ACHWM
Aboriginal Children's Health and Well-Being Measure
What is the Aboriginal Children’s Health and Well-being Measure© (ACHWM)?
• A measure of health and well-being developed with Indigenous children for Indigenous children in Canada;
• It gives children a voice in their own health assessment;
• Culturally relevant; Grounded in the Medicine Wheel;
• Scientifically sound;
• App on the Android tablet engages children with non-judgmental way;
• Identifies urgent health needs
Why is the ACHWM important?
• Children and youth comprise 40% of the Canadian Aboriginal population. These young people face significant health inequities, especially those living on-reserve.
• Data on health and well-being is needed to guide community policies, health services planning and evaluation
• This necessary evidence to promote better health outcomes is lacking. Part of the reason is the shortage of outcome measures that are appropriate for use with Aboriginal children and youth.
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 Intuit 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.
