Indigenous Peoples Navigation Network (IPNN)

(as recognized by the Academy of Oncology Nurse and Patient Navigators (AONN+)

Indigenous Peoples Navigation Network (IPNN) is a virtual support network for navigators who work with Indigenous Populations. Native American Cancer Research Corporation (NACR) has implemented patient navigation services since 1994 and conducted Native Patient Navigation (NPN) trainings since the latter 1990s. Following these trainings, Patient Navigators (PN(s)) repeatedly expressed appreciation for the opportunity to talk, network and collaborate with other PNs who work within Indigenous settings. Through NACR's involvement with organizations such as the Academy of Oncology Nurse and Patient Navigators (AONN+), we were able to create an international Indigenous network to help support one another in our cancer navigation efforts.

NOTE: The next IPNN will be December 5, 2023; All IPNNs meet virtually and are held on a Tuesday for USA and Canada and Wednesday for New Zealand and Australia, 5:00 MOUNTAIN Time (please convert the time to your time zone). Most webinars are 90 minutes duration and as of March 2022, all are video-taped and later posted onto the website. Click "+" to expand the sections below, then on the blue font link(s) to access further information.

Upcoming IPPN

Name: Indigenous Peoples' Navigation Network (IPNN, pronounced, "I pin")

Why an Indigenous Peoples Navigation Network?

There are both cultural and geographic challenges and solutions that may be unique to Indigenous communities and the Patient Navigators who work in those areas. Many Navigators work in isolation. The focus of IPNN is on sharing stories of how navigation programs have overcome challenges in culturally respectful ways. Such stories may help PNs working in another region or continent try something new or modify what was done to be locally appropriate to one's setting.

Purpose:

Provide a virtual support program to address culturally and geographically unique challenges and solutions of Indigenous Navigation programs.

Participants:

Cancer Patient Navigators who work within Indigenous programs in the USA, Pacific Islands, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

What would you be responsible for should you choose to join this initiative?

There is no fee. You would be expected to attend 2-hour virtual meetings, held four times each year. The goal is to be supportive of navigators who work within Indigenous communities and the members to feel comfortable to share their stories, lessons learned or request help. Additionally, members will suggest topics for which they would like more information (education topic) for subsequent gatherings. IPNN is to help us all learn more about one another and to reinforce "we are all related".