Arctic Health

Research Network
“ Traditional knowledge needs to be the basis
for northern solutions.”
We seek direction from our boards, elders,
and community identified keepers in building
research partnerships and the network.
“Research needs to be driven
by community priorities.”
AHRN assists with priority setting exercises for
health research, development of community
mechanisms to consult and lead projects as
well as promotes training opportunities.
“There is a lot of money available for research,
but none of it can be accessed by communities
- how do we change this process?”
We can assist communities with
proposal writing and manage
research funds at their request.
“Health research must be done holistically
to include spiritual, emotional, mental and
physical well-being.”
The network brings together a broad
base of partners as identified by needs
in the community.
“Researchers are beginning to develop “So much research has been done
partnerships with community organizations, already let’s use what is available.”
which is a tremendous opportunity for us - we
We encourage and participate in the synthesis
must continue to encourage this.”
of best evidence for northern communities.
Connecting northerners to research teams and
building capacity for northerners to participate
is a priority.

AHRN is a tri-territorial health research network linking Examples of Community Current Projects (and partners)
Canada’s northern regions. The network currently Identified Health Research • Development of a Tri-Territorial Health • Complimentary workshop to CIHR
includes three health research centres based in the Research Network (Tri-Territory AHRN, CIHR consultations on ethical guidelines for
Yukon (AHRN YT), Northwest Territories (AHRN NT) Priorities team in CCDP) health research involving aboriginal
and Nunavut (AHRN NU). Each network site operates • Mental health • Tri-Territorial Project to Promote the peoples (AHRN NT & NU, CIHR) Arctic Health Arctic Health

independently as an NGO in each territory and works • Chronic diseases Translation, Synthesis and Enhancement of • Community Sustainability - Animaction Research Network,
Nunavut
Research Network,
Northwest Territories

under the direction of a board and constitution. • Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Best Evidence in Health for Northern and Workshops with a focus on healthy living Gwen Healey Susan Chatwood
Executive Director Executive Director
• Food security Aboriginal Populations (Tri-Territory AHRN) (AHRN NT, Aklavik Health Committee) 867 979 7201 (867) 445-2122
ahrn.nunavut@gmail.com ahrn.ed@theedge.ca
• Homelessness • Dietary Choices in Aklavik, Youth & Elders • FASD Workshops for Youth (AHRN NT,
The vision of the network is to have community driven, Promoting Change (AHRN NT, Aklavik Dene Nation) Arctic Health Sue Heron-Hebert
• Sexual health Research Network, Community Programs
northern led, health and wellness research centres that Health Committee) • ICCH ’09 Planning grant (AHRN NT, NT Yukon (867) 873-5509
• Holistic interventions Jody Butler Walker ahrn.cp@theedge.ca
facilitate the identification of health research priorities in • Development of Northern Cochrane planning committee) Director
• Social determinants of health jody@butlerwalker.ca
the north and promote northern evidence. Network Site (AHRN NT, Stanton • Spring School for Health Promotion (867) 668-3393
Territorial HA) Training (AHRN YT, CIHR team in CCDP) Norma Kassi

The centres facilitate and participate in health research • Northern Cochrane Network Site: Northern • Health Projects in Nunavut Youth Science Co-Director
nkassi@whtvcable.com
Adaptations of Best Practices (AHRN NT Camps (AHRN NU, Actua) (867) 668-4442
within a model in which traditional knowledge and CIHR team in CCDP)
western sciences are both recognized when promoting • Health Promotion Planning and Evaluation
• Tri-Territorial Birth Outcomes and Child Spring School for Yukon
knowledge that will create healthy environments and Health Surveillance (CIHR team in CCDP) • First Nations (AHRN YT, CYFN, CIHR team)
improve the health of persons in the north.

[AHRN] www.arctichealth.ca