Our Mission
N ADA’s mission is to be the driving force in addressing diabetes and Aboriginal people as a priority health issue by working together with people, Aboriginal communities and organizations in a culturally respectful manner in promoting healthy lifestyles among Aboriginal people today and for future generations.
The Story of NADA
- 1984 Strategies for Undermining Glucose in the Aboriginal Races (S.U.G.A.R.) Group formed
- 1995 3rd International Conference on Diabetes & Indigenous Peoples held in Winnipeg
- 1995 NADA Incorporated
- 1999 National Aboriginal Diabetes Awareness Day declared the first Friday of May annually
- 8 Annual General Assemblies held to date
- Hosted 4 National Conferences on Diabetes & Aboriginal People
Our Vision
- Raising awareness about diabetes and Aboriginal Peoples among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in Canada.
- Advocating for programs and services for Aboriginal Peoples affected by diabetes.
- Promoting healthy lifestyles to prevent the onset or complications of diabetes for all Aboriginal Peoples.
Our Values
- RESPECT of diversity, culture and traditions of the people we work with.
- HONOUR and VALIDATION of experiences, wisdom, NADA’s history, knowledge around us and cultural differences in building relationships.
- CARING and SHARING in how we approach people, families and Aboriginal communities in our work.
- INTEGRITY in the way we strive for excellence and quality in the work that we do. We are accountable in taking responsibility for all that we do, in building efficient operations and in promoting a wholistic approach to our activities.
- ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY and FAMILY are at the centre of what we do in connecting NADA with its Members and their communities
- FREEDOM to represent the best interests of Aboriginal peoples with diabetes.
Our Goals
- To support individuals, families and communities to access resources for diabetes prevention, education and research and surveillance.
- To establish and nurture working relationships with those committed to persons affected by diabetes.
- To inspire communities to develop and enhance their ability to reduce the incidence and prevalence of diabetes.
- To manage and operate NADA in effective and efficient ways.
- To be the driving force in ensuring diabetes and Aboriginal people remains at the forefront of Canada’s health agenda.
Diabetes Pandemic in Aboriginal Communities
- Prevalence is estimated to be 3 to 5 times the national average.
- Type 2 diabetes among Inuit people has also risen where the disease was once unknown.
- Diabetes has a devastating impact on Aboriginal people living with the disease, their families, and communities.
The Evidence
- Prevalence rates are alarmingly higher among Aboriginal peoples than non-Aboriginal Canadians
- Diabetes is more widespread among Aboriginal women than men;
- Residence is a significant factor in accessing quality services to prevent and manage diabetes
Aboriginal Communities
- Experience higher levels of poverty and unemployment, lower educational status, inadequate or unaffordable housing, food insecurity and loss of identity and culture
- Improvement in these contexts will contribute to overall improvement of the health status of Aboriginal people and communities
Health Determinants
- Income and Social Status
- Social Support Networks
- Education
- Employment/Working Conditions
- Social Environments
- Physical Environments
- Personal Health Practices
- Coping Skills
- Healthy Child Development
- Biology and Genetic Endowment
- Health Services
- Gender
- Culture
- Stress/Challenges
Statistics Canada
Diabetes is the fifth most prevalent health problem reported among the adult Aboriginal population living off-reserve.Source: Statistics Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples Survey (2001)
Prevalence
- Diabetes has increased by 50% among status and non-status Indians living off reserve
- One in 12 off-reserve and non-status Indians (adults) (8.3%) stated that they had been diagnosed with diabetes, compared to 1 in 20 in 1991 (5.3%)
The Human Face of Diabetes
- Diabetes may lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, peripheral neuropathy and retinopathy
- Diabetes complication rates are much higher among Aboriginal Peoples than they are among the general Canadian population
Sense of the Inevitable
- Diabetes is so common among Aboriginal Peoples that a sense of the inevitability of developing the disease pervades the community
- My parents have it, my grandparents have it, someday, I will get diabetes too.”
- Entire communities and clans have been harshly impacted
NADA Works With
- Health Canada
- Aboriginal Peoples Television Network
- Assembly of First Nations
- Métis National Council
- Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
- Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
- Native Women’s Association of Canada
- Canadian Diabetes Association
- Manitoba Association of Community Health
- Produced Tickle Trunk and Diabetes Medicine Bag
- Sadie’s Walk
- Participate in Community Walks
Our Accomplishments
- Involvement of 1,550 members.
- Organized 4 National Conferences (2000, 2002, 2004 & 2006); 5th Conference to be held in 2009
- Presence at Regional & Community Conferences.
- Presence at International Conferences (1995, 1997, 2000, 2004and 2008).
- Important linkages have been established between a variety of projects, communities, regions and government across Canada.
Projects
- NADA Aboriginal Diabetes Awareness Day
- Website Maintenance www.nada.ca
- Resource Directory Sharing Successes
- Newsletters
- Public Service Announcements
- Bookmarks
- Develop Resources In-house
- Strategic Planning
- Fund Development Strategy
- Aboriginal Specific Resource Development
- Partnership Development
- Expand Volunteer Recruitment
- Membership Recruitment
Strategic Plan 2005-2010
The plan provides a framework, and describes ways in which NADA’s programs and services will be strengthened in meeting the needs of the Aboriginal community … now and for future generations. It shows our commitment to:
- Fulfilling our Vision
- Fulfilling our Mission
- Honouring Aboriginal traditions and values
National Aboriginal Diabetes Awareness Day
- The first Friday in May each year
- Inviting all Aboriginal schools, health centres and communities to participate
- The day promotes a balanced lifestyle, with healthy food choices, fresh air and physical activity which helps to prevent and/or manage diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes Can Be Prevented
- Learn about diabetes
- Walk a balanced life
- Eat Healthy
- Be physically active
- Have a positive attitude
  
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Making a Difference
The National Aboriginal diabetes Association has an agenda for change through activities that will make a difference for Aboriginal people affected by diabetes in a wholistic way… one mind, one heart, one body and one spirit.
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