A project like Coming Full Circle needs to have input from key stakeholders who can help guide the direction and the integrity of the training. An effective, experienced Steering Committee was needed to help develop culturally relevant training tools and a training program for Community Health Representatives and other health professionals across Canada. As in the past, NIICHRO sought to work in partnership with the Centre for Activity and Ageing, University of Western Ontario, London and the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults, Toronto. In addition to ALCOA and the Centre for Activity and Ageing, NIICHRO looked for guidance from two Aboriginal elders.

The Steering Committee includes:

Linda Kremer, a physiotherapist and member of the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults

Stephanie Luxton, Coordinator of Programs for the Frail and Elderly, University of Western Ontario

Annie Evans, Community Health Representative, Inuit from Makkovik, Labrador

Alice Smith, former Community Health Representative from Hagersville, Ontario

The first meeting of the National Steering Committee was held in Kahnawake, QC on January 14-15, 2002. At that meeting all participants agreed that focus groups should be conducted to get input from the frail and elderly in different communities in Canada. It was decided that an isolated northern community, an urban and a rural community should be consulted to get an effective cross-section of experiences. Linda and Stephanie, both in the field of physiotherapy, offered professional advice on types of safe movement. Annie and Alice, both CHRs, have personal experience of the daily problems that may occur with the Aboriginal frail elderly.

The second Steering Committee Meeting was held on May 18-19, 2002 in Vancouver BC. At that meeting, the results of the Literature Review and Community Consultation were discussed in greater detail. The Committee was able to ask questions about the experiences the research team had in the communities. There was a discussion about the development of the Coming Full Circle Training Manual and an outline of the manual was discussed. In addition, the Committee approved the video concept and script developed by Charmaine Carvalho.