(April 24, 2008) Saskatoon – Kinistin First Nation, Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI) and Saskatoon Health Region today signed a significant agreement to improve the health of Aboriginal people living within Saskatoon Health Region, both on and off reserve.
The partners are working to jointly develop an Aboriginal health strategy that targets important health issues within the Aboriginal community, as determined by the partners. This includes changes in service delivery, such as increased accessibility and navigation of services, and recognizing the importance of Aboriginal culture and spirituality within the care experience.
“This partnership signing is the result of two years of meetings and was made possible by willing and committed partners. I want to personally thank them for their hard work. This initiative is designed to make services and programs in the region more inclusive to our membership. Our goal is to include more partners because we all must take responsibility and accountability for all First Nation members,” says Chief Felix Thomas, Kinistin First Nation.
“CUMFI is very pleased to be part of Strengthening the Circle: Partnering for Improved Health for Aboriginal People. As we move forward, we must remember we have taken a monumental step. A unique partnership has been created that can foster positive social change, inspire more ambitious initiatives and help forge ties, not only at the community level, but also on a much broader scale,” says Shirley Isbister, President, CUMFI.
“One of the health region’s strategic directions is Partnering for Improved Health for Aboriginal People. This agreement is about working with the Aboriginal community as equal partners to ensure First Nations and Métis people are active participants in developing health services and programs, and pointing the system in the right direction. This is about working together to achieve better health,” says Shan Landry, VP Community Services, Saskatoon Health Region.
This is a three-year partnership until 2010, with an opportunity to continue upon agreement by all parties. The partners are hoping this will be the first of many similar partnerships with First Nations and Métis communities, groups and organizations.
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For more information contact:
James Winkel
Corporate and Public Affairs Adviser
Saskatoon Health Region
306-655-3253
Saskatoon Health Region
“Healthiest people, healthiest communities, exceptional service.”
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