Health committee  One of the key things to address this will be to reach out to various communities. There is no one answer to your question, unfortunately. I think communities tend to know exactly what they need, and I bet if we were to connect with a community right now they would give us five points of what would make their lives easier to enable them to feed themselves, their families, and the youth in the right way.

Health committee  I think that there are changes in discussions and approach. The fact that this is the first time that we're sitting at this table to represent the National Aboriginal Diabetes Association shows changes, but I think there's always room to improve.

Health committee  Having travelled to some northern communities first-hand, I can say that the intent is there. There are programs to teach individuals and families about healthy living. However, it's very difficult for individuals to leave, for example, a workshop on healthy living and healthy eating, and go to the grocery store where a quarter of a watermelon is almost $16, two apples are $4, but an extra large chocolate bar is 99¢.

Health committee  I can add my comment. I think it really depends on the age group and accessibility to the Internet, for example. If you are addressing youth who are connected to devices and have uninterrupted access to the Internet, then that potentially may be a tool; however, if you're looking at more elderly individuals, those who may not have access to the Internet on a continuous basis—for example, in northern communities—those devices and apps and programs are not going to be as important and successful

Health committee  Our fourth recommendation is to raise awareness about gestational diabetes and the rise of diabetes amongst young indigenous women. Currently, indigenous peoples have the highest birth rate in Canada, and 78% of indigenous women will have diabetes in the next five to 10 years. Gestational diabetes, including health complications and higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, is a major concern not just for the mother, but also for the baby.

Health committee  NADA respectfully recommends that the Government of Canada acknowledge that diabetes among indigenous peoples of Canada is a systemic disease at pandemic levels and requires immediate attention. There is a large and unpredictable gap in the potential health benefits available through our advanced Canadian health system to indigenous peoples with diabetes across the nation and in comparison to non-indigenous groups.

Health committee  NADA is a non-profit, member-led organization. It was established in 1995 in a response to the rising and alarming rates of diabetes among indigenous peoples in Canada. NADA is funded by Health Canada, first nations and Inuit health branch. It is a knowledge transfer and networking hub for aboriginal diabetes initiative workers, health care professionals, community diabetes prevention workers, and all first nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples living with diabetes across the nation.