The Department of Health (DOH) is announcing to the community that the Knowledge Keepers who will be working within the community to assist in the completion of the Regional Health Survey (RHS) have been identified.

The Regional Health Survey is a Canada-wide survey for First Nations people living in first nations territories and communities. The survey is planned and funded nationally by the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) and the allocated funding is to be administered by the Chiefs of Ontario (COO). Now in its fourth phase, the results from the RHS have been used to support policy, funding, decision making, and programming at the community, regional, provincial, and national level.

The Knowledge Keepers who will be conducting the survey are as follows:

• Connie Lazore - Tsi Snaihne

• Leona Francis - Kana:takon

• Sherrill Lazare - Kana:takon

• Lisa Francis-Benedict - Kawehno:ke

• Precious Boots - Kawehno:ke

The Knowledge Gatherers will be going to the homes of the people identified on randomized selection received from the Office of Vital Statistics (OVS), based on eight (8) age categories:

Female:

0-11

12-17

18-54

55+

Male:

0-11

12-17

18-54

55+

Knowledge Keepers will be wearing a name tag and will be conducting the survey via tablet. They will leave informational pamphlets at houses they have visited where nobody is available. Surveys started as of February 19, 2024.

If anyone visits your home claiming to be conducting the RHS, and they are not the above-named individuals, please do not allow them into your residence. There will be no other individuals conducting the survey on DOH’s behalf.

The survey will be completed on April 12, 2024. Participants of the RHS will receive a $50 gift card.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Regional Health Survey organizers, Shealene Gibson, or Theresa Adams, at 613-575-2341 ext. 3700.