities, multiple regions

Project Documentary

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3yj9AL6aU