Akwesasne to host a creative, community study about men and women living with cancer

Submitted by Chad Hammond

The University of Ottawa is currently working within Akwesasne to hear community members' stories of living with cancer.

Chad Hammond, the research coordinator for the project, has partnered with local resident and educational counselor Clarissa Jacobs to network with cancer survivors in Akwesasne and learn about the impact of cancer in the community.

People are welcome to participate in any or all of the three steps of the study. The first is a sharing session (one for men, one for women) to tell their stories and hear from others who have had cancer. The second step includes creative activities, including photography and journaling. The third step is a wrap-up session for talking about what it was like to be part of the study and deciding how the study might give back to the Akwesasne community. In each step of the study, participants will be provided food and refreshments, travel reimbursement, and a $25 honorarium (for a total of $75).

With the support of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, the University of Ottawa would like to invite men and women who have had cancer to share their stories. This research is part of a national project to learn about the experiences and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cancer survivors.

If you are interested in sharing your story, you can reach Chad Hammond at (613) 914-9703 or chammond @ uottawa.ca, or contact Clarissa Jacobs at (518) 651-6409.