ABORIGINAL HEALTH TRANSITION FUND CONFERENCE HELD IN SASKATOON

Improving the health of Saskatchewan First Nations and Métis people, and sharing success stories is the focus of the "Sharing of Wisdom Keepers: Translating the Aboriginal Health Transition Fund (AHTF) Experience" conference being held in Saskatoon. The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health and Health Canada, First Nations and Inuit Health - Saskatchewan Region are co-hosting the event.

The conference funded by Health Canada, runs June 9 and 10, will provide an opportunity for project co-ordinators, sponsors and individuals from across the province to learn about and share best practises, successes and challenges related to AHTF projects.

"First Nations, Inuit and Métis are involved in projects across the country to improve access to existing health services through the Aboriginal Health Transition Fund," said Federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq. "Using this federal funding, all levels of government have worked together to successfully integrate and adapt many existing health services to better address the needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. This conference highlights these successes as we continue to improve health services to better meet the unique needs of all Aboriginal peoples."

"The AHTF is part of a long-term partnership that will lead to better integration of services and improved health outcomes for First Nations and Métis people in this province," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "Our government is committed to improving the serious health challenges facing our Aboriginal people."

The AHTF funded 23 projects in Saskatchewan; fourteen of these are through the Ministry of Health. The projects are diverse, geographically dispersed, and involve various regional health authorities, First Nations and Métis organizations, and other community-based organizations. Projects range from program and service delivery to broader efforts such as developing strategies to integrate and improve healthcare for Aboriginal people.

The Aboriginal Health Transition Fund was part of the federal government's $700 million commitment to Aboriginal health initiatives over five years in Budget 2005. In Saskatchewan, the AHTF has provided $8.5 million to adapt provincial health programs and services that better meet the health care needs of its First Nations and Métis people. Another $8.1 million was provided through First Nations and Inuit Health - Saskatchewan Region, for integration and pan-Canadian projects, largely lead by First Nations and Métis provincial and regional organizations.

Over the long term, the AHTF is intended to improve: integration of federal, provincial, territorial funded health systems; access to health care services; health programs and services that are better suited to Aboriginal peoples; and increase participation of Aboriginal peoples in the design, delivery, and evaluation of health programs and services.

AHTF Projects in Saskatchewan began in 2007; all AHTF projects will wrap up by March 2011.

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For more information, contact:

Karen Hill
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083