Last month, the North West Regional Cancer Program’s Prevention and Screening Clinical Services team partnered with the Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre (GHAC) to host a Men’s Health Expo in Couchiching First Nation.

The goal was simple but important: to get men talking about their health.

Working closely with the GHAC, Treaty #3 Regional Indigenous Cancer Lead Carol Wilson, and Regional Indigenous Cancer Screening Lead Susan Bale, the event brought together men from 10 First Nation communities in the Rainy River District for a full day focused on health and wellness.

The day began with a traditional opening by the Broken Horn Drummers, followed by powerful guest speakers. Highlights included a colon cancer survivor story from Derek Kelly of Onigaming First Nation, presentations on traditional medicines and mental health, and a talk by Dr. C. Suartz, a urologist from Thunder Bay who spoke about prostate health and the importance of early screening.

The Grand Council Treaty #3 Cancer Burden Report shows that colon cancer rates are higher among Treaty #3 men compared to other men in Ontario. To help spark conversations around colon cancer prevention and screening, a Jumbo Colon was on-site as an interactive walk-through to show how colon cancer develops and can be prevented.

It was an inspiring day of learning, sharing, and connection. The North West Regional Cancer Program is proud to continue working alongside First Nation partners to bring awareness to cancer screening as part of discussions around men’s health.