Unceded
territories
of
the
xʷməθkʷəy̓əm
(Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish)
and
səlilwətaɬ
(Tsleil-Waututh)
Nations
| VANCOUVER – The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and the 3Nations Society - a partnership between the Tahltan, Kaska and Taku River Tlingit Nation - have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to improve health service delivery throughout the Nations' collective Territories in northwestern BC.
The MOU formally recognizes the relationship between 3Nations Society and FNHA, and it outlines how both organizations will advance discussions to address health service delivery improvements in the region. The goal of the agreement is to improve the health outcomes of all families, youth, Elders and community members of the 3 Nations.
This agreement defines the scope of the collaborative work needed to address the health gaps identified by each Nation, to better serve the rural and isolated communities. Both partners have committed to achieving the goals identified in the agreement for health system transformation.
While each Nation has unique and distinct needs related to health service delivery, a few key deliverables of the MOU include:
- A strategy to recruit and retain health care workers in the Northern region
- A 3 Nations Health and Wellness Agreement
- A Framework to identify and secure resources to support the implementation of the future 3 Nations Health and Wellness Agreement
- An annual report sharing progress of health service delivery in the region that compares First Nations life expectancy to that of non-Indigenous British Columbians
Quotes:
3Nations Society
Tahltan
“Today's signing ceremony marks the initial move towards advancing the goals of both FNHA and the Society"
said Kerry Carlick, President, Tahltan Central Government. “Our next objective is to collaborate in identifying the necessary resources to enhance services for isolated and rural communities. I am eager for our future partnership with FNHA and other health system stakeholders to revolutionize healthcare access for individuals in the 3 Nations collective territories."
Kaska
"Our Nations have always known that true wellness is rooted in our lands, languages, and ways of life"
said
Deputy
Chief
Harlan
Schilling,
Daylu
Dena
Council. “This MOU is a step forward to reclaiming our responsibility to care for our people in a way that reflects who we are. By working together as Nations and partners, we strengthen our sovereignty, our voices and our ability to shape a health system that serves our communities with dignity, respect and cultural integrity."
Taku River Tlingit
“We face jurisdictional issues within the delivery of health care to our region, often dependant on systems in both Yukon and BC"
said
Spokesperson
Charmaine
Thom,
Taku
River
Tlingit
First
Nation. “Through this 3Nations FNHA MOU; it is a good first step to addressing inequalities that we experience in primary care, mental health, mobile/virtual access to healthcare providers and their related services. This collaborative work demonstrates the establishment of a stronger and mutually beneficial partnership for a better delivery of health services."
FNHA
“This MOU represents an important and exciting step in our partnership with the 3Nations and reflects the FNHA's commitment to supporting Nation-led and community-driven approaches to improving timely access to culturally safe health and wellness services and supports for the Tahltan, Kaska and Taku River Tlingit Nations,"
said Monica McAlduff, Chief Executive Officer of the FNHA.
Quick Facts:
- 3Nations Society is a collaborative, community-led partnership between the Tahltan, Kaska, and Taku River Tlingit Nations, which has been mandated to address collective priorities with urgency, which includes health and wellness services.
- The collective territory of the 3 Nations covers 24% of the province and includes the communities of Taku River Tlingit (Atlin), Daylu Dena Council (Lower Post), Dease River First Nation (Good Hope Lake), Dease Lake, Telegraph Creek, Iskut First Nation, and Kwadacha (Fort Ware), British Columbia.
- The
10-Year
Strategy
on
the
Social
Determinants
of Health:
A Framework for
the
Future, was approved at Gathering Wisdom XII by Chiefs and leaders. The Strategy identifies four key areas of focus to address the social determinants of health and strengthen the health and wellness of First Nations individuals, families and communities.
Learn More:
Media Contact:
First Nations Health Authority
Phone: 778-984-5962
Email: media@fnha.ca
