Canada, Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan First Nations Team Together to Improve First Nations Health in Saskatchewan

FORT QU’APPELLE, SASKATCHEWAN–(EMWNews – Aug. 19, 2008) – Today, the Honourable Tony Clement, Canada’s Minister of Health, The Honourable Don McMorris, Saskatchewan Minister of Health, Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Chief Lawrence Joseph and Vice-Chief Guy Lonechild, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on First Nations Health and Well-Being. (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fniah-spnia/pubs/services/2008-sask-mou-pde/index-eng.php)

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will establish a formal partnership to improve the coordination of health programming, reduce administrative duplication, better adapt programs to the needs of First Nations, and address the gaps in health services for First Nations people.

“This agreement is part of a growing movement towards collaborative approaches to First Nations health, a prime example of our commitment to work together to create meaningful and significant changes that will improve the delivery of health services,” said Minister Clement. “It will make real improvements to the health status of Saskatchewan First Nations people.”

“It’s important that governments work together to close the gap between the health status of Saskatchewan’s First Nations people and that of the general population,” Minister McMorris added. “This MOU will be the instrument to facilitate the development of high quality, accessible health and wellness programs for First Nations people.”

“We believe First Nations are ready to take control and ownership of a more holistic and forward-thinking Health and Wellness Plan that meets the needs of our communities and provides opportunities for our people in all sectors of a health care system,” says FSIN Vice-Chief Guy Lonechild. “Most importantly, this historic evolution of our Treaty relationship will help to provide critical health care to First Nation children, youth and families first, providing clearly, a more seamless and culturally appropriate service. Our traditional medicines and approach to wellness must continue to drive change in today’s health care system.”

One of the priorities agreed to by all parties is to increase First Nations’ participation in the province’s health care workforce, which will include a commitment to improve the recruitment and retention of health care providers. The tripartite agreement commits the parties to the development of a 10-year First Nations’ health and wellness plan, and recognizes the critical need to involve First Nations, as well as traditional health care professionals and practitioners in the design and delivery of health programs and services in First Nations communities.

An inter-governmental steering committee has been established to oversee the implementation of the MOU. It will identify priority areas for collaboration and develop performance indicators to measure progress.

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