Disparities within the current healthcare system lead to health inequities. Closing gaps in health outcomes can only be achieved by addressing the cultural, social, economic and historical disadvantages that have led to intergenerational trauma. These barriers continue to impact the health and wellness of First Nations people today.
To make significant improvements in overall health outcomes for First Nations, the federal government is transforming its role in health from designing and delivering health programs and services to being a funding and governance partner with First Nations. Health transformation is a collaborative process between First Nations, the Government of Canada and provinces/territories that establishes new partnerships based on reciprocal accountability so that decisions about health for First Nations can be made by First Nations.
Starting in 2013, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) took over responsibility from the federal government for the planning, management, and delivery of health programs for First Nations in BC. The transfer was guided by the First Nations Health Council (FNHC) and established in a series of tripartite agreements with the Government of Canada and the Province that created an unprecedented First Nations health governance structure-the first in Canada and one of only a few in the world:
- Political representation and advocacy through FNHC
- Planning, management and delivery of health programs and services through FNHA
- Technical advice and counsel from the First Nations Health Directors Association
This First Nations health governance structure works in partnership with BC First Nations to achieve a shared vision of healthy, self-determining and vibrant BC First Nations children, families and communities.
