The Indigenous Health Unit, formerly the Indigenous Health Equity and Coordination team and the Indigenous Cancer Care Unit, is dedicated to building strong relationships with First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous leadership, organizations and communities, and ensuring that Ontario’s health care system reflects and addresses the needs of First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous peoples – founded on respect, partnerships and open communication. The unit is also responsible for developing a model of coordinated engagement with First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous partners; leading coordination of Indigenous health initiatives and engagement, including cancer care, across Ontario Health and with the Regions; and developing First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous Health Frameworks/Plans, along with the First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous Cancer Strategies for Ontario Health.
First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous Cancer Strategy 2024-2028
The work of ICCU is guided by the provincial-level First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous Cancer Strategy 2024-2028 (Strategy 5), which is the road-map for addressing Indigenous cancer care issues and needs in Ontario.
To create Strategy 5, the ICCU began by reviewing progress made under the fourth Indigenous Cancer Strategy 2019-2023. The Joint Ontario Indigenous Cancer Committee, Indigenous patients, staff across Ontario Health and a network of partners including the Regional Cancer Programs (RCPs) and Indigenous Health Tables provided insights and expertise. The review and engagements confirmed the direction set by previous Indigenous cancer strategies.
Since 2012, Ontario Health has been working with Indigenous health committees and communities as well as the RCPs to improve cancer services for Indigenous patients and families, ensuring they are more culturally sensitive and meet community needs. The RCPs are important partners in all of this work as the RCPs help to identify common goals and outline these in Regional Indigenous Cancer Plans.
Regional Program Managers
The Regional Program Manager (RPM) is a unique position within the ICCU. This role was created to support the implementation of the Indigenous Cancer Strategies by ensuring accountability through relationships established with Indigenous peoples. RPMs work closely with the RCPs, assisting them in developing capacity to engage directly, effectively and appropriately with the Indigenous health networks and communities within the region.
Within the South West region, the RPM works towards increasing engagement within the various Indigenous organizations/communities in the region. This includes collaborating with the RCP to support the successful delivery of actions outlined within this Plan. The RPM also provides a direct link between the RCPs and the ICCU. In this capacity, the RPM assists the RCP in awareness of new initiatives and resources, and ensuring timely access.
At a provincial level, the RPM also supports the Indigenous Health Equity Coordination unit (IHEC) to address Indigenous health and health equity priorities. This includes building and maintaining relationships with First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous organizations and contributing to health system level equity goals.
