National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation
NNAPF is the national voice advocating for Inuit and First Nations culturally-
based addictions services.
Background of NNAPF
December 2010 NNAPF is a national, non-
governmental organization estab-
Special points of in- lished in 2000 to influence national
program policy on substance use
terest:
issues and to advocate on behalf of
 Renewal of the and support First Nations and Inuit
national native communities and treatment cen-
alcohol and drug tres in their efforts to address sub-
abuse program stance use issues. NNAPF is cur-
and the national rently made up of representatives
solvent abuse from the Regional Addictions Part-
program nership Committee’s, Regional
health structures, the Youth Sol-
 NNAPF makes vent Addiction Program, Assembly
progress on its of First Nations.
strategic initia-
tives NNAPF is very much in a process of
renewal… as is the NNADAP sys-
 Supporting our tem. There is much strength within
stakeholders NNADAP and our focus is on ensur-
through culturally
ing that the services we provide are
relevant tool-kits founded on “evidence”, meaning,
our cultural knowledge and the
 Healing Our Spirits
conventional theory and evidence.
World Wide Up-
This is a unique time we are in… to
date
be having discussion about the
“formal” inclusion of culture within
policy & program & services design
Inside this issue: to address substance use issues.
NNAPF has identified 7 strategic
Governance 2  Support & Advocacy for the de-
priorities to guide its work for the
Healing Our Spirit 2
Assembly of First Nations, NNAPF, and First Nations Inuit Health Partner for Renewal
Workforce Develop- 2 Honouring Our Strengths: A Re-
ment newed Framework to address Sub-
stance Use Issues Among First
Nations People in Canada is the
Indigenous Culture 3
result of a process that has been
underway since 2008. The frame-
work describes an integrated, cul-
Research 3 turally-relevant, client-focused
system of services and supports. It
has been developed from the voice
Wharerata Declara- 3 of the National Native Alcohol and
tion Drug Abuse and Youth Solvent
Addiction Program, First Nations
Partnership Activi- 4 communities, organizations and
their partners through regional
ties
needs assessments, research
Whats Up and com- 4 papers, regional workshops, web-
ing site feedback and other informa-
tion sources. The framework iden-
next 3 years. Four initiatives focus
attention on the development of
the organization itself and three of
the initiatives focus attention on
the national program to address
substance use issues amongst
First nations and Inuit peoples in
Canada., and these are:
1. Clearinghouse Centre of Excel-
lence
2. NNADAP Renewal Support &
Leadership
3. NNADAP Community Based
Advocacy & Support
A key feature of the strategic plan
are the identified targets for meas-
uring our performance. The first
annual survey will be facilitated by
March 2011. We look forward to
received your feedback on our
progress.
To date NNAPF has influenced
the following initiatives from
the 1998 NNADAP Review Rec-
ommendations:
velopment of the Regional Addic-
tifies best and promising practices
to promote cultural competency
and cultural safety, and to support
strengthened programming at the
community, regional and national
levels and across jurisdictions. The
framework uses a strengths-based,
systems approach to outline 6
elements of a comprehensive con-
tinuum of services. Governance
and Coordination of systems, work-
force development, mental health,
performance measurement & re-
search, pharmacological ap-
proaches and accreditation are
presented as key system supports
to the continuum of care. The
Framework is in the process of
being edited to include the many
Volume 1, Issue 1
tions Partnership Committee’s
 Workforce Development – review
of competency, standardized
training, salary review
 Support for the Development of
FNWAACB (national addictions
counsellor certification);
 National Database for communi-
cation;
 Support for Culturally Appropri-
ate Services & Cultural Compe-
tency;
 Advocacy on national policy, for
example, the NNADAP Renewal
Framework;
 Consultation on emerging issues
and critical needs within the
field;
 Support for Accreditation of
Services
sources of feedback on the draft
and will be finalized as a working
framework by March 2011. A lead-
ership team has been identified to
guide the implementation of the
framework over the next two years.
An Inuit specific parallel process is
currently being led by the Inuit
Tapiriit Kanatami . This process
will be inclusive of provincial, terri-
torial and Inuit governments as well
Inuit land-claims organizations.
Again, this process will support
culturally-relevant and effective
approaches to support Inuit peo-
ples.
For more information, visit:
www.nnadaprenewal.ca
 National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation
Governance
Since April 1, 2010, NNAPF’s Board
of Directors have been busy review-
ing, revising and developing our
governance capacity. The by-laws
were revised (pre-approved by
Industry Canada) during this period
and ratified at the October 21,
2010 board meeting. NNAPF’s
Governance Manual was also re-
vised this year to ensure the gov-
ernance policies are compliant with
the revised by-laws. Governance
NNAP|F Governance policies are consistent on the
Training 2010: Left to Board’s agenda through reference
to relevant policies in briefing notes
right: Winona Polson-
and through an annual review of
Lahache, Patty Wells, the two documents. At the May
Ellen Smith, Joseph
2010 meeting, NNAPF’s Board of
O’Brien and in front is
Directors approved the implemen-
Cindy Ginnish tation of an Orientation Manual for
new board members and finalized a
governance performance appraisal.
We are not
Healing Our Spirit Worldwide… an Update
homeless nor are
we lacking spirit.
HOSW is a cultural and spiritual
We know that all
movement celebrating the tenacity
cultures are and resilience of Indigenous peo-
ancient, are
ples around the world in the strug-
positive, are gles against alcohol and drug
musical, are abuse to rebuild individuals, fami-
passionate, and lies, communities and nations from
that we dance to
the tragic effects of cultural oppres-
sion which is the underlying cause
our own rhythm.
of substance use and related is-
Rawiri Paratene,
sues.
Moari Artist,
NNAPF provided funding to 85
Activist.
Presenters (116 Canadian ab-
stracts were accepted), 9 Elders, 8
Employee
Motivation is
typically fueled
Workforce Development
by 6 qualities:
NNAPF formed a national workforce
courage, trust, development committee consisting
integrity, of treatment centre directors, ad-
dictions counsellors, and First Na-
engagement,
tions Inuit Health representation.
commitment, NNAPF strives to support its stake-
interest, holders who consist of:
compassion,
 59 NNADAP/YSAP Treatment
client Centers;
success...How do
 Over 600 community-based
you support
programs; and,
these qualities?
The Board of Directors also partici-
pated in board governance training.
The NNAPF Board agenda is on
track with governance performance
best practices. For example, much
attention has focused on develop-
ing policy, specifically as it relates
to addressing the recommenda-
tions of the organizational review,
developing risk management ca-
pacity and in ensuring NNAPF’s
governance documents are kept
current with changes. The Boards
agenda is also structured to ensure
it is fulfilling its responsibilities for
monitoring the overall performance
of the expected outcomes of the
operational and strategic plans.
We are pleased to announce that
the Chiefs of Ontario have ap-
proved the Ontario Regional Addic-
youths and 2 youth groups to help
offset travel costs to attend HOSW
2010. The funding support totalled
$100,000.00 and was made possi-
ble through negotiations with FNIH.
NNAPF operates the www.hosw.ca
website which is where presenters
registered their accepted abstracts
in hopes to provide valuable infor-
mation to the many people who
were not able to attend HOSW
2010. We are still hoping tthe
presenters will follow through and
provide their presentation to
NNAPF for posting on the website.
 Approximately 1000+ Addictions
Counsellors.
Workforce Development is about
supporting strengths and enhanc-
ing the skills of the existing work-
force, so that they can be more
efficient in their roles. NNAPF’s
WFD Committee has developed
draft products for circulation to the
NNAPF network for feedback.
Products to date include job de-
scriptions, salary grids and analy-
sis, as well as competency descrip-
Page 2
tions Partnership Committee as a
member of NNAPF which completes
our Board composition to represent
every region and territory of Can-
ada.
33%
56%
11%
Policy Making Decision Making
Monitoring
Governance Best practice
is: 40% policy making,
20% decision making and
40% monitoring.
Janice Nicotine, NNAPF Vice Presi-
dent and National Chief Atleo ex-
change greetings at HOSW follow-
ing his keynote address.
Additional information regarding
the event will be posted on
www.nnapf.org and www.hosw.ca
websites in early 2011.
tions of elements identified in the
NNADAP Renewal Framework con-
tinuum of care elements. A Human
Resource Planning Template with
accompanying policies and Guide-
lines for Clinical Supervision are in
draft and will be ready to review
early in 2011.
The workforce development com-
mittee is also reviewing the Compe-
tencies for Canada’s Substance
Abuse Workforce produced by the
Canadian Centre on Substance
Abuse. Visit: www.cnsaap.ca
 Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 3

Indigenous Culture and its role in addressing substance use issues….

There is a common view that cul-
ture is vital for healing although
how culture is defined and prac-
ticed varies greatly across commu-
nities. Culture is a way of being,
knowing, perceiving, behaving, and
overall, a way of living in the world.
It is recognized as dynamic because
the beliefs, values, customs, and
traditions that are transmitted from
generation to generation continue
to be relevant to current realities
and ways of living. Expression of
culture may take on many different
forms, for example: language,
methods of hunting, fishing and
gathering foods, crafts, artistic
expression, ways of relating to each
other, knowledge that informs fam-
ily, community and governance
structure, the gathering and use of
traditional medicines, traditional
diets, spiritual journeying, drum-
ming, dancing and singing, and
healing ceremonies. Within these
various expressions of culture,
some First Nations people see
culture as exclusive of spirituality
while others define culture with an
understanding that spirit is the
central and primary energy, cause,
and motivator of life.
The role of culture in addressing
addictions has been discussed in
one of the NNADAP Renewal re-
search papers. This paper explores
the links between indigenous cul-
ture and sacred knowledge with
western theoretical models is prem-
ised on the understanding that,
although they may differ, “they
share a primary goal: changing the
way the client thinks.” Indigenous
cultural practices are spiritually
influenced and said to be holistic.
They are not directed specifically
toward one aspect of an individ-
ual; they impact upon the mind,
body, emotions and spirit, all at
once, and to varying degrees. West-
ern-based approaches were not
created to attend holistically to the
mind, body, emotions and spirit of
an individual. Many do not attend to
family and community, and few
place spirit as central to healing.
NNADAP has played a significant Top: Elder Agnes Mills, NNAPF Na-
role in facilitating the development tional Elder ; Elder James Dumont,
of indigenous identity, recognizing First Nations Addictions Advisory
that a secure identity depends on Panel Elder. Bottom: Joseph Wil-
gaining an understanding of liams, Chair, AFN Council of Elders…
indigenous language, history, teach- all are now Elders for the NNADAP
ings, family, community and a con- Leadership Team.
nection to land.

“Key components of a robust

Regional Research Consultations
NNAPF has been fortunate to have
partnerships to support this initia-
tive that includes the National An-
ishnabe Kekendazone Network
Environment for Aboriginal Health
Research Centre (AK-NEAHR), the
Centre for Addiction and Mental
Health (CAMH), and the Canadian
Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA).
The objectives for the regional
research consultations are 1) to
support NNADAP in building their
research capacity through partner-
ships with the research community;
2) to better inform regional re-
search agendas of NNADAP, acade-
mia and government, in key areas
that are pertinent to regional
NNADAP Treatment Centres; and 3)
Knowledge exchange with Provin-
cial addictions service providers.
In February 2010, NNAPF co-hosted
an ON/QC regional research consul-
tation meeting at McGill University
in Montreal, with NNADAP Treat-
ment Centre Directors from Ontario
and Quebec. The Saskatchewan
and Manitoba consultation was
recently completed October 4 to 6,
2010 and a regional consultation is
being planned with Alberta, British
Columbia, Yukon, and NWT.
A national consultation in 2011-
2012 would bring all NNADAP
Treatment Centre Directors to-
gether to finalize a national re-
search agenda that will support
NNADAP renewal opportunities.
The regional research consultation
reports can be found at
www.nnapf.org
approach to performance
measurement and research in
a First Nations addictions
system are
 population health
information;
 an integrated system of
performance measurement;
 a defined research strategy
founded on cultural
knowledge and the values of
communities, and
knowledge exchange.”
www.nnadaprenewal.com

Wharerata Declaration: A framework for Indigenous Leadership

The Wharerātā Group is an interna-
tional network of Indigenous lead-
ers working in mental health and
addictions, who share a vision of
the near future in which Indigenous
peoples sustain their optimal health
and wellbeing, and we contribute to
that vision through strategic use of
our Indigenous leadership influence
on mental health and addictions
systems. Started in 2009 under
the leadership of Sir Mason Durie,
Māori and professor at Massey
University in New Zealand. The
Wharerātā Group is:
 A network to share successful
practices in Indigenous mental
health and addictions
 A leader in cultural competence
for practice, programs, and pol-
icy;
 An advocate and voice for indige- in Ottawa on the Whānau Ora: Well
nous mental health and wellness
around the world
 Associated with the International
Initiative for Mental Health Lead-
ership
The Wharerata Declaration asserts
that the health foundation for in-
digenous individuals, families and
communities lies in the shared
valuing of Indigenous Knowledge
and presents 5 goals that support
and lead to health.
Sir Mason Durie recently presented
Sir Mason
Durie is the
Families initiative for Moari peo-
“Vision
ples. For additional info, go to:
Keeper” for the
www.indigenous-mental- Wharerata
Group
health.ca
National Native Addictions What’s Up and Coming:
Partnership Foundation
 Workforce Development Tools

Box 183  Human Resource Planning Template

Muskoday, SK S0J 3H0
Direct/Toll Free: 1-866-763-4714  Clinical Supervision Guide
Tel./Tél: (306) 763-4714
Fax/Téléc: (306) 763-5993  Cultural Toolkits

Website: http://www.nnapf.org  Clearinghouse resource for Indigenous Addictions policy,

Questions/Inquiries:
programs and services
info@nnapf.org
 Honouring Our Strengths: A Renewed Framework to address Sub-
stance Use Issues Among First Nations People in Canada

We wish you all the best…. Enjoy the holiday season.

Partnership Activities and Highlights

Canadian Centre on Substance  solvent abuse education devel- 2. Information at Regional Train-
Abuse oped & distributed on a na- ing Gatherings

NNAPF is pleased to announce tional scale; 3. Presentations on Culture in

that we have recently signed
another 3 year MOU with CCSA.
NNAPF participates on many
committee’s to advance the
priorities identified in the Na-
tional Framework for Action.
Some of the committee’s are:
The National Treatment Strategy
Leadership Team, Youth Sub-
stance Abuse Prevention Com-
mittee, National Alcohol Strategy.
For links to many resources and
to find out more information
about any one of these initia-
tives, visit: www.ccsa.ca
Canadian Aboriginal Aids Net-
work
CAAN’s has identified the need
for the following information to
help address addictions:
 substance abuse resources,
such as position papers, etc.
that will enhance support
services for Aboriginal parents
and children living with and
affected by HIV/AIDS who are
involved with substance use.
NNAPF is preparing to resign its
MOU with CAAN. Visit:
www.caan.ca
NNADAP / YSAP Network
NNAPF connects with this net-
work regularly through informa-
tion updates and the following
activities:
1. Governance Training provided
to Treatment Centre and Com-
munity Health Centre Boards
of Directors
Addictions and the NNADAP
Renewal Framework
4. Facilitating discussions on
Opiate Addictions and Strate-
gies to address
5. Consultation on Accreditation
Supports
6. Advisor to YSAC’s Equine Chief Austin Bear, President of NNAPF
Research signs the MOU between NNAPF and
CCSA. Witnesses to the signing are:
7. Partnered in the “Stiletto's to Carol Hopkins, NNAPF Executive Di-
Moccasins” Research project rector, Rachel Dutton-Gowryluk, CCSA
on Aboriginal Women National Priority Advisor, and Colleen
Ann Dell, CCSA , Senior Research
8. Co-authored 3 journal articles,
Associate /Academic Advisor
2 with YSAC and 1 with
Wharerata Group
9. Support for the First Nations
Wellness and Addictions Coun-
selor Certification Board