Health deal updated for Interior Nations

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“This is an important milestone on a long journey to culturally safe and equitable health care for our people,” Charlene Belleau, Secwepemc nation representative and partnership accord leadership table (PALT) co-chair said. “Our growing partnership with Interior Health is a key part of this process.”

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“The re-signing of our Partnership Accord is formal acknowledgment of our partnership and shared purpose,” Doug Cochrane, IH Board Chair and PALT Co-chair, said. “We have reaffirmed our commitment to provide the people of the interior Nations equitable access to quality and culturally safe care that meets the needs of patients and families.”

Updates to the agreement include an acknowledgement of the federal and provincial government endorsements of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

“We have come a long way in a short time,” Allan Louis, the Syilx Nation representative, said. “This progress is founded on the relationship built by PALT and Interior Health in the years prior to the first signing. Now, with renewal of the Partnership Accord, we continue to enhance this relationship. Our challenge now is to ensure equal access for all health services in a culturally appropriate way.”

The accord also lays out a series of shared objectives, which includes implementing a holistic wellness approach, cultural safety and delivering improved health and wellness outcomes for people in the Interior region.