Musqueam Territory – Vancouver, British Columbia – The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) have celebrated the renewal of their collective agreement after several months of negotiations. The official signing ceremony to renew the FNHA PSAC collective agreement took place at the Musqueam Cultural Centre and included senior leadership and representatives from the FNHA and PSAC. All negotiations for the agreement took place on First Nations territory and incorporated Elders supporting the work with prayer, wisdom and input.

"I want to commend all the members of the team for the commitment to working together in a good way in the interest of First Nations peoples and our organizations. We are always better together," said Joe Gallagher, CEO of the FNHA. "We want to thank our partner the PSAC for their professionalism and respect during the negotiations."

The original agreement, signed in 2015, was a milestone as one of the first collective agreements of its kind in Canada. These negotiations were unique in that it incorporated First Nations perspectives, values and sensibilities.

"I want to thank the bargaining team for their hard work and the members for their unwavering support during this unique round of bargaining," said Magali Picard, PSAC National Executive Vice-President. "I'd like to thank our PSAC members at FNHA – they should be proud of their solidarity and hard work and can look forward to a contract that enhances working conditions and recognizes First Nations culture."

The two parties included guidance from First Nations perspectives. Both successfully integrated traditional knowledge approaches to conflict management and resolution into the collective agreement renewal.

The terms of the Collective Agreement are from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2020.