The First 5 Years of NAN Health Transformation
Charting a Path to a Better Future
Our journey towards Health Transformation began with a bold vision and a commitment to change. Over the past five years, we have made significant strides, guided by the wisdom of our leaders and the lessons learned from others.
- The Charter: In 2017, NAN Chiefs, alongside Health Canada and MOHLTC, signed “The Charter of Relationship Principles,” marking a trilateral commitment to revolutionize our approach to healthcare.
- Learned Experience: Drawing from the experiences of leaders in British Columbia and Alaska, we have refined our governance structures and navigated legislative barriers to pave the way for a new healthcare system.
- Community-Centric: We have embraced traditional laws and decision-making processes, ensuring that community priorities and voices are at the forefront of our transformation efforts.
- Partnerships: Through relationship accords and collaborative projects, we have forged alliances with organizations to support our journey towards health transformation.
Shifting Towards the COVID-19 Pandemic
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, but it also reaffirmed the importance of community-led responses and the need for decisive action.
- Exercising Jurisdiction: We supported First Nations in exercising their jurisdiction, particularly in public health and border control, showcasing the effectiveness of community-driven responses.
- Operation Remote Immunity: Through a collaborative effort with communities, Tribal Councils, and governmental bodies, Operation Remote Immunity was launched to combat the spread of COVID-19 and protect our people.
- Lessons Learned: The pandemic taught us valuable lessons about the effectiveness of First Nations-led responses and the importance of community priorities in guiding our work.
Current Picture of NAN Health Transformation
Building a Foundation for Change
As we look towards the future, we remain committed to building a healthcare system that is rooted in community empowerment, knowledge, and collaboration.
- Community-Driven Change: We believe that change must be driven and directed by the communities we serve, ensuring that their voices and needs shape every aspect of our transformation efforts.
- Knowledge is Power: We recognize that knowledge is the cornerstone of informed decision-making—empowering individuals and communities to take control of their health.
- Identifying Gaps: By identifying service and resource gaps within the current system, we can better understand the needs of community members and develop targeted solutions to address them.