b'HEALTH FORUMSharing Stories:The True Test of Resilience Amidst a PandemicChiefs of Ontario host virtual health forumBY NIKITA DAYT he Chiefs of Ontario (COO) hosted the 2021they know theyre going to get so much out of it. I think we Health Forum from February 26 to 28, centeredwere really pleased that we were able to, as much as possible in around the theme Sharing Stories: The True Test ofa virtual environment and despite COVID-19 restrictions, give Resilience Amidst a Pandemic. Due to COVID-19people that feeling of gathering and getting caught up with restrictions, the Health Forum had to be held entirely virtu- people that they normally get to socialize with. ally this year, which organizers and attendees said came withShe also praised those who brought forward their stories its own set of challenges as well as some unexpected bene- this year. We put out a call for presentations, and the ones fits. Carol Ann Marcoux, Community Wellness Manager atthat came forward were people that, I believe, found success COO, was extremely proud of how the health forum camein their communities in getting people through the pandemic together, stating, Our theme was based on our health, ourand organizing pandemic plans and thinking about some of future, sharing our stories and the true test of resilience amidstthe challenges and how they dealt with them. For Bernadette, COVID-19, so I think that really resonated for myself being aresilience is something First Nations people are definitely first-time participant. familiar with, and this idea was echoed through the various For Bernadette deGonzague, Senior Mental Health andpresentations and workshops that took place. One presen-Addictions Policy Analyst at COO, one of the benefits fromtation in particular by Dr. James Makokis and his partner holding this event on a virtual platform was eliminatingAnthony Johnson really resonated with participants, including complications due to travel. Our forum is at the end ofBernadette. It was just a really uplifting, motivating story February, so travel is always a bit of a challenge, and we oftenabout what theyve been through, with the Amazing Race as run into storms that prevent people from making it, so thatwell as other things in their life, so I think it was probably one was kind of a bonus.of the most motivating, exciting presentations for me,Bernadette notes that organizers tried as much as possibleshe says.to recreate the atmosphere that the in-person event generallyThis was a sentiment echoed by Elder Donna Debassige, has every year. She adds that, for some of the frontline workers,who comes from Manitoulin Island in Ontario. She is a this is the only health conference they go to every year becauseresidential school survivor, mother and grandmother, and has 16l I ssue1 2021C hIefs ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazIne'