Heartbeat of the Anishnawbe Nation Learning about stroke and blood pressure management by means of both medical and Aboriginal traditions. The video will help you to understand how stroke and blood pressure is affected by smoking, diet, exercise, alcohol and medication. The language of the video is Ojibwe and dubbed in Oji-Cree and English (19 Minutes).   Ojibwe Version Oji-Cree Version (dubbed) English Version (dubbed)

"Next to cardiac and cancer mortality, stroke is the third leading cause of death in Northwestern Ontario”.

Dr. David Howse, TBRHSC Neurologist

The Innovation
The Northwestern Ontario Regional Stroke Program announces the development of a DVD to educate our Aboriginal population regarding cerebrovascular disease, including stroke and blood pressure management. Funding for the project was received from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario.

Conventional education programs have proven ineffective and, at times, inappropriate for this population, so awareness of risk factors for stroke within Aboriginal communities in Northwestern Ontario is limited. It was decided that improved educational resources for healthcare providers would positively impact the health status of Aboriginal people. “The DVD is great”, says Brenda Mason. “I like the fact that it is in Aboriginal languages and I believe this DVD will be helpful in educating our Aboriginal people about stroke and the possible consequences of high blood pressure.” Brenda Mason is a Social Worker at the LPH and provides aboriginal services to Adult Mental Health patients at TBRHSC.

The Need
With the Aboriginal percentage of the population substantially greater in Northwestern Ontario (13.9%) than in the Province (1.7%), there is a growing incidence of risk factors for cerebrovascular disease. High blood pressure is 2.8 times more prevalent in Aboriginal men and 2.5 times more prevalent in Aboriginal women than non-Aboriginal Canadians. Correspondingly, Aboriginal people in Canada have a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity and tobacco use.

The Story
Using three presentations - Ojibwe, Oji-Cree, and English - we follow Brenda’s brief journey through a treatment centre to understand how stroke and blood pressure are affected by smoking, diet, exercise, alcohol, and medication.

The Background
In collaboration with thirteen representatives of the Nishnawbe-Aski, Grand Council Treaty #3, Union of Ontario Indians and Independent First Nation, and six healthcare professionals familiar with the Aboriginal population, the project was undertaken. Common themes were identified: use of Elders; Medicine Wheel colours (white, yellow, red, and black); mother earth; story-telling; community environment; use of drums; use of water; visual aids; holistic; humour; and non-intrusive production values.

Filming took place in several locations such as an Aboriginal health clinic, a historic fort site and various rivers. Participants included an elder, Aboriginal health nurse, Aboriginal social worker and a number of Aboriginal youth.