Description
Roslynn (Roz) Baird is a Cayuga woman, Wolf Clan—and a mother, who is proud of her family ties to Six Nations and British settler heritage.
In 1996, Roz began working in diabetes prevention at the Niagara Regional Native Centre, facilitating a talking circle.
In 1997, the Southern Ontario Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (SOADI) hired her as a Regional Diabetes Worker. By 2016, SOADI would change its name to reflect a greatly expanded scope. For almost 25 years now, she has been the Executive Director of the organization today called the Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle (IDHC). In 2024, Roz is honoured to hold the title of Godrihwasidso (Cayuga for “Overseer”), or Chief Executive Officer.
Roz has been the chair of the National Indigenous Diabetes Association (NIDA) and participated on many health- and diabetes-related committees and Boards. She was also co-chair of the Indigenous Health Network in the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Health Integration Network (HNHB LHIN) region.
Over the years, under Roz’ leadership the IDHC has provided a wide range of innovative services to address the relentless diabetes epidemic in Indigenous communities. Today, IDHC is a trusted organization known to respond to the needs of Indigenous people across Ontario, respect their autonomy and incorporate Indigenous cultural practices wherever possible—always from an Indigenous point of view.
Roz is always pleased to discuss the evolution of the IDHC, the organization that proactively stepped up to the pressing challenges of diabetes. The journey of the evolution of IDHC comprises a collaborative, holistic and culturally sensitive one building diabetes health pathways across Ontario.
As well, she enjoys being in nature—way off-the-grid—fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, cooking, hosting large gatherings and spending time with friends and family.
