A Message from the Co-Chairs

Four years have now passed since the signing of the B.C. Tripartite Framework Agreement on First Nation Health Governance (Framework Agreement), and it has been two years since the transition of responsibility for the administration and delivery of First Nations health programs and services in British Columbia from First Nations Inuit Health Branch Pacific Region to the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA). October 1st 2015 marks the second full year of service delivery by the FNHA, and an ideal time to reflect on our shared successes. We are moving forward in the creation of a more effective health system—strengthening partnerships, aligning priorities and strategies toward common goals, and facilitating collaborative action towards a shared vision of improved health and well-being for First Nations and Aboriginal people. Our relationship is evolving and strengthening as we move past transition and towards the transformed, holistic and vibrant health system envisioned by the foundational governance documents and agreements that guide this work.

This is a landmark year for First Nations health and well-being in British Columbia, as 2015 marks the 10th anniversary of the signing of the historic Transformative Change Accord (2005). This tripartite agreement to close social, economic and health gaps existing between First Nations and other British Columbians, was the first step on a shared journey between the partners. This led to the drafting of the Transformative Change Accord: First Nations Health Plan (2006), the Tripartite First Nations Health Plan (2007), and the Framework Agreement, which provide the foundation for our partnership and ability to lead the way in collaborative health-care delivery for First Nations and Aboriginal peoples across British Columbia.

The transfer of First Nations and Inuit Health Branch Pacific Region functions to the FNHA in 2013 in many ways marked the full operationalization of the governance structure envisioned in the Tripartite First Nations Health Plan. It has brought together the two streams of governance and health system improvement agendas laid out in the plan and now provides the structure and foundation for much broader health systems improvement and transformation locally, regionally and provincially.

As we celebrate the significant progress made over the past ten years in improving the quality of health service programs and delivery for First Nations and Aboriginal people, we recognize that this progress is a shared effort involving the partners, the public, First Nations and Aboriginal peoples, and health organizations. The partners are bringing this philosophy to life at the tripartite level through the current development of the reciprocal accountability framework, which details our shared responsibilities in this new relationship and is a declaration of commitment to cultural safety and cultural humility, to be further implemented through a framework for action.

In this year's Tripartite Committee on First Nations Health Annual Report, we review the changes and improvements made in the delivery of health services to First Nations and Aboriginal people of B.C., and the continuing growth of the tripartite partnership. We are pleased to release this report outlining the integration of health services as part of our commitment through the Tripartite Committee on First Nations Health.