Healthcare is the focus of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation’s Chiefs Assembly as they meet virtually this week to talk about transforming their healthcare system.
Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler notes this is work they began four years ago and need to finish, especially as the pandemic continues.
“Because I think what this pandemic has shown us is the gaps that were there before, they just became more and more pronounced as we went deeper into this pandemic, and now we need to try to backfill some of those”, Fiddler says.
Fiddler says the work ahead of them includes making sure NAN members are on board with the health transformation and understand how an overhaul would benefit First Nations.
“We need to be united in this effort to, first of all, dismantle these old colonial and racist systems, and build a system that’s going to work for our communities and keep our communities strong and healthy”, he says.
Fiddler says they also need to build new hospitals for First Nations, so residents can get proper healthcare close to home.
Meantime, a former Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief will help lead talks on overhauling NAN’s healthcare system in conjunction with the province and federal government.
Charles Fox has been named the provincial representative, and notes he’s been working with First Nations his whole life.
“Certainly my experience, my insight into the challenges that we have with respect to health transformation is great. I look forward to tackling those issues with the province, the federal government, and Nishnawbe Aski Nation.
The province says the NAN Health System Transformation process will move forward this year and in 2022, after being delayed by the pandemic.
