The Assembly of First Nations (AFN), the National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation (NNAPF) and the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) of Health Canada co-hosted the NNADAP Renewal National Forum (PDF) on January 12-13, 2010 in Ottawa. The forum brought together a broad range of NNADAP partners (approx. 70 people), including community members, service providers, AFN Health Technicians, FNAAP members and representatives from national mental health and addictions initiatives, to discuss the ongoing NNADAP Renewal efforts in light of the completed regional needs assessments. The objectives of the Forum were to:

1. Identify key national program and policy renewal priorities for NNADAP based on the findings of the regional needs assessments, and other culturally-relevant and mainstream evidence;
2. Create an environment where there is collaboration and problem solving amongst partners on key NNADAP challenges;
3. Strengthen working relationships among NNADAP partners through a collaborative working environment;
4. Increase engagement and support of the NNADAP Renewal Process amongst partners;
5. Discuss appropriate approaches for engagement and validation for the Renewed Program Framework for NNADAP; and
6. Establish a network of NNADAP partners to move the Renewal Process forward.

The Forum Summary document (PDF) provides an overview of the key findings of the Forum, including key needs, strengths, and recommendations identified by the Regional Needs Assessment presentations and the 13 Common Themes and National Priorities for Action established in the World Cafe Groups. In addition, a document titled “Common Themes from the Regional Needs Assessment Reports and the January 2010 NNADAP Renewal National Forum” (PDF) synthesizes the recommendations that emerged from the regional needs assessments and the NNADAP Renewal Forum and highlights common themes between regions.