Vision: The ACHWM Team sees a future where local services have the resources to listen and respond to the voices of Indigenous children to support their wellness.
Mission: The ACHWM Team empowers local services to effectively measure and respond to Indigenous children’s wellness by collaboratively creating and sharing culturally-relevant and accessible resources.
ACHWM Mission and Vision
Vision: The ACHWM Team sees a future where local services have the resources to listen and respond to the voices of Indigenous children to support their wellness.
Mission: The ACHWM Team empowers local services to effectively measure and respond to Indigenous children’s wellness by collaboratively creating and sharing culturally-relevant and accessible resources.
ACHWM Values
We focus on and listen to children’s voices.
We focus on wholistic health and well-being.
We value relationships.
We respect diversity in First Nation, Inuit, and Métis cultures.
We prioritize community ownership and autonomy.
We develop culturally-relevant and accessible resources.
How do you say “How are you”?
We say "Komon Ca Vo".
Michif
Our Story
Our story began over 10 years ago with two people and the desire to ensure a relevant health and wellbeing measure for Indigenous children, the rest has been a knowledge packed journey. [Read more about our story](/about/timeline)
Our Story
Our story began over 10 years ago with two people and the desire to ensure a relevant health and wellbeing measure for Indigenous children, the rest has been a knowledge packed journey. [Read more about our story](/about/timeline)
Our team
We are thrilled to have a dynamic team that works both from the Naandwechige-Gamig Wikwemikong Health Centre and the Evaluating Children's Health Outcome lab at Laurentian University.
[Meet the team](/about/team)
Our team
We are thrilled to have a dynamic team that works both from the Naandwechige-Gamig Wikwemikong Health Centre and the Evaluating Children's Health Outcome lab at Laurentian University.
[Meet the team](/about/team)
How do you say “How are you”?
We say "Aniish Na".
Anishnaabemowin, South Western Ontario dialect
ACHWM Explained to Children & Youth
Do you want a kid-friendly explanation of the ACHWM to show to the children & youth in your community? Thomas and Sara explain what the ACHWM means to them and their friends in this video : click to view [ACHWM Explained to Children & Youth video](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lL-g9vvgN6Qm489aEV3zymNoXYPYru83/view?usp=sharing)
ACHWM Explained to Children & Youth
Do you want a kid-friendly explanation of the ACHWM to show to the children & youth in your community? Thomas and Sara explain what the ACHWM means to them and their friends in this video : click to view [ACHWM Explained to Children & Youth video](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lL-g9vvgN6Qm489aEV3zymNoXYPYru83/view?usp=sharing)
ACHWM Explained to Parents, Guardians and Caregivers
Was your child asked to take the ACHWM? If you want to learn how the ACHWM was created and how it will benefit your child and family, check out this video! Click to view [ACHWM Explained to Parents, Guardians and Caregivers video](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tFlGHwMJqZwNvo-dB80Zmfr6fQ1my9xb/view?usp=sharing)
ACHWM Explained to Parents, Guardians and Caregivers
Was your child asked to take the ACHWM? If you want to learn how the ACHWM was created and how it will benefit your child and family, check out this video! Click to view [ACHWM Explained to Parents, Guardians and Caregivers video](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tFlGHwMJqZwNvo-dB80Zmfr6fQ1my9xb/view?usp=sharing)
ACHWM Explained to Community Wellness Workers
Were you asked to take a role in the implementation of the ACHWM? If you want to learn more about how the ACHWM was created and more about the important role you play, check out this video! Click to view [ACHWM Explained to Community Wellness Workers video](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oeTFiaVWBRk3ucgVCj6IxI-4RzgWFbW2/view?usp=sharing)
ACHWM Explained to Community Wellness Workers
Were you asked to take a role in the implementation of the ACHWM? If you want to learn more about how the ACHWM was created and more about the important role you play, check out this video! Click to view [ACHWM Explained to Community Wellness Workers video](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oeTFiaVWBRk3ucgVCj6IxI-4RzgWFbW2/view?usp=sharing)
How do you say “How are you”?
We say "Ah’neen’chi’Kay’yohn".
Anishnaabemowin, Pik dialect
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you have questions about the ACHMW make sure to check out our frequently asked questions. If you don't find you answer, please contact us.
[FAQ](/about/faq)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you have questions about the ACHMW make sure to check out our frequently asked questions. If you don't find you answer, please contact us.
[FAQ](/about/faq)
Why ACHWM?
Children and youth comprise 40% of the Canadian Indigenous population. These young people face significant health inequities compared to their peers, especially those living on-reserve. Data on health and well-being is needed to guide community policies, health services planning and evaluation, that supports Indigenous communities on their path to health and well-being. This evidence to promote better health outcomes is lacking. Part of the reason is the shortage of outcome measures that are appropriate for use with First Nation, Métis and Inuit children and youth. It is important to have self-report measures that are both culturally relevant to original Canadians while meeting the requirements of scientific rigor. The ACHWM is proposed as one mechanism to bridge this gap, inform and support action.
Data on health and well-being is needed to guide community policies, health services planning and evaluation, that supports Indigenous communities on their path to health and well-being.
What is unique about the ACHWM?
It was developed from the perspective of First Nations children in Wiikwemkoong. It is completed by children (self-report) using computer tablets – the tablet can talk to children when desired. It has been assessed by other communities (i.e., with First Nations, Métis and Inuit children) and good fit has been achieved. It has also been established to ensure relevance to other communities.
This initiative:
[bullet](Has been endorsed by the Chiefs of Ontario (Resolution 13/15) and is supported by the Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief.)
[bullet](Gives children a voice in their own health assessment.)
[bullet](Was developed with Indigenous children.)
[bullet](Is culturally relevant and grounded in the Medicine Wheel. The measure provides overall score; physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health scores.)
[bullet](Is scientifically sound, valid, reliable and sensitive tablets engage children in a non-judgemental way.)
[bullet](Uses an automated process enhances feasibility and supports the generation of local report. Tablets are able to quickly identify urgent health needs and facilitate new connections to local supports.)
[bullet](Can generates quantifiable data useful at the local level to support program planning/evaluation and funding requests.)
[Learn more about the development and validation of the ACHWM](/research/articles)
HELP LINES
Are you looking for support? It can help to talk. Reach out to Elders, family, friends, and health professionals in your community.
You can also reach out to these confidential, anonymous help lines designed for First Nation, Inuit, and Métis children and youth available 24/7:
Hope for Wellness offers support to all Indigenous peoples. It has an online chat or you can call 1-855-242-3310.
Are you under 18 years old?Kids Help Phone lets you text, live chat, or call someone at 1-800-668-6868.
LGBT Youthline has an online chat for 2SLGBTTQQI peer support or you can call 647-694-4275.
Are you over 18 years old?Talk 4 Healing offers culturally grounded, fully confidential support for Indigenous women in 14 languages across Ontario. Cal 1-855-554-HEAL.
