Synthesizing Current Evidence on Tuberculosis Information Campaigns in Canada’s North

 By Stacey Woods, 2nd year MDP student

My name is Stacey Woods; I was born in the traditional lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Ojibwe-Cree, Dene, and the birthplace of the Red River Métis, also colonially known as Winnipeg, Manitoba, or Treaty 1 territory, where I grew up with my parents and older brother. My background and ancestral ties are rooted in Ukraine and Britain, which actively inform my worldviews and perspectives as a woman, a daughter, a sister, a niece, and a friend to many in my circle and outstretched community. I wanted to begin by stating where I place myself within knowledge production. This goes for not only for this blog post but, for wherever I go in spaces where teaching and learning are being done. The work that is illustrated in this presentation is both directly and indirectly impacted by intersections of my identity and socially constructed sense of reality.

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to contribute to knowledge translation efforts with the National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCCID), where I explored the evidence and knowledge on information campaigns on Tuberculosis (TB) in Canada’s North. In the expansive and often isolated landscapes of Canada's North, TB intervention, planning, and mitigation strategies present unique challenges that are distinct to certain regions due to infrastructure, resource management, and coordination among multiple sectors and partners. Advances in TB diagnostic technologies, coupled with proactive community-based initiatives, are reshaping how local community-based approaches to TB testing, screening, and treatment in Northern Arctic regions look like (i.e., regional planning, clinical operations, health human resources, etc.). Yet, the cornerstone of these advancements lies in effective TB information campaigns for understanding the effectiveness of knowledge mobilization for TB awareness.

These campaigns (i.e., social media, radio stations, news broadcasts, print media, online resources, organizational programs, community-based initiatives, etc.) are not just about spreading awareness—they are about empowering communities and building capacity. By educating individuals about TB, these campaigns encourage early detection and prompt treatment seeking. They play a crucial role in bridging knowledge gaps and ensuring health care resources are brought forward as an option and piece of knowledge to encourage and promote wellness practices (i.e., screening, diagnosis, symptom and disease management, etc.) for  those who need them most, regardless of the logistical, geographical, and infrastructural barriers.

It was a privilege to explore how information campaigns can effect change and improve public health outcomes, and at the same time, learn and appreciate the efforts that have and continue to be made to eliminate TB globally. Working alongside the NCCID team was inspiring, and I am deeply grateful for their commitment to advancing public health initiatives that stretch beyond the scope of TB management. I would like to personally thank my supervisor and mentor, Claudyne Chevrier (pictured on the right), as well as my other supporting supervisor, Margaret Haworth-Brockman (not pictured) for allowing me to contribute to TB knowledge translation and TB information campaign knowledge mobilization.

Human Rights & International Development

By Chelsea Bannatyne, 1st year MDP student

 

On August 12-13^th I participated in the commemoration of 2024 International Youth Day, the theme was “From Awareness to Action: Empowering Youth in Nigeria for the SDGs.” The two-day event was hosted by Nigerian Youth SDGs (NGYouthSDGs), the focus was on empowering young people in driving progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The events key highlights included panel discussions on education, gender equality, climate action, and economic growth, alongside workshops, networking opportunities, and Spotlight Awards recognizing outstanding youth contributions to SDG action.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global framework established by the United Nations in 2015 to address pressing global challenges like poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation. There are 17 SDGs, each focusing on critical areas of development, including health, education, gender equality, clean water, and sustainable economic growth. The SDGs aim to create a better and more sustainable world by 2030, fostering collaboration between governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals to drive meaningful progress.

The Nigerian Youth SDGs (NGYouthSDGs) is an organization focused on empowering young Nigerians to drive the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They facilitate youth involvement in policy advocacy, capacity-building initiatives, and leadership development. Through partnerships, workshops, and campaigns, NGYouthSDGs encourages active participation in promoting education, gender equality, climate action, and economic opportunities.

Partnered non-governmental organizations like Oxfam and Connected Development (CODE) play pivotal roles in advancing the SDGs in Nigeria. Oxfam focuses on addressing poverty, inequality, and social injustice. In Nigeria, Oxfam works on various initiatives, including gender equality, economic empowerment, and food security. Connected Development (CODE) is dedicated to increasing civic engagement and ensuring accountability in Nigeria. CODE’s mission aligns with SDG targets on reducing inequality and promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions. 

Summer Placement at Urban Systems

By Mo Crossman-Serb, 2nd year MDP student

I’m working at Urban Systems in Winnipeg this summer as a Community Consultant Intern. Urban Systems is an interdisciplinary consultant firm working alongside municipalities, governments, Indigenous communities, agencies, and private sector clients. The company has offices across Western Canada, with Winnipeg being its only one in Manitoba.

I’ve been really lucky to work closely with my coach, Mike Wakely, who leads the Indigenous Practice for the Winnipeg office. So far, within the Indigenous Practice, I’ve been able to work on housing, economic development, and land-use planning projects with First Nation communities in Manitoba and Ontario. I’ve also been able to support with land-use planning on municipalities close to Winnipeg and work on some proposals for new potential projects. The activities for my role consist primarily of research of various topics, community engagement, and writing reports/strategies. Research for the role consisted of reviewing previous Urban Systems work, reading governmental reports, and conducting interviews or discussions with community members or organizations.

I look forward to continuing my work with Urban Systems until the fall. I would like to thank the Winnipeg office and all the other Urban Systems colleagues for all their patience and help.

Options Housing Reconciliation Action Plan

By Alice Egbedeyi, 2nd year MDP student

Reconciliation is everyone’s business, and it’s a responsibility that Options Housing takes very seriously. In 2022, Options Housing, a seasoned nonprofit housing corporation in Ottawa, released their Reconciliation Action Plan, a framework for building the future while repairing the past. This RAP, as they fondly call it, guides the organization’s contribution to the work of reconciliation and the provision of culturally sensitive services to their Indigenous clients and tenants.

This summer, I was privileged to support this effort, furthering the organization’s goals to decolonize standard practices and create a welcoming and safe space that respects, honors and welcomes Indigenous Peoples and practices. When I arrived, the organization had already made significant progress on implementing this plan, starting with formally stating their position on reconciliation and executing their land acknowledgement protocol organization-wide.

During my time here, I quickly picked up on several ongoing activities. I coordinated the event for National Indigenous Peoples' Day, where we hosted tenants to attend the powwow. Later, I developed a training plan to engage staff members in Indigenous awareness and relationship-building training. In the final weeks, I completed drafting a comprehensive proposal document to help create a culturally-embracing lounge space within Options Housing for its tenants, especially its Indigenous clients.

Options Housing has made significant strides in implementing this plan, demonstrating that the RAP document is not merely a form of tokenism. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience how Options is intentionally creating space for Indigenous Peoples in housing. While there is still a long way to go for true reconciliation, as is the case across Canada, I am excited to see how Options continues to make a difference and advance their efforts towards respectful partnership. 

Happy to be Part of the Team Driving Manitoba’ s Vision of Net-Zero Emission

By Ijeoma Okwor, 1st year MDP student 

My name is Ijeoma Okwor. I am a 1^st year student of Master’s in Development Practice: Indigenous Development (MDP). I am from the Igbo ethnic group of Nigeria. 

 

This is my first placement, and I am grateful for the opportunity to experience it with the Climate Action and Energy Innovation office, Government of Manitoba, where I work with the Stakeholders Relations and Reporting unit. I am currently providing support to three projects – the ‘Merit’ project under the Federal Low Carbon Economy Fund; Mobilizing Municipalities Project under which we mobilize Manitoba Municipalities to achieve Climate and Green Plan Goals; and the Adaptation project under which we support and facilitate communities’ preparedness in the event of climate change such as heat wave, drought, flooding etc. Under the Merit project, I provide support with contractual process for new grantees while for other projects, my role is mainly around research and strategy development for effective implementation of the projects. I have also developed a community of practice framework which we hope to explore in engaging municipalities to ensure more coordinated engagements.

 

This placement is an opportunity to learn new things, test some of the learnings from my ‘Environmental and Sustainability’ course, and experience what it feels like to work with a provincial government. I have been able to settle in smoothly, enjoyed huge support from the team during my onboarding process and leveraged the friendship of two wonderful colleagues from the University of Manitoba.

 

Placement is a unique addition to the MDP program, an opportunity to learn about the Manitoba/Canadian work culture, test the knowledge we’ve gathered so far from our courses and see how our learnings provide solutions to the development challenges in the communities. It has been such a fulfilling journey for me, and I am grateful for the opportunity. Thank you @Tamara and @Jennifer for all the efforts put into making this happen. My gratitude also goes to my manager-@Alexandra for making me feel at home here.