NationTalk: A renewed commitment to improve the health and wellness outcomes of all First Nations people living in the Island Health region was made between the First Nations Health Authority, Island Health and the Vancouver Island Regional Caucus representing the 50 Nations on Vancouver Island through the signing of the renewed Vancouver Island Partnership Accord​.

A signing ceremony was held in Nanaimo on April 28 and was witnessed by Chiefs, Elders and community members from Nations across the Island.

“The partnerships between FNHA and our regional health authorities are crucial to ensuring key decision-makers in each organization are able to meet and make the timely, important decisions related to improving First Nation’s peoples’ health”, said Richard Jock, CEO of FNHA. “The Partnership Accord is a foundational piece that leaders in FNHA and Island Health can use to build stronger relationships between their operational teams, and more efficiently implement priorities set out by the Regional Caucus. A strong partnership with our regional health authority enables us to tackle these issues together in true reconciliation.”

First signed in 2012 and updated in 2016, the latest 2022 update to the Accord reflects the ongoing growth, evolution and strengthening of the partnerships and directs the development of joint work plans to support the implementation of their shared priorities.

“Island Health is committed to working with our partners to improve the health outcomes of First Nations people on Vancouver Island by ensuring that we have accessible and culturally-safe health services across our region”, said Kathy MacNeil, CEO of Island Health. “This latest refresh of the Accord allows us to get clarity on what really matters, address concerns for care, and look at innovative, creative and supportive ways to better serve our First Nations population.”

The Accord speaks to reciprocal accountability that emphasizes collaboration and collective action as a way of accelerating improvement to First Nations health and wellness.

“To me and my family, the refresh of the Accord will indicate our continual commitment towards strengthening our relationship to provide a better health care system for all”, said TELAXTEN, FNHC representative for South Island, Coast Salish, Vancouver Island Region. ​“We have been entrusted to move forward in the best way possible.”

Each of the organizations signing the 2022 Accord will be accountable for contributing to a joint work plan, providing appropriate levels of support for its implementation, and monitoring and reporting on progress each year.