Health Governance


The overall goal is to implement the inherent and Treaty Right to Health by improving the quality of life for First Nations people through a culturally responsive health service delivery model. A First Nations Health Governance Strategy will target the planning and designing of a holistic health system that incorporates First Nations values, customs, and beliefs. All health related areas such as justice or education will be examined and encompassed in order to develop a health system that will improve the quality and access of health services for First Nations and First Nation communities. The FSIN continues to advocate to secure funding to complete the required phases of the governance plan.

A Special Assembly on Health took place on February 17 and 18, 2016 at Dakota Dunes Casino. The Assembly was a forum for First Nations leadership to discuss health governance and the issues that surround pertinent areas such as Treaty Right to Health. Discussion and direction from the floor called for a Strategy to be rolled up to include an administrative strategy, political strategy and legal strategy based on Inherent and Treaty Rights. This will include an education or awareness program on Treaty for the First Nations in the communities. As a means toward Treaty Implementation it was requested that a Jurisdictional and Sovereignty Implementation Action Plan be created. The importance of Treaty remained at the forefront of discussions. There was clear direction to be guided by the Treaty and not to compromise the Treaty or Inherent Rights to Health.