The Aboriginal Cancer Strategy is one of the four key priorities identified in Cancer 2020, an action plan to decrease cancer incidence and mortality in Ontario by 2020. The Aboriginal Cancer Strategy is based on a holistic approach to cancer prevention, screening and research.

• Aboriginal Cancer Strategy – 5-year Status Update Report

Vision

Honouring the Aboriginal Path of Well-being.

Guiding principles

• Holistic approach – We take a traditional Aboriginal approach to health, physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and cultural needs of the individual, family and community.
• Community based – We work to make a difference at the community level and be inclusive of Aboriginal peoples voices.
• Culturally competent – We work in conjunction with natural, informal support and helping networks within culturally diverse communities, understanding the Aboriginal world view and recognizing community knowledge and assets.
• Process oriented – We are respectful of people first.

Accountability to Communities

The Joint Cancer Care Ontario- Aboriginal Cancer Committee (JOACC)

The JOACC provides overall guidance and advice to Cancer Care Ontario as it develops and implements strategies to reduce the incidence of cancer among Ontario’s Aboriginal populations.

The committee is comprised of Aboriginal representatives from each of the nine provincial/territorial Aboriginal organizations (PTOs), including a representative from the Independent First Nations and representatives from Cancer Care Ontario. JOACC receives spiritual guidance and support from an Aboriginal Elder and is co-chaired by one member representing the Aboriginal organizations and one member representing Cancer Care Ontario.