HEALTH TRANSFORMATION

What is the goal of Health Transformation?

A health system or model that responds to the needs of the Anishinabek, that is holistic and culturally-relevant.

Historically, the health system and structures in place have failed to meet the health needs of First Nations people and communities.

Engagement sessions are focused on hearing from Anishinabek First Nations – what changes or improvements are needed to achieve health transformation?

Health transformation is about systemic change.

It is not simply about more resources or policy and structural tweaks.

It is about making wholesale change that result in First Nations exercising more control over the design and delivery of their own health and wellness programming, designed by the Anishinabek for the Anishinabek.

Background on Health Transformation

The Anishinabek First Nations have been advocating for many years for increased control over their health and wellness.

Some First Nations have taken steps toward this goal, the BC First Nations Health Authority, the Nuka System of Care: South Central Foundation (Alaska), etc.

The Anishinabek Nation remains interested in advocating for a model of health care for their people, designed by Anishinabek front line health experts and citizens.

Province announced their intentions for LHIN renewal via the Patients First: A Proposal to Strengthen Patient-Centred Health Care in Ontario discussion paper

Anishinabek Nation Chiefs-in-Assembly passed a resolution in June 2016 directing the Anishinabek Health Secretariat to begin the process of engaging levels of government to progress with First Nation control of health

In November 2016, the Chiefs Committee on Health began exploratory meetings with the First Nations Health Authority in British Columbia as one potential model from which to learn.

On March 2, 2017, Grand Chief Madahbee and Chief Tom Bressette met with Sharon Lee Smith, Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy and Transformation of the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care to discuss health transformation, and specifically the possible signing of an Memorandum of Understanding on Health Transformation between the Anishinabek Nation and Ontario.

On the federal side, in May of 2017 a meeting took place in Ottawa with Grand Chief Madahbee & Chief Bressette meeting with Dr. Valerie Gideon, Assistant Deputy Minister, Regional Operations for Health Canada.

As a result of these meetings, a tri-lateral draft Memorandum of Understanding was developed and is currently being finalized.

It is envisioned that the Memorandum of Understanding will be signed within in late February, providing political commitment from all parties.

For more information, contact:

Priscilla Goulais Priscilla.goulais@anishinabek.ca