“Niswi Abinoojiinhyag Ji-bimaadiziwaad", Leech Lake Tribal Health Infant Mortality Conference
March 17-18, 2010
Northern Lights Casino Hotel
6800 Y Frontage Road NW
Walker, MN 56484
866-652-9169
Sponsored by:
White Earth Band of Ojibwe,
Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe,
the Twin Cities Urban Indian community and
the Minnesota Department of Health
Conference brochure (PDF: 162KB/2 pages)
DESCRIPTION:
The American Indian Infant Mortality Review Project was a response
to community and professional concerns regarding the high infant mortality
rate within Minnesota’s American Indian population. Through the review
process, contributing factors that impacted infant deaths were identified and
recommendations developed to reduce future deaths.
This conference will present the findings and recommendations of the
project.
The first day of the conference is devoted to presentations on the
accomplishments of work groups that are addressing racism, and promoting
SIDS risk reduction and safe infant sleep, and teen pregnancy prevention,
which are priority recommendations from the review project.
The second day of the conference is focused on additional solutions and
includes a discussion of the Nurse-Family Partnership evidence-based home
visiting model and presentations on five American Indian-specific curricula
promoting healthy outcomes.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
Indian families, Tribal health staff, clinic administrators, area hospital staff, county public health, etc.
Nurse and Social Worker Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be
available.
REGISTRATION/COST:
The conference is free of charge. Pre-registration is required.
Registration closes March 10. Registration site: http://www.health.state.mn.us/registration/nocharge/
EVENT CONTACT: Cindy Doke
CONTACT PHONE: 218-252-9169
CONTACT EMAIL: healthconference@llojibwe.com
WEBSITE: http://www.llojibwe.com/divisions/health/healthFair.html
SPEAKERS: Conference speaker bios
ABINOUJI: Imbedded in the ancient and archaic language of Ancient Ojibways is what the Elders, who still know the true meaning of the word that we use to describe “baby.” The roots of the word, when strung together, form the meaning, “SACRED SPIRIT, COMING IN, WHO HAS A VOICE.” It describes the new life who is coming in directly from the side of the Creator, from the spirit world, a pure spirit. On loan to us from the Creator of all Things. Not ours to abuse and do with what we will. A very sacred being, one who must be celebrated, honoured, valued and taught to celebrate themselves. When there is no one there to celebrate their birth, their accomplishments, or their life, they do not feel that we love them. A “Sacred Spirit, Coming In, Who Has a Voice,” was never harshly disciplined, never beaten or slapped around. To do this would have incurred the wrath of the spirit world. Or the “Sacred Spirit, Coming In, Who Has a Voice”, may possibly return to the spirit world.
