Conference Overview The Network of Northern Ontario Diabetes Programs "Networking Meeting & Professional Development Day" was held on June 1st and 2nd, 2006 at Clevelands House Resort in Minett, Ontario					Return to Conference List
	Diabetes educators came together to network, share and learn for the common goal of enhancing diabetes care. Representatives from the Northern Diabetes Health Network’s 39 northern Ontario programs brainstormed and identified new opportunities and strategies to fulfill the vision of the Northern Diabetes Health Network: “Diabetes can be controlled”.   This year's Professional Development Day “Overcoming the Diabetes Challenges for First Nations People: Strategies for Progress” focused on exploring issues and acquiring knowledge to support the diabetes services provided to the First Nations population, a group that is heavily affected by diabetes in Ontario. Highlights of the Professional Development Day:   Dr. Baiju R. Shah, Scientist at Institute for Clinical Evaluative Studies and Endocrinologist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, presented "Diabetes in Ontario First Nations People". This presentation set the stage for the day by highlighting the prevalence and incidence rates of diabetes in Ontario First Nations People. Dr. Shah also discussed complications of diabetes and their impact on First Nations communities.   Dr. W. Gary Smith, Medical Director at the Regional Pediatric Diabetes Centre Soldier's Memorial Hospital – Orillia and Assistant Professor at University of Toronto presented  "Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in First Nation Children". Dr. Smith outlined risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes and strategies for primary and secondary prevention in First Nations children and youth.   Dr. Brenda Restoule, Psychologist and Co-Chair of NMHA-C at the Native Mental Health Association of Canada in Sudbury presented on "Comprehending First Nations Worldview, Traditions and Culture".               Dr. Restoule shared a First Nations' worldview and its influence on beliefs, attitudes, thoughts and actions. Its impact on health and wellness behaviors and attitudes was also highlighted.   Ron Wakegijig, Elder and Coordinator - Diabetes Program and Anishinabe Mishkiki (Traditional Medicine) from Wikwemikong shared his experience and expertise about the integration of First Nations traditional healing practices and modern medicine in his presentation "Traditional Medicine in the Treatment of Diabetes".   Leonard Dick, Humourist & Wellness Consultant (Ojibway / Fort William First Nation) from Thunder Bay offered practical applications and insights from his experience about the importance of humour in the healing of First Nations people in his engaging presentation "Healing Through the Spirit of Humour and Laughter".   Participant's comments about the 2006 event:   "Wide variety of topics – offered solutions/ideas that can be translated in to practice."   "Overall, I enjoyed all presentations. I can take information from all presentations back to my people."   "Powerful workshop. I thoroughly enjoyed all speakers."   "Balance of topics presented. Enjoyed the presentation of cultural security – very relevant."   "Increased awareness of the special needs of the Aboriginal peoples. Really enjoyed today’s speakers and information shared."   "Variety, relevance, down to earth and full of heart. It was a great day!"   Thank you to the members of the First Nations committee for their guidance in planning this excellent day.					Opening Prayer for the Professional Development Day     Active Participation               Networking by the Bonfire
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