TFN supports healthcare deal
The Tsawwassen First Nation has supported a resolution to give First Nations in B.C. greater control over their health care.
On May 26, 146 of the 167 chiefs and representatives in attendance (87 per cent) voted in favour of the proposal, which will make B.C. First Nations the first in Canada to take over health service delivery from the federal government.
The resolution endorsed the signing of an agreement by B.C. First Nations, the province, and the federal government which outlines the new health governance structure, funding commitments for the transfer of federal First Nations health programs and services, and how First Nations and the provincial health system will work together to meet First Nations health needs.
“The stark and grim reality is that First Nations people are currently not reflected in the health care system in this province and country,” said Chief Doug White of the First Nations Summit Task Group. “With this historic decision, we have achieved a remarkable level of unity as First Nations in BC, and it is through this unity that we will achieve the transformative change required to realize the healthy communities our people deserve."
The decision also provides the First Nations Health Council a strong mandate to work with the province and health authorities.
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