New Relationship

The Government of British Columbia is leading the country in developing a New Relationship with First Nations and Aboriginal people. Guided by principles of trust, and by recognition and respect of First Nations, rights and title, we are building a stronger and healthier relationship between government and Aboriginal people. By working together, we will bring tangible social and economic benefits to Aboriginal people across the province, and narrow the gap between Aboriginal people and other British Columbians.

In November 2005, the Province of British Columbia, the First Nations Leadership Council³ and the Government of Canada signed an historic agreement entitled the Transformative Change Accord. The Accord recognizes the need to strengthen relationships on a government-to-government basis, and affirms the parties' commitment to close the gaps between First Nations and other British Columbians in the areas of education, health, housing and economic opportunities over the next 10 years.

To address the health gap between First Nations and other British Columbians, the First Nations Leadership Council and the Government of British Columbia have developed a First Nations Health Plan. This Health Plan identifies four key areas for collaboration and action that will guide our efforts to improve the health and well-being of First Nations peoples and communities. Those areas are:

1. Governance, Relationships and Accountability

British Columbia and First Nations will work together to increase the involvement of First Nations in decision making concerning health services for First Nations, and establish clear mechanisms for working with governments and health authorities so that health services are better aligned with the needs of First Nations.

2. Health Promotion/Disease and Injury Prevention

British Columbia and First Nations will work together to improve health promotion, and disease and injury prevention services so that First Nations people experience lower levels of preventable diseases and injuries, and live longer and healthier lives.

3. Health Services

British Columbia and First Nations will seek to provide equitable access to health services that meet the needs of First Nations communities, and ensure that these services are culturally sensitive.

4. Performance Tracking

British Columbia and First Nations will work together to develop the data and information necessary to improve health services and to monitor and report on health status and health care information for First Nations in B.C.

A number of specific actions and initiatives are identified under each of the key areas of the First Nations Health Plan. Highlights include:

• The Provincial Health Officer appointing an Aboriginal physician to advise on Aboriginal health issues;
• A First Nations/Aboriginal specific ActNow BC program;
• A targeted Aboriginal Mental Health and Addictions Plan that includes healing circles, cultural camps and counselling programs that build community capacity;
• Improved access to primary health care services in Aboriginal health and healing centres;
• Improved health services and patient self-management programs to help manage chronic health conditions such as diabetes and Hepatitis C; and
• A new health centre in Lytton to improve acute care and community health services and better meet the needs of First Nations and other area residents.

For more information please see the First Nations Health Plan which is available on the Ministry of Health website at http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/cpa/publications.