SASKATCHEWAN, THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA, AND THE FEDERATION OF SASKATCHEWAN INDIAN NATIONS SIGN MOU

Today, the Honourable Tony Clement, Federal Minister of Health, Saskatchewan Minister of Health Don McMorris, Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Chief Lawrence Joseph and Vice-Chief Guy Lonechild, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on First Nations Health and Well-Being.

The Memorandum of Understanding will establish a formal partnership to improve the coordination of health programming, reduce administrative duplication, better adapt programs to the needs of First Nations and address the gaps in health services for First Nations people.

"This MOU is part of a growing movement towards collaborative approaches to First Nations health, a prime example of our commitment to work together to create meaningful and significant changes that will improve the delivery of health services," said Clement. "It will make real improvements to the health status of Saskatchewan First Nations people."

"It's important that governments work together to close the gap between the health status of Saskatchewan's First Nations people and that of the general population," McMorris added. "This MOU will be the instrument to facilitate the development of high quality, accessible health and wellness programs for First Nations people."

The MOU commits the three parties to adapt and better integrate health and wellness programs for First Nations people by improving the co-ordination of health care systems.

"We believe First Nations are ready to take control and ownership of a more holistic and forward-thinking Health and Wellness Plan that meets the needs of our communities and provides opportunities for our people in all sectors of a health care system," said Lonechild. "Most importantly, this historic evolution of our Treaty relationship will help to provide critical health care to First Nations children, youth and families first, providing a more seamless and culturally appropriate service. Our traditional medicines and approach to wellness must continue to drive change in today's health care system."

One of the priority areas as agreed to by all three parties is to increase First Nations' participation in the province's health care workforce. This will include a commitment to improve the recruitment and retention of health care providers.

The MOU commits the three parties to establish a planning process to develop a 10-year First Nations' health and wellness plan, and recognizes the critical need to involve First Nations in the design and delivery of health programs and services in First Nations communities.

It also recognizes the importance of engaging the expertise of First Nations communities, traditional practitioners and health care professionals in First Nations communities.

An inter-governmental steering committee has been established to oversee the implementation of the MOU. It will identify priority areas for collaboration and develop performance indicators to measure progress.

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For more information, contact:

Karen Hill
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Paul Spendlove
Media Relations Officer, Health Canada
Phone: 613-957-2988

Laryssa Waler
Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Phone: 613-957-0200 Mervin Brass
Executive Director of Communications,
Phone: 306-956-1026