Métis partnership part of IH’s commitment to Aboriginal Peoples

November 15, 2022
A Métis sash.

At Interior Health (IH), we’re committed to improving health services and outcomes for all Aboriginal people. Partnerships, such as the one between IH and Métis Nation BC (MNBC), are  crucial to changing our health system and eliminating racism and discrimination.

The blueprint for this partnership is a formal agreement called a Letter of Understanding (LOU). The LOU provides oversight in the planning, service delivery and decision-making processes that affect the health and wellness of Métis people living in the Interior Region.

“As a Métis leader within the Aboriginal Partnerships portfolio it is really exciting to see relationships between the Métis Nation BC and IH strengthening and expanding," says Aboriginal Partnerships Corporate Director Kris Murray. "It is fulfilling to be able to see the results of the work we do at the MILT and LOU come through to my local Chartered Community, the Rocky Mountain Métis Association, and others across the region. I look forward to continuing to support our partnership and drive change for the improved wellbeing of Métis Citizens.”

Read our LOU with MNBC, the longest standing one among B.C. health authorities

The MNBC-IH LOU Joint Committee recently refreshed their work plan to focus attention on:

  • Advancing commitments within the LOU agreement
  • Addressing racism
  • Métis engagement on joint priorities
  • Advancing cultural safety and humility
  • Data management.

There is a commitment to re-sign the MNBC-IH LOU at the 2023 MNBC Annual General Meeting in September 2023.

The Métis Interior Leadership Table (MILT) oversees the implementation of the MNBC-IH LOU. MILT is a place where MNBC and IH executives focus on the distinct health and wellness needs of Métis people through proactive planning and joint decision making. MILT has agreed to embed Métis culture and learning into future meetings and cultural exchange events. MILT also provides leadership and guidance in resolving current policy, program and service issues.

Recruitment is underway for a Métis Health Systems Advocate. The position will work closely with the 15 Métis Chartered Communities in the Interior Region to represent the needs and priorities of MNBC and to inform IH policy, programs, strategic planning, and vision.

Last June, IH leadership and staff participated in the Elders Forum hosted by MNBC. The event brought together Métis leadership, Elders, caregivers, citizens and service providers to identify and discuss regional needs and priorities with respect to supportive care for Métis Elders in B.C.

MNBC leadership also joined the IH podcast, Interior Voices (which explores topics related to Aboriginal health and wellness) for last year’s acknowledgement of Louis Riel Day. They talked about the significance of the day, Métis health and wellness. There were interviews with Debra Fisher and Dean Gladue.On Nov. 16, listen to Interior Voices’ Louis Riel Day episode, featuring a discussion with Métis historian Brodie Douglas

Stories@IH

Read our latest stories

4 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

Bats play an essential role in our ecosystem, but can carry diseases like rabies. Learn the steps to take if you come in contact with a bat, alive or dead.

4 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Erik Reimer brings comfort and support to both patients and staff at VJH. He offers a calm, reassuring presence to people during their most significant moments.

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

More than 450 middle and high school students in Salmo, Creston & Lumby rolled up their sleeves to explore health-care careers thanks to this year’s Roadshow.

3 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

Learn how to stay safe in B.C. waters when blue-green algae blooms, or cyanobacteria, are present.

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Robert Gignac works hard to make Parkview Place in Enderby a site that residents are proud to call home and where staff are proud to serve at.

3 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

The Health & Housing Program launched the Extreme Cold Weather Grant in 2024, supporting 26 communities in providing essentials to vulnerable residents.

STAY CONNECTED

Receive news and alert posts, and Stories@IH blog posts, right to your inbox!

mail