Grant: Dissemination Events

The Aamjiwnaang First Nation, near Sarnia Ontario, is a community for which the claim that the environment shapes health is of great interest. Located in a highly industrialized region, residents of the community have long suspected that the pollutants released into the air and the water by nearby industries negatively influence their wellbeing. Over the past few years, researchers have undertaken studies to better understand the link between the health concerns of community members - such as behavioral and attention difficulties in children, high rates of cancer and indications of endocrine disruption - and the presence of pollutants in the environment. Their work has contributed to a growing body of evidence. The Aamjiwnaang Community Forum on Pollution and Action, the activity for which we are seeking funding, will allow researchers to communicate their findings to residents of Aamjiwnaang, community organizations, health workers, policy makers, and selected members of industry. The dissemination of such research evidence will ensure that research findings are accessible to the community, that collaboration is achieved between researchers and the community, and that community members are able to participate in the interpretation and review of data. Through a series of workshops, the event will also seek to build capacity in the participants to take a leadership role in proactively protecting their natural environment The event will take place directly on the reserve to ensure that it is accessible to all residents of Aamjiwnaang. It is hoped that in addition to raising awareness and capacity, the endeavor will also increase collaboration between research groups and other stakeholders and to contribute the creation of practical strategies seeking to address emergent environmental challenges that impact health.