The Canoe Project (Harm Reduction)

The project is guided by a steering committee with members from CAAN and DPC, meeting quarterly to keep activities aligned with the workplan and performance targets.

Our main goal is to establish a national community of practice for frontline health professionals and organizations offering harm reduction services to Indigenous people. Supported by monthly videoconferences, this community shares knowledge and wise practices. Meeting minutes and annual summaries will help disseminate lessons learned. A podcast series will accompany these calls for those unable to attend live sessions.

We are also developing an online repository for frontline professionals, providing resources on culturally relevant harm reduction services for Indigenous people.

Our capacity-building approach is tailored, strengths-based, and involves year-long trainings in various communities, co-creating localized tools for stigma-free, anti-oppressive, and culturally appropriate services. Indigenous consultants ensure training reflects local contexts.

By 2027, we aim to significantly increase the capacity of frontline service providers to offer culturally safe, stigma-free care, with many participants implementing policy or practice changes.

The objectives of "The Canoe" Project

Increase the capacity of harm reduction service providers to provide culturally safe and stigma-free harm reduction services to Indigenous people.
Improve the cultural safety and stigma-free nature of the harm reduction services offered.
Scale up wise practices nationally for culturally relevant, non-stigmatizing initiatives to meet the needs of target populations.
Increase context-specific resources for harm reduction services that serve target populations in rural and mid-sized communities.
Increase access to more spaces where Indigenous people are meaningfully engaged in harm reduction services.
Nationally elevate the voices of Indigenous people and people with lived and living experience (PLLE) in responses to the overdose crisis.
Support Indigenous and non-Indigenous harm reduction organizations to increase their capacity to deliver harm reduction services to their Indigenous clients.

We are committed to a collaborative and culturally respectful approach to harm reduction, and we are confident that “The Canoe” project will make a meaningful impact on the quality and cultural relevance of harm reduction services for Indigenous people in Canada.

Join us for an insightful webinar as part of The Canoe Project, a national initiative dedicated to promoting culturally safe and stigma-free harm reduction practices tailored for rural and remote Indigenous communities. This free training session will delve into the critical topic of harm reduction, with a focus on how shame intersects with the broader conversation around addiction stigma.

Our expert speakers will explore the multifaceted impact of shame on individuals and communities, and how it can hinder the effectiveness of harm reduction efforts. By examining the role of shame, we aim to foster a more compassionate and understanding approach to supporting those affected by substance use disorders.

The webinar is part of The Canoe Project. The objectives of the project is to:

Enhance the skills and knowledge of harm reduction service providers to deliver culturally safe and stigma-free services to Indigenous populations.
Improve the cultural safety and stigma-free nature of existing harm reduction services.
Scale up effective, culturally relevant harm reduction practices across the nation to better serve target populations.
Increase the availability of context-specific resources for harm reduction services in rural and mid-sized communities.
Expand access to inclusive spaces where Indigenous people can actively participate in harm reduction services.
Amplify the voices of Indigenous people and those with lived and living experiences (PLLE) in addressing the overdose crisis.
Strengthen the capacity of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous harm reduction organizations to provide specialized services to their Indigenous clients.

This webinar is designed for harm reduction service providers, community leaders, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in learning more about culturally sensitive approaches to harm reduction. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a national movement that is transforming the way we approach addiction and harm reduction in Indigenous communities.

Please register in advance to secure your spot and gain access to valuable resources that will be shared during the session. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by substance use disorders by promoting understanding, respect, and effective harm reduction strategies.

The podcast series associated with “The Canoe” project is designed to complement the monthly community of practice calls for frontline health care professionals, service providers, and community organizations involved in harm reduction services for Indigenous people. These podcasts will provide an accessible platform for those who are unable to attend the live videoconferences, ensuring that they can still engage with the valuable content and discussions that take place during these sessions.

Each episode will focus on the key themes and topics discussed in the community of practice calls, featuring insights from Indigenous Consultants, Knowledge Keepers, and other experts in the field. This format will not only enhance knowledge mobilization but also foster a sense of community among participants, allowing them to stay informed and connected even if they cannot participate in real-time discussions. By sharing these episodes, we aim to elevate the voices of Indigenous people and those with lived experience, further enriching the dialogue around culturally relevant and stigma-free harm reduction practices across Canada.

The podcasts will serve as an additional resource, providing ongoing support and knowledge sharing that aligns with the goals of the project, which include increasing the capacity of harm reduction service providers and improving the cultural safety of the services offered. This initiative reflects our commitment to creating inclusive and accessible learning opportunities for all stakeholders involved in harm reduction efforts.