Anishinabek Nation Health Transformation Working Group gaining momentum early in the year

Loretta Nootchtai, Health Transformation Project Manager, looks forward to holding more Working Group meetings this year. – Photo supplied

By Jesse Johnson

ANISHINABEK NATION TERRITORY — The Anishinabek Nation’s Health Transformation Team held their second working group meeting on Jan. 12 through Zoom.

Loretta Nootchtai, Health Transformation Project Manager, is proud of the progress made so far and looks forward to holding more meetings with the Health Transformation Working Group this year. The group reviewed their draft Terms of Reference, discussed their list of Frequently Asked Questions, and received a presentation on Indigenous Services Canada.

The Team has had many areas questioned throughout discussions including infrastructure and human resources. They will all be assessed for each community through environmental scans and needs assessments. Communities are encouraged to think ahead to the community engagement sessions and keep those areas in mind when thinking about their community needs.

In planning, the direction in which the Anishinabek Nation’s Health Transformation process is going requires continual direct input from member Anishinabek First Nations through the community engagement session processes.

The Anishinabek Nation Health Transformation Working Group, comprised of various member First Nations representatives and healthcare professionals, regularly provides guidance, leadership and direction to the Anishinabek Nation’s Health Transformation negotiations team.

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.

Donna Smith-Sutherland, Kettle & Stony Point First Nation Health Committee member, says she is excited about attending the Health Transformation meetings because she believes this work is important for the future health and well-being of Anishinabek.

“The work being done by the Anishinabek Nation Health Transformation staff and the participation and feedback provided by the Working Group are productive and I look forward to attending future meetings.”

First Nations will be central to the design and implementation of health services at the community level. Each community will have the opportunity to set its own priorities, for example, increasing mental health and wellness programs while decreasing other less immediate programs. It will be entirely up to the First Nation to decide what works best for them.

“I believe that Indigenous experts and Elders determining the priorities and developing the appropriate services and resources will positively impact our holistic well-being as individuals, communities and as a Nation,” says Smith-Sutherland. “Once we are able to address and positively impact the pre-determinants of health in our communities, we will begin to heal and move beyond the historical trauma imposed on our people.”

Lisa Restoule-Brazier, Anishinabek Nation Health Transformation Engagement and Working Group Coordinator, has been responsible for organizing the Working Group meetings.

“The Working Group is going to work at the First Nation’s pace so that we can make sure we get everything right,” says Restoule-Brazier.

The Health Transformation Working Group is still accepting new members to participate in the development of a new health system by Anishinabek for Anishinabek.

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.