Objectives & Priorities

The Eeyou Awaash Foundation was originally founded for the express purpose of finding out why so many Cree infants developed Cree Leukoencephalopathy and died.

Since then scientists have found that babies were born with the disease. That is, the disease was passed on to the baby from the parents genetically. Individuals can now be tested to know if they are carriers of the disease. Fetuses can also be tested at an early stage to know if they have the disease.

Therefore the Foundation’s priorities have changed. The main emphasis is now on promoting an awareness among Cree parents of the disease and that parents do have a choice.

The following are the objectives of the Eeyou Awaash Foundation

  1. To promote awareness of Cree Leukoencephalopathy and Leukoencephalitis among the aboriginal public and the general public
    This is being done mainly by using the print and audio visual media.( IE, Television, radio, newspaper, magazine, posters, pamphlets and website)

  2. To provide information about Cree Leukoencephalopathy and Leukoencephalitis to the aboriginal public and the general public
    This is being done mainly by using the print and audio visual media.( IE, Television, radio, newspaper, magazine, posters, pamphlets and website)

  3. To raise money for research into CreeLeukoencephalopathy and Leukoencephalitis by
    a) Government grants
    b) Local and regional fund raising activities such as bingo, benefit concerts, bake sales, etc.
    c) Applying to other Foundations, charities IE: Bill Gates Foundation, Ronald MacDonald, Children’s Charities of Canada
    d) Cree Entities Sponsorship
     
  4. To dispel misinformation and myths concerning Cree Leukoencephalopathy and Leukoencephalitis
    This is being done mainly by using the print and audio visual media. IE, Television, radio, newspaper, magazine, posters, pamphlets and website)
     
  5. To provide support for the families affected by Cree Leukoencephalopathy and Leukoencephalitis
    To form a support group of affected parents, grandparents, etc in each community which would meet on consistent basis or when necessary. To provide financial support to family members to enable them to travel, take time off from work
     
  6. To promote and encourage on going research into the cause and possible cure of Cree Leukoencephalopathy and Leukoencephalitis;
     
  7. To carry out any charitable work or activities in relation to Cree Leukoencephalopathy and Leukoencephalitis;