The Anishinabek Nation Health Secretariat is moving forward with a Health Transformation Initiative as directed by the Anishinabek Nation Chiefs-in-Assembly.
Chief and Councils are encouraged to send one or two representatives to attend our quarterly Working Group meetings.
This Working Group will comprise of members with various backgrounds and expertise who will assist our First Nations in building a Health Transformation System that will reclaim the healthcare needs of its citizens.
What is Health Transformation?
Health Transformation will give First Nations a high-quality, culturally-driven health system that is tailored to community needs and is designed and controlled by First Nations. Health Transformation is not devolution; it is First Nations taking control of their health.
Why do we need Health Transformation?
The current state of First Nations health services does not meet the needs of citizens. Indigenous Peoples suffer significant health disparities when compared to the non-Indigenous population. For example:
- life expectancy is shorter and avoidable mortality rates are higher among Indigenous Peoples
- First Nation adults have more than double the risk of dying from avoidable causes when compared to non-Indigenous adults
- mental illness and suicide rates are higher in Indigenous People. Depression and PTSD are prevalent in First Nations people living both on and off-reserve.
- the suicide rate is much higher, along with self-harm among youth and adults
Communities with higher levels of community control have been proven to have improved health outcomes.
If interested, please email your First Nation’s Chief and Council or Health Director or email Lisa Restoule-Brazier at Lisa.restoule@anishinabek.ca.