A moving ceremony took place for the first screening of the cancer awareness video, In Our Own Words: The Cancer Journey. The video is the direct result of a collaborative effort, led by the Shkagamik-kwe Aboriginal Health Access Centre.
In 2006, the project received a $225,200 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to produce the video. There has been much interest and involvement in creating the video, which helps demystify cancer treatment and promote cancer prevention and early detection for First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
"This initiative represents an important bridge between mainstream cancer care and the Aboriginal community," said MPP Rick Bartolucci in a news release. "In increasing the understanding of cancer treatment within the Aboriginal community, promoting healthy lifestyles and highlighting the need for early detection, I believe this video will have a positive impact on Aboriginal communities in northeastern Ontario and across the province."
Using the voices of Aboriginal cancer survivors and their family members, the goal of the video is to increase access to holistic cancer information, promote screening as a form of prevention and to encourage Aboriginal people to seek early treatment, stated the new release. In addition, mainstream medical personnel will also gain an understanding of the Aboriginal world view of cancer management. 
The key impact of the video will be to positively influence treatment and survivorship decisions, promote earlier detection of cancer, identify the holistic strengths of the community and address language and cultural barriers in the description of treatment modalities.
"Shkagamik-kwe Health Centre is very excited to launch this creative, thoughtful and necessary initiative," said Joyce Helmer, board member, Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre and Chair of Cambrian College's Wabnode Institute. "Storytelling and visual arts, which provide the basis of this video, are natural components of our traditional ways of teaching and learning."
The collaboration involves participation from the Shkagamik-kwe Health Centre, N'Swakamok Native Friendship Centre, the Aboriginal Cancer Care Unit of Cancer Care Ontario, the Regional Cancer Program of the Sudbury Regional Hospital, Weeneebayko Health Ahtuskaywin, Mnaamodzawin Health Services Inc., Canadian Cancer Society, the Sudbury Métis Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario and Cambrian College.
The organizations gratefully acknowledge the significant financial support from Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario, stated the news release.
