HONOURING OUR ELDERS: a traditional gathering to share knowledge

Final Report 2013

1.0 Background

The Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat in cooperation with the Atlantic Elder Care Working Group presented a two day regional gathering to share knowledge and discuss ways to improve the health and well-being of our First Nations. Best practices and lessons learned for working alongside Elders, plus current AAEDIRP research was shared. There were Elder lead workshops, panels and sharing circles.

The event took place on June 20-21, 2013 at the Crowne Plaza in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The theme of the gathering was Honouring Our Elders: A Traditional Gathering to Share Knowledge. The intent was to share knowledge and gain important insight from our Elders to support their health and well-being. The Gathering included workshops on issues such as mental health, chronic disease management, wills and estates etc.; plenary sessions; and small group discussions to facilitate garnering the views of our Elders. There was also a banquet and cultural showcase on the evening of June 20, 2013. Elders from almost all of our Atlantic First Nations communities attended this historic event.

2.0 Objectives

The objectives of this event were:

• To share knowledge among Elders across Atlantic Canada • To discuss health issues related to First Nations and Elders • To develop action items that would improve the health and well-being of First Nations • To create a dialogue across the Atlantic provinces regarding Elder health Carey Romeo

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3.0 The Gathering

Thursday, June 20th - Day 1 Opening Ceremony EMCEE Allan Polchies Jr. welcomed everyone on behalf of Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs (APCFNC) and the Elder Care Working Group. Opening prayer and songs were offered by Elder Imelda Perley and Elder Katy McEwen.

John G. Paul, Executive Director, APCFNC provided remarks and introduced the Keynote Speaker, the Honourable Graydon Nicholas, Lt. Governor of New Brunswick.

The Gathering began with the Elder Address which would set the stage for the two day event. Elders Marilyn Sark, Molly Pierro and Andrew Nicholas provided the address. They spoke to their involvement with AAEDRIRP and the Elder Care Working Group. They also expressed the need for information, gaps there are and what their responsibility is, which is - what works and doesn’t work in Elder Care.

NFIHB Elders “Lens”: Robyn Boychuk, FNIHB

The Elder Care Lens is an Elder care assessment tool developed to examine what can be done or changed at Elder Level. Currently there is no Elder Care Program but other can be used. Other key programs that are used by the Elders are now being assessed and reviewed. Two of which that have been reviewed are that of Medical transportation and Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative.

Medical transportation: • Quality of drivers • Timely access • Preapprovals

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• Excluded services • Local travel not being covered • FNHIB developing an orientation package and code of conduct for drivers • Creating a fact sheet for “models for medical transportation • Provide enhanced cultural awareness training for non-insured health benefit staff. • FNIHB to create and implement policy with ongoing chronic health issues requiring to complete pre-approval for non-medical escorts, meals and accommodations. Possible strategies for this is to fast track approvals in extenuating circumstances; can be more responsive to Elders seeking pre-approvals for urgent and last minute appointments.

Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative: • Management and development is focused to provide funding to communities and supporting capacity building. • Need adapted version of ECAT • Current version most useful with programs FNIHB directly delivers. • Adapted version for use with funding programs where FNIHB not directly delivering program. • FNIHB provide training- ADI workers/ Home care staff to better support healthy aging. • Targeted resources/ workshops intended to promote healthy aging to Elders. • Ways to give feedback to FNIHB is to forward concerns to the Elder Care Working Group or to MMAHB

Comments and issues from the floor: • Medical drivers- wait times, low pay/mileage • Dental- Long approval times, not enough coverage for dental problems. Answer from FNIHB: dental no longer in the region, one centre for all across the country. Non-insured Health Benefits Committee to advocate for change.

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• Too many policies on treatment and approval- e.g. being related to cosmetic issues; losing a tooth instead of replacing tooth (capping tooth instead of)> getting a bridge> causes more issues.

Plenary: Traditional and Spiritual Aspects to Health - Elders Imelda Perley, Tuma Young and Gilbert Sewell

Elders Imelda Perley, Gilbert Sewell and Tuma Young each in turn spoke to how their traditions and spiritual practices influence their daily life. Each also spoke of the remedies they use in their own health and the health of others. All three of the Elders told stories that related to the use of plants and animals for medicine.

This brought out comments from the participants on the need for more education in this area.

Simultaneous Workshops 1-6

There were six workshops held during the afternoon of Day 1. The participants could attend three out of the six sessions as each session was 45 minutes in length. Many of the workshops offered co-presenters.

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Workshops topics and presenters were as follows:

Workshop Title Presenter Presenter

Elder Abuse Jamie Howie, Province of New Mandy Barnaby, RCMP Brunswick Fredericton Detachment Safe Medication Use Jennifer Ross Makham, FNIHB Home Safety Georgianna Barlow, APCFNC James MacKinnon, APCFNC Mental Health Veronica Moonstream WolfEagle, Josephine Muxlow, FNIHB Chronic Illness & Wendall Nicholas, Tobique First Clare MacEachern, Disabilities Nation Waycobah Health Centre Wills & Estates Tuma Young, Cape Breton University, Eskasoni First Nation

Feast and Cultural Showcase The evening of Day 1 included a feast and cultural showcase for the Elders to relax and enjoy after a long day of workshops and sessions.

The Crowne Plaza Fredericton prepared a feast using recipes and guidance from one of the Elders from St. Mary’s First Nation. Many of the participants were happy with the menu of corn soup, salmon, potatoes, fiddleheads, luski (made by the St. Mary’s Elder) and finally, strawberry shortcake.

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Chris Wysote of Listuguj First Nation was gracious and provided EMCEE duties for the evening. There were two drum groups, one from Territory and the other from the Mi’kmaq Nation. There were two shawl dancers and two grass dancers, all youth from the surrounding communities.

It was a great evening with full attendance and the Elders gave the evening high scores in the evaluations.

Friday, June 21st

Day 2:

Recognition of Gwen Bear and Elders Past A sunrise ceremony was organized by Elder Imelda Perley and a number of participants attend this ceremony before the day began. A recognition ceremony was held in honour of the memory and life of Gwen Bear and Elders past given by Imelda Perley and Katy McEwan and attended by Gwen Bear’s family.

AAEDIRP intro to Elders Gathering Circles John R Sylliboy facilitated a morning session for the APCFNC staff and working group of the AAEDIRP (Atlantic Aboriginal Economic Development Integrated Research Program). Margaret Donahue, AAEDIRP Research Coordinator began with the overview of the program and the purpose of the research which is to improve community health and well being.

The purpose of the Elder Gathering Circles is to find ways of how best the Elders can have input and contribute to the process. APCFNC would like to find ways to help the Elders and find what gaps in service there are for them.

John R. Sylliboy facilitated the morning sessions for the circles and the plenary.

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AAEDIRP Circles

The participants were divided into four circles with each one being led by facilitator. They included Elder Imelda Perley, Wendall Nicholas, Sharon Taylor and Tuma Young. The MMAYC volunteers were on hand to take notes for each of the circles. The notes were then provided to the AAEDIRP team who have compiled a summary of the notes, comments etc.

Small Group Discussions The final workshop of the gathering was small group sessions led by Chelsea Googoo, Elaina Bigras, Patricia Saulis and Wendall Nicholas with Alma MacDougall. Following the group discussions, a panel presentation for “Addressing Concerns and Moving Forward” took place. Each of the group session leaders reported back on the top five concerns of each group and any recommendations made during the sessions.

The detailed summary of these sessions are included in Appendix “A” attached.

Elder Gift Exchange The Elders were given the opportunity to exchange and receive gifts. It was well received and everyone exchanged gifts.

Closing Ceremony The closing ceremony was delivered by Imelda Perley and Katy McEwen. The Honor song was sung by a young girl in the

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4.0 Workshop Attendance The Honouring Our Elders Gathering was extremely well attended. Elders from 34 of the 38 communities in Atlantic Canada were represented at the Gathering.

The projected attendance was to have 150 participants and the final tally was 152 in total. Registration list attached in Appendix “B”.

5.0 Evaluations Evaluations were distributed at the beginning of day 2 of the conference. They were placed on tables and also distributed by staff. The emcee was able to do several announcements to remind participants to complete their forms before departing. This ensured that all participants received the form and we could track completed forms. The completed evaluations have been summarized for review.

Overall, the conference received extremely high marks on the evaluations. Great comments were provided by the participants and suggestions for actions and follow up have also been documented.

There were 67 completed evaluations (44% return). The responses below have been summarized in ‘Appendix C’ and the completed forms will be provided for file information.

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6.0 Findings and Recommendations

Finding The Elders would prefer sessions to be longer and not simultaneous. Felt a little rushed.

Recommendation Deliver workshops and sessions in one hour segments and not deliver simultaneous sessions.

The event may have to be longer to accommodate Elders and the need for breaks and downtime and single sessions.

Finding The MMAYC volunteers were invaluable in serving the Elders needs and creating a seamless event.

Recommendation For future events, it would be ideal to have a few MMAYC volunteers as they are very good at carrying out their duties.

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7.0 Budget Description Supplier Budget Actual

Conference Venue Crowne Plaza 3,000.00 3,183.78 Food/Beverage Crowne Plaza 30,725.00 24,185.06 Technical Support Crowne Plaza 3,500.00 5,309.11 Coordination M Carroll Consulting 23,200.00 23,200.00 Supplies M Carroll Consulting 1,000.00 1,000.00 Print Materials M Carroll Consulting 12,500.00 12,500.00 Elder Travel M Carroll Consulting 73,801.95 28,694.54 APCFNC xxxxx MMAYC Travel M Carroll Consulting 4,000.00 0.00 APCFNC xxxxx Presenter Travel/Fees M Carroll Consulting 9,000.00 1,360.00 APCFNC xxxxx Promotional Items M Carroll Consulting 3,500.00 3,500.00 Feast F&B Crowne Plaza 9,300.00 7,859.71 Technical Support Crowne Plaza 1,500.00 1,809.11 Cultural Performers Various 2,000.00 1,850.00

TOTAL 177,126.95 114,451.31

* Comprised of the main budget of $164,326.95 plus the separate budget for the Feast/Cultural Performance approved and paid by APCFNC $12,800.00.

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APPENDIX “A” Day 2 – 1:00 pm Notes to Small Discussion Groups

YOUTH

Question # 1

1. Respite care for Elders is lacking – Home care 2. More care is required to work around the timeframe of the Elders. 3. More empathy is needed for personal care and more patience from the workers as well a flexibility. 4. Meals on Wheels…should be healthy provided meals and to ask the Elders what they may want. No frozen soup and some traditional foods. 5. Sometimes home care workers come and go…so no consistency. 6. HCW…some are smokers and they smell and spend a lot of time on smoke breaks. 7. Set up a menu in cooperation with the Elders and the HCW or youth groups. 8. Summer shut downs are a problem. 9. Lack of legal advice in the communities, i.e. lawyers 10. Some bands help out by providing free oil, power bill payments, cheques and cable TV 11. Some bands give out quarterly cheques and mini-region trips, i.e. St. Anne de Beaupre…some bands provide snow removal, lawn services and meals. 12. Weekend trips for moose hunting, fishing camps, etc.

Lacking:

1. Legally – wills 2. Not enough workshops on diabetes (contact FNIHB/Health Canada) 3. There is not enough information on diabetes 4. Lack of trained/certified workers for assistance in diabetes – nurses? 5. Lack of transportation/drivers in some communities 6. Lack of respite care or located too far 7. Health issues – youth should go toward the health field: nurses, physicians, etc. 8. Elder/Youth field trips, visit other communities 9. Recognize Elder birthdays 10. Help should not be asked for…should be given for free (depends on family size) 11. Elders make wish list to pass on to youth and other groups 12. Family and friends should always be close by in the hospitals 13. Lack of visitors in the Elder’s home 14. Lack of cultural training for health care providers 15. Lack of medical check lists at health centres for clients

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NIHB

Working well Good workshops such as foot care, sexuality, nutrition, diabetes Blood collection (monthly) Lunch and learn Youth involved Outside gym and inside gym with volunteers Walking companions Private plans – they want to use that instead of NIHB (NIHB not kicking in the extra) Sometimes having to pay extra out of pocket Some dentists and doctors cover up front and deal directly with NIHB (they are registered with NIHB) Health Canada is sharing lists of NIHB providers We now have a list of providers

Not Working Well Amount of time for refunds Paying up front is a burden Denying services Doctors and dentists not in the community often enough Some providers no longer covering because they are left waiting for Ottawa No one to replace CHRs New changes – dental, but NIHB is not yet covering this…$25 service fee Workers should be relocated back to the region Lack of support for health personnel Wages are not enough – it is the bands responsibility to have a package Canada Pension – voluntary or not ? Certain drugs not covered although they are needed and expensive Forced to go on partners plan which was pharma care but not eligible due to age so had to work on my own to obtain a plan instead of NIHB

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Big difference between companies you pay for versus NIHB…should be the same level of service Appeal process doe not work even through APC Navigator role is connected to FNIHB…new claims have delayed claims for the region

When they were regional, you could phone and you knew those people No coverage for dental implants surgery versus having it at dentist…that way MSI paid Priority if you pay yourself Two different prices with or without insurance We are sharing ways to make health care more accessible when NIHB is making it less accessible There is no legislation that says Health Canada needs to fund NIHB Health Canada sees NIHB as an extra benefit when it should not be viewed this way We have yet to define what this Health Right should look like Community level NIHB does not pay transport fees for methadone What about harm reduction When services are not provided in communities, transportation needs to be provided, i.e. Methadone – transport funds only lasts for six months – that is not long enough for this type of treatment What is needed to seek support through NIHB for support at home and related items such as medical supplies Long-term care not accessible/ Home care is more accessible Fees for family to take care of people who need assistance are not covered Sometimes family members are not interested

What is the most important issue for Elders today related to NIHB Staying healthy Food costs Vitamins Over prescribing for Elders Decline in services Quality of services

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HOME CARE

Question # 1 Wellness home lends equipment Health Centre funds a worker to clean the house once a week Social also sends a worker Shut down at Christmas break – no workers sent Meals on Wheels in community (St. Mary’s) Foot Care – by appointment

Question # 2 Lifeline Foot care Cook and fresh Meals on Wheels from the community After hours service Temporary facility for special care Respite home on weekends Community doctors

Taxi service More transportation Cultural centre Palliative care in home Community/Family support Elder on staff in health centres

Question # 3 Walking programs Insurance passenger vehicle for daily runs Reimbursement for physical activities

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Question # 4 More funding for programs Elder Outings – Groups Community and bus schedule weekly Need longer operation hours and something for after hours Need in-home friendly visits (more of them) Need assistance for daily activities – groceries House tailored for needs – physical needs Winter-time, need someone to shovel and clear way Septic tank maintenance Pay meds that are not covered Advocate on behalf of client Dentist Update NIHB Implants

DISABILITIES Services: Service on weekends Work around the home care workers schedule Workers not wanting to work in certain homes or do certain chores

Home Safety: Money Outside organizations do fundraising, i.e. Institute for the Blind

Support: Feel like a burden on family Caregiver stress Loss of independence

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Living alone (lifeline) Acknowledging caregivers

Elder Groups (recreation) Nurses offer support for paperwork, renewals i.e. medicine card, status cards, social services, accounting, income taxes etc. Bring services to Elders homes Sometimes volunteers come from Service Canada Creating in Cree Territory – a resource book

Isolation: Independence versus isolation Living in a technological world, lack of communication (kitchen talks) Planning ahead Nursing homes in communities Family not showing up to visit while in homes or nursing homes Not wanting to put in homes but do not have the resources to care for in community Time limits on home care Social support Conventions, conferences – buffet style not helpful for accessibility

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APPENDIX “B”

ELDER GATHERING REGISTRATION LIST

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# First Name Last Name Community/Organization Position

1 Albert Julian Paq'tnkek First Nation Elder

2 Alice George Eel River Bar First Nation Elder

3 Allan Polichies Jr. St.Mary's First Nation MC

4 Alma MacDougall MCPEI Presenter

5 Amy Moulton APCFNC Staff

6 Andrew Nicholas ECWG Presenter

7 Anna Knockwood Elder

8 Anne Burke Halifax Companion

9 Annette Waterman APCFNC Staff

10 Annie Jane MacDonald Buctouche First Nation Elder

11 Barry Nicholas Tobique First Nation Elder

12 Betty Gould Waycobah First Nation Companion

13 Brenda Roos ECWG ECWG

14 Carmel Boucher St.Mary's First Nation Elder

15 Caroline Martin Pictou Landing First Nation Elder

16 Carolyn Saulis Kingsclear First nation Elder

17 Charles Sark Lennox Island First Nation Elder

18 Charles Sark Oromocto First Nation Elder

19 Chelsea Googoo APCFNC Staff / Presenter

20 Cheryl Morris Health Canada Exhibitor

21 Chris George St.Thomas University Guest

22 Chris Wysote Listuguj First Nation Companion

23 Christine Gabriel APCFNC Elder APC Elder

24 Christine Pierro Wagmatcook First Nation Elder

25 Christine MacLeod M Carroll Consulting Staff

26 Clare MacEachern

27 Colleen Denny Pictou Landing First Nation Companion 28 Colton Jerome MMAYC Volunteer

29 Darren Saulis Kingsclear First nation Companion

30 David Paul Acadia First Nation Elder

31 Diane Darrah Woodstock First Nation Elder

32 Dixie Paul St. Mary's First Nation Companion

33 Dorothy Gloade Bear River First Nation Elder

34 Elaina Bigras UNBI ECWG

35 Elaine Wilson Health Canada Exhibitor

36 Eleanor Pollock First Nation Health Director

37 Emerson Francis Elder

38 Evangeline Jadis Abegweit First Nation Elder

39 Floyd Bernard Madwaska First Nation Elder

40 Fred Maguire Passamaquoddy Nation Edler

41 Freda Berube Kingsclear First nation Elder

42 Gail Hanifan Eel Ground First Nation Elder

43 Geneva Sanipass Buctouche First Nation Elder

44 Georgianna Barlow APCFNC Presenter

45 Geraldine Basque Listuguj First Nation Elder

46 Gertrude Coleman Annapolis First Nation Elder

47 Gilbert Sewell Pabineau First Nation Elder

48 Gloria Googoo Indian Brook First Nation Elder

49 Gloria Nicholas Membertou First Nation Elder

50 Gop Bartibogue MMAYC Volunteer

51 Harrietta Black Listuguj First Nation Companion

52 Heather Mulligan APCFNC Staff

53 Hilda Peter Paul Metepenagiag First Nation Elder

54 Ida MacLeod Annapolis First Nation Elder 55 Imelda Perley UNB / Tobique First Nation Presenter

56 Jake Caplin Eel River Bar First Nation Elder

57 James MacKinnon APCFNC Presenter

58 Jamie Howie Province of NB Presenter

59 Jane Gabriel Glooscap First Nation Companion

60 Janine Christmas Membertou First Nation Companion

61 Jean Guy Trudell M Carroll Consulting Staff

62 Jenna Lee Green M Carroll Consulting Staff

63 Jennie Stevens Pictou Landing First Nation Additional Elder

64 Jennifer Ross Markhan FNIHB Presenter

65 Jim Augustine Trade Show Exhibitor Exhibitor

66 Joan Caplin Eel River Bar First Nation Elder

67 Joan Foster Glooscap First Nation Elder

68 Jocelyn Fraser Health Canada Exhibitor

69 John G. Paul APCFNC Presenter

70 John R. Sylliboy Staff

71 Jolly Stevens MMAYC Volunteer

72 Josephine Gould Pictou Landing First Nation Additional Elder

73 Josephine Muxlow FNIHB Presenter

74 Joyce Levi Elder

75 Judy LaBillois Eel River Bar Elder

76 Judy Julian Paq'tnkek First Nation Elder

77 Kate Arsenault Lennox Island First Nation Companion

78 Katy McEwan Membertou First Nation Elder

79 Kenneth Francis Elsipogtog First Nation Elder

80 Krista Paul St.Mary's First Nation Elder

81 Laura Mae Sewell Pabineau First Nation Companion

82 Lillian B. Marshall Potlotek First Nation Elder 83 Linda Maloney Millbrook First Nation Elder

84 Lisa Messervey M Carroll Consulting Staff

85 Lorelei McEwan Membertou First Nation Companion

86 Lucy Knockwood Abegweit First Nation Elder

87 Mabel Simonson Eel River Bar Elder

88 Mandy Barnaby Tobique First Nation Guest

89 Margaret Donahue APCFNC Staff

90 Margaret Jadis APCFNC Elder APC Elder

91 Margaret Poulette Waycobah First Nation Elder

92 Margaret Swasson Listuguj First Nation Elder

93 Margaret Labobe Lennox Island First Nation Companion

94 Marilyn Sark Elder Care Working Group Presenter

95 Marilyn Kennedy Annapolis First Nation Companion

96 Marilyn Nicholas Tobique First Nation Companion

97 Marjorie Polchies Woodstock First Nation Elder

98 Mary Jeddore Conne River First Nation Elder

99 Mary Reed Madwaska First Nation Elder

100 Mary Catherine Willis Indian Brook First Nation Elder

101 Mary Ellen Denny Pictou Landing First Nation Elder

102 Mary Ellen Googoo Unama'ki Institute Elder

103 Mary Helen Pierro Wagmatcook First Nation Elder

104 Matilda Francis Esgenoopetiji First Nation Elder

105 Maureen Carroll M Carroll Consulting Staff

106 Michelle Johnson Eskasoni First Nation Companion Aboriginal Nursing Inititaive/ 107 Miranda Mitchell MMAYC Exhibitor / Volunteer

108 Mitchell Syvret-Caplin MMAYC Volunteer

109 Molly Pierro Elder Care Working Group Presenter

110 Murdena Marshall Eskasoni First Nation Elder 111 Nancy Cloud Metepenagiag First Nation Companion

112 Nancy Somerville Esgenoopetiji First Nation Elder

113 Nilan Marshall MMAYC Volunteer

114 Noel Joe MMAYC Volunteer

115 Noel J. Gould Waycobah First Nation Elder

116 Nora labillois Eel River Bar First Nation Elder

117 Patricia Saulis APCFNC Staff

118 Paul Bear Tobique First Nation Special Guest 119 Paula Bear Tobique First Nation Special Guest

120 Pauline Isadore Wagmatcook First Nation Elder

121 Peg LaBillois Eel River Bar First Nation Elder

122 Peggy Wright Woodstock First Nation Companion / HD

123 Peter Jadis Elsipogtog First Nation Elder

124 Philomena Martin Gesgapegiag First Nation Elder

125 Phyllis Ignacz Pabineau First Nation Elder

126 Priscilla Drew Conne River First Nation Elder

127 Rita Fraser Passamaquoddy Nation Elder

128 Robin Boychuk FNIHB Presenter

129 Rocky Bear Tobique First Nation Guest

130 Rosemary Marshall Potlotek First Nation Elder

131 Rowena Melvin Annapolis First Nation Companion

132 Shanika MacEachern MMAYC Volunteer Memorial University of 133 Sharon Taylor Newfoundland Presenter

134 Shirley Francis Acadia First Nation Elder

135 Shirley Howe St.Mary's First Nation Elder

136 Solomon Bear Tobique First Nation Special Guest

137 Steve Maloney Millbrook First Nation Elder

138 Susan Stevens Pictou Landing First Nation Companion 139 Sydney Paul MMAYC Volunteer

140 Sylvia Craft Tobique First Nation Elder

141 Sylvia Jadis Elsipogtog First Nation Companion

142 Terrell Mudge Glooscap First Nation Elder

143 Theresa Lewis Lennox Island First Nation Elder

144 Theresa Nally Metepenagiag First Nation Elder

145 Tina Young Metepenagiag First Nation Companion

146 Tuma Young Cape Breton University Presenter Moonstream 147 Veronica Wolfeagle Tobique First Nation Presenter

148 Vicki Thomas VON Exhibitor

149 Vivian Paul St.Mary's First Nation Elder

150 Wanda Ralph APCFNC Staff

151 Wendall Nicholas Tobique First Nation Presenter

152 William Jerome Gesgapegiag First Nation Elder

APPENDIX “C”

EVALUATION SUMMARY Evaluations were distributed to delegates at the gathering. Below is a summary of their results as well as some of the comments they shared. The participants were asked to rate each question on a scale of 1‐10 (1 meaning not satisfied and 10 meaning extremely satisfied). We have applied the following rating system to quantify the results in addition to taking an average score:

Score Rating Range 10 – 9 Excellent 8 – 7 Very Good 6 – 5 Good 4‐3 Poor

2‐1 Very Poor

Opening Ceremony

1. How satisfied were you with the Opening Ceremony portion of the event?

Score Range Rating

51 Excellent

12 Very Good

1 Good

0 Poor 0 Very Poor 9.30 Average Score

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Keynote Address

1. How satisfied were you with the information presented?

Score Range Rating

45 Excellent

16 Very Good

2 Good

0 Poor 0 Very Poor 9.06 Average Score

2. How satisfied were you with the presenter?

Score Range Rating 43 Excellent 13 Very Good 2 Good 0 Poor 0 Very Poor 9.16 Average Score

Elders Address

1. How satisfied were you with the presentation?

Score Range Rating 48 Excellent 14 Very Good 2 Good 0 Poor 0 Very Poor 9.16 Average Score

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2. How satisfied were you with the presenters?

Score Range Rating 44 Excellent 12 Very Good 1 Good 0 Poor 0 Very Poor 9.28 Average Score

FNIHB Elders Lens

1. How satisfied were you with the presentation?

Score Range Rating 28 Excellent 18 Very Good 3 Good 1 Poor 0 Very Poor 8.6 Average Score

2. How satisfied were you with the presenter?

Score Range Rating 29 Excellent 16 Very Good 3 Good 1 Poor 0 Very Poor

8.71 Average Score

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Plenary: Traditional & Spiritual Aspects to Health

1. How satisfied were you with the plenary?

Score Range Rating 34 Excellent 12 Very Good 3 Good 2 Poor 0 Very Poor 8.80 Average Score

2. How satisfied were you with the presenters?

Score Range Rating 34 Excellent 9 Very Good 1 Good 3 Poor

0 Very Poor 8.89 Average Score

Workshops:

Elder Abuse

1. How satisfied were you with the workshop?

Score Range Rating 35 Excellent 8 Very Good 0 Good 0 Poor 0 Very Poor 9.41 Average Score

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2. How satisfied were you with the presenters?

Score Range Rating 33 Excellent 7 Very Good 1 Good 0 Poor 0 Very Poor 9.27 Average Score

Safe Medication Use

1. How satisfied were you with the workshop?

Score Range Rating 18 Excellent 10 Very Good 1 Good 0 Poor 0 Very Poor 8.86 Average Score

2. How satisfied were you with the presenter?

Score Range Rating 16 Excellent 8 Very Good 1 Good 0 Poor 0 Very Poor 8.84 Average Score

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Home Safety

1. How satisfied were you with the workshop?

Score Range Rating 19 Excellent 11 Very Good 2 Good 1 Poor 0 Very Poor 8.81 Average Score

2. How satisfied were you with the presenters?

Score Range Rating

21 Excellent

8 Very Good

2 Good

1 Poor 0 Very Poor 8.43 Average Score

Mental Health

1. How satisfied were you with the workshop?

Score Range Rating

19 Excellent

9 Very Good

3 Good

0 Poor 0 Very Poor 8.80 Average Score

2. How satisfied were you with the presenters?

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Score Range Rating 19 Excellent 8 Very Good 1 Good 1 Poor

0 Very Poor 9.00 Average Score

Chronic Illness & Disabilities

1. How satisfied were you with the workshop?

Score Range Rating 18 Excellent 8 Very Good 2 Good 0 Poor 0 Very Poor 8.85 Average Score

2. How satisfied were you with the presenters?

Score Range Rating 18 Excellent 6 Very Good 3 Good 0 Poor 0 Very Poor 8.81 Average Score

Wills and Estates

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1. How satisfied were you with the workshop?

Score Range Rating 28 Excellent 3 Very Good 2 Good 0 Poor

0 Very Poor 9.45 Average Score

2. How satisfied were you with the presenter?

Score Range Rating 28 Excellent 4 Very Good 1 Good 0 Poor 0 Very Poor

9.48 Average Score

Feast and Cultural Showcase

1. How satisfied were you with the Feast and Cultural Showcase?

Score Range Rating 44 Excellent 5 Very Good 2 Good 0 Poor

0 Very Poor 9.43 Average Score

2. How satisfied were you with the performances?

Score Range Rating

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42 Excellent 4 Very Good

2 Good 0 Poor 0 Very Poor 9.48 Average Score

Recognition of Gwen Bear

1. How satisfied were you with the ceremony?

Score Range Rating 35 Excellent 10 Very Good 0 Good 0 Poor 0 Very Poor 9.46 Average Score

AAEDIRP Intro to Elders Gathering Circle

1. How satisfied were you with the information presented?

Score Range Rating 30 Excellent 9 Very Good 2 Good 0 Poor 0 Very Poor 9.10 Average Score

2. How satisfied were you with the presenters?

Score Range Rating

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3 Excellent 10 Very Good

2 Good 0 Poor 0 Very Poor 9.05 Average Score

AAEDIRP Elders Gathering Circles

1. How satisfied were you with the circles?

Score Range Rating 32 Excellent 8 Very Good 3 Good 0 Poor 0 Very Poor 9.00 Average Score

Small Group Discussions

1. How satisfied were you with the suggested topics?

Score Range Rating 30 Excellent 4 Very Good 3 Good 1 Poor 0 Very Poor 9.02 Average Score

2. How satisfied were you with the facilitators?

Score Range Rating

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32 Excellent 3 Very Good

3 Good 1 Poor 0 Very Poor 9.13 Average Score

Addressing Concerns and Moving Forward

1. How satisfied were you with this panel?

Score Range Rating 26 Excellent 8 Very Good 3 Good 1 Poor 0 Very Poor 8.86 Average Score

Facilities

1. How satisfied were you with the event meeting facilities?

Score Range Rating 4 Excellent 8 Very Good 0 Good 1 Poor 0 Very Poor 9.33 Average Score

Accommodations

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1. How satisfied were you with the accommodations?

Score Range Rating 44 Excellent 7 Very Good 1 Good 1 Poor 0 Very Poor 9.32 Average Score

Food and Beverage

1. How satisfied were you with the food/beverages during the event?

Score Range Rating 42 Excellent 13 Very Good 3 Good 2 Poor 0 Very Poor 8.91 Average Score

2. How satisfied were you with the service during the event?

Score Range Rating 45 Excellent 8 Very Good 4 Good 0 Poor 0 Very Poor 9.26 Average Score

Tradeshow

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1. How satisfied were you with the tradeshow?

Score Range Rating 33 Excellent 6 Very Good 9 Good 1 Poor 0 Very Poor 8.59 Average Score

Gift Exchange

1. How satisfied were you with the gift exchange?

Score Range Rating 26 Excellent 4 Very Good 2 Good 0 Poor 0 Very Poor 9.31 Average Score

Event Organization

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1. How satisfied were you with the event registration process?

Score Range Rating 44 Excellent 9 Very Good 1 Good 0 Poor 0 Very Poor 9.44 Average Score

2. How satisfied were you with the event materials provided?

Score Range Rating 42 Excellent 7 Very Good 1 Good 0 Poor 0 Very Poor 9.39 Average Score

3. Overall how satisfied were you with the event organization?

Score Range Rating 40 Excellent 10 Very Good 2 Good 0 Poor 0 Very Poor 9.29 Average Score

Would you consider attending a similar event in the future?

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100% of people who responded indicated that they would consider attending a similar event in the future.

Summary of Event Comments:

“It was an honor and pleasure for me and my husband to be here. We truly enjoyed this event”

“I found this conference very knowledgeable and powerful and I certainly learned a lot”

“Conference was overall enjoyable and I learned a lot from the other Elders”

“Lunch was too Green. Not everyone is a diabetic. Overall great!”

“I enjoyed it all, very much”

“Excellent conference. Workshops could be longer, great topics. Keep having these conferences”

“Health and education must be given more action”

“Not enough time on some workshops”

“Some workshops need more time to accommodate interaction. Wills and Estates should have 2 presenters (One from N.B. and one from N.S.

“Excellent workshop. Friendly people. Wonderful hospitality . Great helpful staff. Would love to stay here anytime”

“Excellent workshops. Friendly people, excellent hospitality, staff was great, love the environment. Overall excellent”

“Very well put together. Nice to re‐visit old friends. Also a chance to ask questions to a presenter. We’lalin M’ set Nogmaq”

“I went through medical tests at this time. So I wasn’t able to attend all workshops but took in the ones I felt were relevant to me. They are sending me the handouts for the ones I’m interested in. The “Red Vests” were TOPs in assisting.”

“Too much crammed into the two day event afterall it is a senior Elders conference. More information on health and welfare issues for services”

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“I enjoyed the gathering of Elders”

“Not enough time for workshops, questions took up a lot of time”

“We need to move forward and take action of recommendation. Great workshops. I learned a great deal from the three sessions I went to. As far as the research project please send the info to Glooscap Elder Group to the address of the Band Office. Students were a great help at all times. Would like to come to the next Elder conference or help the research group. Presenters were well spoken and explain it to the elders at their level of understanding programs and services”

“Exchanging ideas with Elders and what’s happening in other communities and I think it will be long process but at the end it will be worth it”

“Gives me an idea of who I am as an Elder and my journey to go and the struggles to overcome”

“I couldn’t attend all of the workshops but the one’s were very informative, it’s a great Elders gathering, great event. “The workshops were great and would love to attend all but only could go to 3. More time for workshops. We’lalin”

“Very very good only one thing, workshops were not long enough. Could of been longer, very interesting workshops would like I said not enough time. Great Job!”

“Overall it was a very good and enjoyable event. The meals and entertainment was very good”

“Thank you for everything. This was much needed. Again thank you”

“Some presentations were fast. Not given enough time for proper question periods”

“During presentation on Elder Abuse not enough time given for RCMP to participate and share her views”

“Elder Abuse workshop – The facilitators focus was only for New Brunswick. Policies only applied to N.B. The guides should apply to all Atlantic Canada. For Elder’s conference less topics, more time for topics related to Elders and seniors”

“Learned a lot and got good information”

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“Awesome gathering”

“Where as I am a diabetic there was too much fruit as opposed to a full breakfast”

“I would like more interaction between the Elders”

“Some presentations were not quite long enough” “Workers and helpers were excellent”

“Small group discussions needed to be more focused. Difficult to hear when circles and discussions in one room. Some presenters for concurrent sessions didn’t realize they were doing multiple sessions, so prepared differently. MMAYC group was excellent.”

“Presenters sharing personal stories”

“Have more conferences on Elders. Great Job!”

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