FNHC Infobulletin Volume 1 Issue 3 | October 2008 - First Nations ...

First Nations Health Council | October 2008 Infobulletin | page 3Regional Caucuses Coming SoonGovernance updateGreetings, my name is Derek Thompson andI am from the Ditidaht First Nation, locatedwithin Nuuchahnulth territory on the WestCoast of Vancouver Island. I have recentlytransitioned into the position of HealthGovernance Coordinator from GovernancePolicy Analyst with the First Nations HealthCouncil. I consider it to be a privilege andmy duty to uphold the vision and mission ofthe First Nations Health Council to implementthe Tripartite First Nations Health planon behalf of BC First Nations.Vancouver Island) in which your communityresides.In partnership with the Community HealthAssociates of BC (CHABC), Joanne Tardiff,Executive Director, will be responsible forthe overall logistical coordination for theRegional Caucus Sessions, which will includetravel (return) arrangements, hotel accommodations,incidentals, registration, andmeals for one (1) Chief per First Nation communityand for one (1) Senior Health Leadper First Nation community only. Joannecan be contacted at (250) 503-1123 directlyThe dual purpose of the dialogue is to determine whatthe specific needs are in each community in the arenas ofhealth and governance and to decide on five (5) people thatwill participate as members on the FNIHGC.Governance CaucusesDates & Locations:October 14-15, 2008KamloopsOctober 22-23, 2008Prince GeorgeOctober 27-28, 2008TerraceNovember 04-05, 2008ChilliwackAt the Gathering Wisdom for a SharedJourney Forum 2008 participants supportedthe First Nations Interim Health GovernanceCommittee (FNIHGC) Co-Chairs to engage ina dialogue on issues of health governancewith each of the 203 First Nation communities,and particularly with each Chief andSenior Health Lead from each First Nationcommunity. The dual purpose of thedialogue is to determine what the specificneeds are in each community in the arenasof health and governance and to decide onfive (5) people that will participate as memberson the FNIHGC. This dialogue will helpto determine a mandate for negotiationswith Health Canada and the BC Ministry ofHealth to develop, ratify and implement ahealth governance framework for BC FirstNations.The FNIHGC Co-Chairs will host and facilitatea two (2) day Regional Caucus Session in6 locations (see sidebar) and will providetravel (return), meals and accommodationsfor one (1) Chief per First Nation communityand for one (1) Senior Health Lead per FirstNation community only. Each Chief andSenior Health Lead will attend a RegionalCaucus Session within the Health Authority(North, Interior, Fraser, Vancouver Coastal,and arrangements can be made through theCHABC.Preceding the Regional Caucus Sessionseach First Nation community will receive anagenda, outline and workbook for the two(2) day caucus session within your given regionand depending on which city and datesyou will be attending. This information willbe mailed and electronically provided to youwithin the first week of October 2008.The FNIHGC Co-Chairs and the First NationsHealth Council are excited at the opportunityto work with all of the Chiefs and SeniorHealth Leads of all 203 BC First Nations.The possibility for great change and thestrengthening of health services is underpinnedby BC First Nations resiliency anddetermination. We look forward to meetingwith each of you and listening to your ideas,thoughts and interests.If you have any questions or require furtherinformation please contact me. Thank youfor your time and consideration.In The Spirit Of Our Ancestors,Derek ThompsonHealth Governance Coordinator604.926.9903DThompson@fnhc.caNovember 12-13, 2008VancouverNovember 17-18, 2008NanaimoTravel expenses, mealsand accomodations willbe provided for (1) Chiefand (1) Senior Health Leadper First Nation.Questions:Travel & AccomodationsJoanne Tardiff(250) 503-1123Other: Derek Thompson(604) 913 9903