pdf download - First Nations Health Council

Dr. Adams spoke of the importance of
constantly renewing Indigenous knowledge,
through listening to and learning from the Elders.
He shared his recollections of having been taught
at an early age to help and respect others. He
discussed the composition of the Tripartite First
Nations Health Plan, the collaboration required,
and the commitment of parties to work in
partnership in the development, testing and
implementation of new ways of planning and
delivering health programs and services for First
Nations.
Dr. Adams offered suggestions for gathering
wisdom, moving plans forward, and getting better
outcomes for clients. He acknowledged that the
parties to the Plan were trying to find better,
clearer, faster and smarter ways to trickle down
resources in an appropriate fashion, and in a
fiscally responsible way.
Dr. Adams acknowledged difficulties expressed
regarding human resources, and assured that the
province would like to assist in this regard. He also
referenced the desire for a complete picture of
wellness that, while holding the First Nations vision
of wellness at the core - with specific aspects of
culture being present in planning and in healing
- still recognizes those areas where western
medicine is particularly effective (such as in pain
control and saving lives).
He recognized that those involved in the
Tripartite First Nations Health Plan had heard
the many painful stories that had been shared by
First Nations about how the health care system
had been insensitive and hurtful in dealing with
First Nations. He expressed his admiration and
appreciation that many had been able to keep their
hearts open and still wished to try to work with
people in partnership, in a culturally appropriate
way.
Dr. Adams discussed priority areas of action
that would be the focus of discussions at the
2nd Annual Forum relative to: governance,
relationships and accountability; health
promotion/injury and disease prevention;
health services; and performance tracking. He
commented on the need to understand the issues
around First Nations historical and personal
trauma, and for access to interventions with
support from health service professionals, Elders,
and loved ones who were aware of that history.
He reminded participants that during the
Forum they would engage in a dialogue about their
truths and things that they had discovered. Dr.
Adams commented that the framework for health
care had been supplied by academics and experts,
which needed shoring up through the sharing
of ideas and strengths. He also acknowledged
the rationale for a health authority, council, or
ministry, to gather ideas and to work centrally and
collectively. Help was needed in connecting with
health authorities, in delivering programs to First
Nation constituents.
Dr. Adams emphasized the importance of
passing knowledge amongst each other to plan
for the future, preserve the environment, provide
business opportunities, and set goals for youth.
OPENING REMARKS FROM TRIPARTITE LEADERS
Joe Gallagher
Senior Director
First Nations Health Council
“An area that we need to bring forward, to focus
on, is our First Nation teachings and the value
systems that we have so that the dialogue can be
encouraged to be positive in light of the needs of
the communities.”
mr. Gallagher stated that the 2 nd Annual Forum,
was part of an ongoing ten-year conversation
about the Tripartite First Nations Health Plan. He
commented that the 1 st Annual Forum had been
a great success, and that there was even greater
participation in the 2 nd Annual Forum, which
included federal and provincial partners.
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VANCOUVER, bC • mAY 20 - 21 , 2008