Dialogue to Action on the Prevention of FASD, May 2017
The Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation and the Canada FASD Research Network co-organized a dialogue event in May 2017 in BC to discuss Call to Action #33 and how it could be met. The event brought together 23 experts working in areas of FASD and Indigenous health and wellness. Participants included frontline workers, community leaders, policy makers and researchers. Participants developed the following “Consensus Statement” that is informed by the principals of reconciliation as outlined by the TRC which includes a recognition about the right to self- determination, the role of healing relative to recognition of past harms, the ongoing impact and legacy of colonialism, the need for collaboration and dialogue, and the political will and commitment to bring about paradigm shifts and systemic change. The purpose of this Consensus Statement is to:
Inform: robust and culturally-safer approaches to implementing TRC Call to Action #33 thereby delivering better supports and services to mothers, families and communities.
Affirm: a cross-disciplinary and cross-organizational approach with a priority for Indigenous knowledge to implementing TRC Call #33 while also sharing perspectives and insights with agencies, individuals and stakeholders committed to this same goal.
Promote: an ongoing and collaborative commitment to reconciliation.
A Consensus Statement was developed which includes eight tenets for enacting Call to Action #33.
- Centering prevention around Indigenous Knowledge and Wellness
- Using a Social and Structural Determinants of Health Lens
- Highlighting Relationships
- Community Based, Community Driven
- Provision of Wraparound Support and Holistic Services
- Adopting a Life Course Approach
- Models Supporting Resiliency for Women, Families, and Communities
- Ensuring Long-Term Sustainable Funding and Research