Anishinabek Nation Health Transformation Working Group gather for inaugural meeting
By Jesse Johnson
ANISHINABEK NATION HEAD OFFICE— The Anishinabek Nation’s Health Transformation Team held their inaugural working group meeting on Nov. 30. Some 22 participants comprised of the Health Transformation project team and Health Transformation Working Group members representing 15 Anishinabek Nation First Nations gathered virtually.
Lisa Restoule-Brazier, Health Transformation Engagement & Working Group Coordinator, plans on organizing monthly meetings in 2022 along with some regional meetings. The group listened to Health Transformation Project presentations and worked on the Working Group’s draft Terms of Reference.
The Anishinabek Nation Health Transformation is a community-driven process that collaboratively increases the involvement of First Nations in the planning, design, management, and evaluation of health care services. The Anishinabek Nation Health Transformation Working Group engages the expertise of the member First Nations and health care professionals.
On an ongoing basis, the Anishinabek Nation Health Transformation Working Group will provide guidance, leadership and direction to Anishinabek Nation’s Health Transformation negotiations team. The group will have input in all sectors; solicit the advice and direction of Anishinabek Nation First Nations and members on Health Transformation negotiation issues; report on the progress of negotiations to respective regions and their respective First Nation; and other duties.
The Working Group will contribute to the gathering of community-level feedback on the draft plans and recommendations that will capture concerns and aspirations; involve all citizens in the planning and designing of a holistic system that will ensure ideas and concerns are reflected; and, include direction from leadership, management, frontline workers, and all citizens living on and off-reserve.
Phyllis Williams, Manager of Health and Social Services in Alderville First Nation and former Curve Lake First Nation chief, says she is impressed by the first meeting and particularly notes the diverse backgrounds and careers of the participants.
“I believe Health Transformation would enable better Health management to fully address the continuing issues and concerns of the community,” says Williams. “This would form a basis of high-level planning for strategic milestones while addressing gaps in services. As a collective, it would bring together all regions of [the Anishinabek Nation] to accomplish the healing and wellness, while incorporating the cultural and traditional practices.”
First Nations will be central to the design and implementation of health services at the community level. Each community can set the priorities, for example, increasing mental health and wellness programs while decreasing other less immediate programs.
Williams says the consultation process with First Nations is a key point to ensure that voices are heard and recommendations are incorporated into the work.
The Anishinabek Nation Health Transformation is still in the early stages, but progress is continuous. The Health Transformation Team is excited to coordinate and host more Working Group meetings in the coming year.
“I am looking forward to working closely with the Health Transformation Working Group members as we move forward with the Anishinabek Nation Health Transformation initiative,” says Restoule-Brazier. “This initiative is so important to all Anishinabek Nation citizens because we are talking about the health of our people. We know what our First Nation’s needs are and we know the gaps that exist with the health services.”
The Health Transformation Working Group is still accepting new members to participate in the development of a new health system by Anishinabek for Anishinabek.
“When all is said and done, the First Nations will decide what health services are required for their citizens,” states Restoule-Brazier. “The Anishinabek Nation First Nations will ensure our people are looked after in a good way.”
For more information, to book a community engagement session, or to inquire on how to become a Working Group member, please contact Lisa Restoule-Brazier via e-mail: Lisa.restoule@anishinabek.ca or contact your First Nation’s Chief and Council or Health Director.
To learn more about the Anishinabek Nation’s Health Transformation, please visit www.health-transformation.ca.