Joint Statement from the partners in formation of First Nations Health Consortium Ltd. (FNHC) funded through the Enhanced Service Coordination for Jordan’s Principle

February 14, 2017 – Enoch, Alberta / First Nations Health Consortium Ltd. (FNHC)

ENOCH, AB – Four partners Bigstone Health Commission; Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council; Maskwacis Health Services and Siksika Nation are pleased to announce the formation of the First Nations Health Consortium Ltd. (FNHC). The consortium will receive approximately $5 million in funding over three years from Health Canada to deliver enhanced service coordination in Alberta for First Nations children.

“Helping First Nations children get the care and support they require is of utmost importance to the Government of Canada. I am very pleased that this new and enhanced capacity is now available in Alberta,” said the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health. “Enhanced service coordination will make it easier for families to access vital services and ensure their children’s needs are addressed and responded to quickly.”

In response to implementation of Jordan’s Principle, Enhanced Service Coordination these partnered organizations came together to form this new organization. Collectively they represent a significant portion of the First Nations population comprising of 11 First Nations in three Treaty areas in Alberta, representing about 28% of the total First Nations population.

Jordan’s Principle is intended to resolve jurisdictional disputes involving the care of First Nations children, including disputes between departments within the federal government as well as those between the federal government and provinces/territories. This includes coverage for a broad range of short- and long-term services, such as respite care, mental health supports, mobility aids, transportation to appointments, addictions treatment and education support.

The First Nations Health Consortium Ltd., in collaboration with McGill University Centre for Research on Children and Families (MCRCF) and with the support of the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Center (SKCAC); understands the significance of the Jordan’s Principle Enhanced Service Coordination initiative.

The FNHC will assist in meeting the health and social needs of First Nations children on and off reserve across Alberta. FNHC will develop and demonstrate child-centered service coordination model that will effectively and efficiently meet the health and social needs of First Nations children in Alberta, we are the link between the child and the needed program, service, supplies, equipment and support!

FNHC President, Tyler White stated “Today marks a significant day in our history for not only our partnered organizations but for the First Nation’s people in Alberta. The FNHC will clear many of the barriers our people face every day in services they seek trying to find solutions and proper care.”

The First Nations Health Consortium Ltd. goal is to fully implement their Enhanced Service Coordination plan by spring 2018 with the final phase in spring 2019. The final phase will include evaluation, research, results and recommendations for continued service for First Nations.

Media Contact:

Lowa Beebe

Public Relations, Media & Communications

Lowa.Beebe@shaw.ca 403-852-8181

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