b'CANADIAN VIRTUAL HOSPICE ComingFull CircleSupport during COVID-19: ensuring our health wishes are respectedBY DONNA MASHKINOGEH WILLIAMS, RN, BSCN,TREATY 3 TRADITIONAL TERRITORY, CANADIAN VIRTUAL HOSPICET he COVID-19 pandemic has added another threat to our health and well-being. Most at risk are our Elders, but all of us may be affected. When facing any serious health issue, its important that the wishes, values and beliefs of our Elders and ourselves are known and respected, which requires thought about what is important to us and conversations with those closest to us. Crystal Hardy, a nurse practitioner and member of Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishnaabek living in Thunder Bay, explains that these conversa-tions are different for everyone, in her experience. We often hear people say, Treat people the way you want to be treated, says Hardy. But I might not want to be treated the same way as someone else. So, I say, Treat people the way they want to be treated. The only way you know that is by asking them and having that conversation.An Elders and Knowledge Carriers Circle from across Canada, supported by project lead Holly Prince, an Anishinaabe-kwe from the Red Rock Indian Band, have worked with the Canadian Virtual Hospice (www.virtualhopsice.ca) to develop Coming Full Circle: Planning for your care, a booklet to help you think about the care you want and how you want to be treated. It also shares ways to start these conversations with family, friends and health-care providers.This booklet is particularly important when someone is dying or transitioningto the spirit world. An Elder once shared with me that we dont really have a word ABOUT USThe Aboriginal Water and Wastewater Association of Ontario is an information source for water environment, operator trainingfor dying in our language. But there are certification, issues and technology. AWWAOs members include professionals from Ontario First Nations, Environmental Healthwords for loving somebody and caring Officers, Tribal Councils, Municipal Suppliers and some Government Agencies. for somebody, says Prince. And part of GOALSTo update and inform members about issues that affect water treatment caring for someone is ensuring that their To interact with persons in the various fields of water expertiseTo promote the concerns of our membership through a collective voice wishes are known and respected.To exchange information and ideas to other members, the public, Chiefs and Councils Coming Full Circle helps you support OBJECTIVESTo act as a voice and to provide forum for First Nation Plant Operators in Ontario by publishing a newsletter, promotingElders to plan for their care, as well as communications and networking among Plant Operators and other persons of interest, which promote the importance of:Providing safe and potable water and maintaining the highest standard of wastewater operations; plan for your care should you become Developing and delivering the necessary continuing education and training programs for Plant Operators and others who areseriously ill or be unable to speak for involved in water and wastewater treatment;Ensuring that Operators receive on-going technical training in maintaining and upgrading their knowledge of proper wateryourself. The booklet helps you to and wastewater operation and maintenance requirements;Involving qualified Operators in the design, construction or upgrading of water and wastewater treatment plants; and, consider what is important to you, what Ensuring that Operators receive proper training that meet the necessary certification and licensing requirements.concerns you have and whom you would Email: info@awwao.orgPh: 1-807-216-8085 want to make decisions for you if a time comes when you cannot make decisions 32l I ssue2 2020/21C hIefs ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazIne'