Grant: Planning and Dissemination Grant - Institute Community Support

Children with obesity experience many health complications and difficulties that often continue into their adult life - these issues are especially prominent among Indigenous children - thus highlighting the need for wholistic, accessible, and effective treatment. The proposed gathering is designed specifically to address the needs of Indigenous families in remote First Nations communities by providing an opportunity for our team to work alongside patient partners and knowledge-users to determine the optimal delivery and content of pediatric weight management services. During this gathering, we will work towards achieving the immediate goals of (a) building relationships and exchanging knowledge, (b) discussing and reconciling best practices related to pediatric weight management with the unique historical, cultural, and contextual realities of families living in remote First Nations communities, (c) co-developing an adapted model of pediatric weight management services guided by shared decision making. The proposed planning activities have the potential to positively impact services for and health of Indigenous families living in remote areas. In addition, the adapted model could serve as a framework for other pediatric weight management programs in Canada that provide services for Indigenous people.