Indigenous peoples in Canada such as First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, face some serious health-related challenges.
For example:
- 15 per cent of new HIV and AIDS infections occur in Aboriginal people
- Suicide rates among Inuit youth are among the highest in the world, at 11 times the national average
- About 20 per cent of young Métis aged 15 to 19 report asthma, almost double the percentage found in the same age group in the total population of Canada
HeroX is running a competition to raise awareness on this issue and distribute prizes up to $35,000 CAD.
MNP Operation Blue Sky is an "Ideation Challenge".
Submissions can include, but are not limited to, the following: a technical or novel proposal, a concept paper, designs, pilot projects, new or improved technologies, different approaches using traditional Aboriginal healing practices, mainstream Western medicine and / or practices or any combination of them or any other idea that is pragmatic and implementable to improve community health and wellness in Canadian Aboriginal communities.
REQUIREMENTS
Competitors should demonstrate an understanding of the challenge by documenting and delivering their solution using both formats described below:
(1) Presented in a written document, no longer than 10 pages.
Content must include:
- Introduction
- Proposed solution that reflects an understanding of the history and experience of Aboriginal peoples in Canada
- Evidence the proposed solution involved Aboriginal consultation, inclusion or support
- Research findings (if applicable)
- Assumptions
(2) Presented in an audio or video report, no longer than three minutes in duration.
A good idea can come from anywhere. They can build off other ideas to create something more powerful. If your submission is based on another person's idea or you have used someone's idea to form the basis of your submission, you must acknowledge this and outline the original idea and circumstance in your proposal.
The ideas submitted shall be made public so that field experts from the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand may start a dialogue, generate interest and implement change.
The long-term goal of this challenge is to improve health and wellness outcomes for First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities through new ideas that create dialogue, generate interest and inspire action to implement change. The concept of open innovation provides a unique opportunity to generate such ideas, ultimately benefiting Aboriginal communities in Canada.
Entry to compete is free.
Deadline for submission: Wednesday, August 12, 2015
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