Métis Nation British Columbia Regional Health Coordinator highlights important progress for Métis Health
Kamloops, B.C. (July 4th, 2011) Gail Parenteau, Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) Regional Health Coordinator accompanied by Tanya Davoren MNBC Director of Health attended the Interior Health Authority (IHA), Aboriginal Health Team meeting at the Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops.
This meeting was the first of two, where MNBC Regional Health Coordinator for Thompson/Okanagan and Kootenay Regions, Gail Parenteau, presented on “Métis Nation Health within the Interior Health Authority (IHA)”.The presentation covered a brief overview of “who are the Métis”, History of the Métis in BC, facts about our governance structure, a brief overview of MNBC Ministry of Health and a time line of activities undertaken by the Regional Health Coordinator as a result of funding opportunities made available through IHA.
Many of the activities and undertakings highlighted were firsts for the Métis people within the IHA. These activities included:
• two H1N1 immunization clinics, seven Metis Chartered Community History and Culture Sharing Events which were aimed at informing IHA staff of our unique Métis History and Culture;
• a collection of Métis History and Culture Resources, books, DVD’s, posters and other Métis specific printed materials to be presented to the IHA for inclusion in there resource library;
• the Métis Health Emergency Communication Plan;
• the “Métis Passport to Health”;
• the Métis specific educational BINGO; and
• Two Métis specific Health and Wellness forums, “Métis…Know Your Health” hosted in Kamloops and Cranbrook in March 2011.
Also included in the presentation was an overview of activities routinely undertaken by the Regional Health Coordinator since September 2009.
The Aboriginal Health Team really enjoyed the presentation and information and voiced their appreciation for MNBC’s Ministry of Health’s time and commitment to the IHA Aboriginal Health Team and its services.
Brad Anderson, Acting Program Director Aboriginal Health – Interior Health Authority says, “Through partnership and collaboration the Aboriginal Health Program and Métis Nation British Columbia have continued to build strong relationships with one another.”
The second planned meeting where “Métis Nation Health within the Interior Health Authority” and the Métis History and Culture Resource Library is to be presented at the IHA Community Integration Leadership Team meeting which is scheduled to take place this September.
Métis Nation British Columbia’s vision is to build a proud, self-governing, sustainable Nation in recognition of inherent Rights for our Métis Citizens.
Métis Nation British Columbia’s mandate is to develop and enhance opportunities for our Métis communities by implementing culturally relevant social and economic programs and services through Teamwork, Respect, Dedication, Accountability, Integrity and Professionalism.
Media contact:
Tracey Thornhill
Executive Assistant
Métis Nation British Columbia
traceyt@mnbc.ca
604-557-5851
