About ACHWM

The Aaniish Naa Gegii: the Children’s Health and Well-being Measure© (ACHWM) is a culturally relevant measure of health and well-being for Indigenous children (ages 8-18 years). It is a tablet-based measure created by the children for the children and is used for population health assessment; for program evaluation; or for mental health screening.

Our Mission, Vision & Values

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.

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.

Values

  • We focus on and listen to children’s voices.
  • We focus on holistic 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.

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.

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:

  • Has been endorsed by the Chiefs of Ontario (Resolution 13/15) and is supported by the Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief.
  • Gives children a voice in their own health assessment.
  • Was developed with Indigenous children.
  • Is culturally relevant and grounded in the Medicine Wheel. The measure provides overall score; physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health scores.
  • Is scientifically sound, valid, reliable and sensitive tablets engage children in a non-judgemental way.
  • 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.
  • Can generates quantifiable data useful at the local level to support program planning/evaluation and funding requests.