First Nations communities now have more say over local health services 10/10/2013 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.cjdccountry.com/News/Story.aspx?ID=2059163 The First Nation's Health Authority now has jurisdiction over aboriginal health care needs in BC instead of Health Canada. This means that now First Nations communities are responsible for managing their own health care needs as well as recruiting and retaining health care workers. First Nations Health Council CEO Joe Gallagher says this comes after a period of consultation with Aboriginal communities. "There was a strong consensus to move to this direction, because what it does is put decision making hands in the hands of First Nations communities and leaders in terms of health services that are there for their people. We actually have processes in place where there are regional tables now, and in the north the communities are all coming together to plan on regional health and wellness priorities. They're putting that plan together right now. So that work is underway and we'll receive that plan hopefully in the next few months, and then from there work to try to meet the priorities that they're setting out for themselves." Before the change any First Nations communities would have to get approval from Health Canada to make any changes to operations since First Nations matters fall under federal jurisdiction. However now that this change has gone through the First nations communities will be able to work more closely with the province on health care matters. "It's important for First Nations to take over control of their health care so that we no longer have Ottawa determining what is best for First Nations people living in British Columbia in terms of their health care needs based on their responsibilities," says Gallagher. "The opportunity we have also to work with the province to make sure that we do joint decision making on those areas of responsibility where the province is providing services to our people." The First Nations Health Council will be holding their Gathering Wisdom conference between October 22 and 24 in Vancouver to further discuss the change with Aboriginal leaders.
