Doug Kelly hopes that the new First Nations Health Authority can be part of the cure for many of the health problems in B.C. aboriginal communities, including some he knows about first-hand. B.C. First Nations took over their own health care this month, assuming control of all Health Canada programs and administration on reserves. “Before, Health Canada made all the decisions about health care on First Nations lands, away from us and the regional health authorities,” Kelly said. He is Sto:lo Tribal Council Grand Chief, which covers the Fraser Valley region, and is chairman of the First Nations Health Council. “Now, no decision is made without us. … We want to integrate services and make them better.” This has become personal for Kelly. He said he got a wake-up call about his health about a year ago at a conference, where chiefs on the health council were given a physical assessment. “I failed miserably,” he said. Weighing 333 pounds at the time, he had high blood pressure and a terrible diet. A news report referred to him and his colleagues as “beefy chiefs.” Kelly took action by exercising and watching his diet. After losing nearly 80 pounds, he has more resolve than ever and has challenged others to do the same. “I realized I wanted to be around for my great-grandchildren. … One of the things we want to do differently is to look at our own responsibility for wellness,” he said, adding that First Nations leaders across the country are paying close attention to what B.C. and the new health authority are doing. Despite the pressure to succeed, “I’m looking forward to changing the world,” he said. Songhees Chief Ron Sam said he thinks the creation of a First Nations-governed health system is a good thing, but he’s a little nervous about how it’s all going to work. “At this point, we need to find out more and if our programs will be impacted,” he said. The Songhees are building a $16-million wellness centre at Admirals and Maplebank roads that will house a health centre, as well as conference space, kitchen and recreational activities. It’s set to open Jan. 22. Meanwhile, on Oct. 1, the First Nations Health Authority moved into the Pacific regional office of Health Canada’s First Nations and Inuit health branch in Vancouver, which has more than 300 staff. It assumed control of administration and health programs for the province’s First Nations — including 31,000 residents in about 50 communities on Vancouver Island. “As far as service and service delivery, there won’t be a lot of change in the first two years as we get a handle on the work,” said Lydia Hwitsum, chairwoman of the authority’s board of directors and a Cowichan Tribes member. Services include primary-care clinics, nurse visits and telehealth. In remote aboriginal communities, the First Nations Health Authority will continue to provide primary care. The authority is hiring, mainly community nurses in remote areas. “We’re facing the same challenges as everyone else in terms of staffing and services,” Hwitsum said. “But all our structure is now in B.C. In terms of identifying priorities and gaps, we’re better able to respond in a timely way.” The First Nations Health Authority is a positive step toward better health and self-governance, despite the many logistical challenges it faces, said Charlotte Reading, director of the Centre for Aboriginal Health Research at the University of Victoria. “In fact, research has demonstrated a convincing relationship between the health of First Nations people and the degree of control communities have over the policies and programs that affect them,” she said. “With active involvement from communities, health funding is more likely to be allocated where it is needed most, and a strong commitment will be made to addressing the unique social determinants of First Nations’ health in British Columbia.” For information on the First Nations Health Authority, visit: fnha.ca spetrescu@timescolonist © Copyright 2013 JOIN THE DISCUSSION, post your comments and feedback on this article After you comment, click ”Post Your Comment”. If you are not logged in you will be asked to log in or register. Hit #1 Community Event Calendar Find out whats happening in your community and submit your own local events. Add an event See all community events Dont Miss Contests & Promotions E-edition img-0-5371495.jpg Great Canadian Hockey Tour Win a trip for two to Paris Pumped for Paris: Win a trip for two to the city of love Make Your House Beautiful Make Your House Beautiful: Win $15,000 HOMES package
Posted on: Thu, 24 Oct 2013 16:10:53 +0000
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