First Nations member sought for health board – Chathamthisweek.com

May 18, 2018

The Chatham-Kent Board of Health has voted to add a new seat to the board to be filled by a member of an Indigenous community.

Teresa Bendo, director of public health with the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit, said the move was in response to the recommendations under Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, though adding a board member was not a specific requirement.

“This was one way in which Chatham-Kent Public Health can look for meaningful engagement with the Indigenous communities in Chatham-Kent and certainly have influence on leadership and decisions that impact their health,” she said.

According to a report to the board from April Rietdyk, general manager of community human services, the decision is also in line with the health unit’s 2017-2021 strategic plan, which has a goal to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities.

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