Ottawa signs agreement with Nova Scotia First Nations chiefs on health services
Global News
The agreement with the 13 chiefs continues a process that will ultimately transform the design and delivery of health services for Mi'kmaq throughout the province.
The federal government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Nova Scotia’s Mi’kmaq chiefs on the transfer of federal health services.
Today’s agreement with the 13 chiefs continues a process that will ultimately transform the design and delivery of health services for Mi’kmaq throughout the province.
As a result of the signing, Mi’kmaq chiefs, the federal government and the government of Nova Scotia are to work toward a framework agreement to complete the transfer process over the next several years.
The end result will see the delivery of health services through Tajikeimɨk, a Mi’kmaq health and wellness organization guided by the 13 chiefs and the Mi’kmaq Grand Council.
Last year, Indigenous Services Canada committed $8.96 million over two years to support Tajikeimɨk, and it announced an additional $6.79 million in funding in March.
Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu and the 13 First Nations chiefs participated in the signing ceremony in Millbrook, N.S.
“We are all committed to transferring control of the design and delivery of federal health and wellness services and programs to the Mi’kmaq and transforming and creating a new system that is Mi’kmaq-led, culturally safe, comprehensive and trauma-informed,” Pictou Landing First Nation Chief Andrea Paul said in a news release.
Hajdu said health services improve when First Nations are involved. “This agreement lays the groundwork to build a culturally safe and high-quality health system for the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia,” she said.
