Nlaka’pamux Territory - Merritt, BC - The Nlaka’pamux Nation and Interior Health are signifying a new health partnership that focuses on improved health programs and service delivery for Nlaka’pamux Nation members and all First Nations and Aboriginal people in the area.

The Letter of Understanding (LOU) is the fifth of seven agreements underway by Interior Health to strike new relationships with First Nations in the Interior region who make up 6.3% of the region’s population and 23% of the provincial First Nations population. The agreement identifies concrete actions in the areas of service delivery, communication, and joint planning through meaningful participation and collaboration.

It outlines a cooperative approach to improving the health status of individuals, families and communities through the design, delivery and evaluation of health programs and services, working towards more culturally appropriate health services with the integration of First Nations cultural and spiritual practices.

The Nlaka’pamux Nation is committed to developing health and wellness opportunities for all their members and this LOU recognizes the role Chiefs and Health Directors have in improving the health of Nation members in all Nlaka’pamux communities. This LOU is one of many steps Nlaka’pamux Nation members and other First Nations throughout BC are taking to continue their journey towards better physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Nlaka’pamux Nation members welcome the partnerships being developed to reduce the barriers for their community and all First Nations and Aboriginal people when they need to access health services.

Full press release here: PDF download (15 kb)