Métis Nation BC and Vancouver Coastal Health sign Letter of Understanding, solidifying their commitment to better health outcomes for Métis people
Press Release
November 24, 2022 (Surrey, B.C.) – Métis Nation BC (MNBC) and Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) unite to further advocate for Métis people across the health authority’s region. This includes MNBC citizens and self-identifying Métis people in the two Métis Chartered Communities of North Fraser Métis Association and Powell River Métis Association.
“It’s exciting to see the progress that our Nation is making to increase Métis visibility in accessing culturally appropriate health care in BC,” says Louis De Jaeger, MNBC Minister of Health and Director of Region 2. “We have worked tirelessly to fulfill our mandate to be a self-governing Nation, advocating for better outcomes in health for Métis citizens across the Province.”
VCH will work alongside MNBC’s Regional Governance of the Lower Mainland to plan and deliver health services to Métis individuals, families and communities that are culturally safe and appropriate utilizing the Taanishi Kiiya? Métis Public Health Surveillance Program – Baseline Report, In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in B.C. Health Care report and the DRIPA Action Plan Theme 3: Ending Indigenous Specific Racism and Discrimination as core documents for action within the health authority.
In the Letter of Understanding, the parties commit to the common goals of Métis influence in decisions related to the development and delivery of health services that impact Métis people in the VCH regions, including:
- Working with the Métis Chartered Communities
- Sharing effective decision making and accountability that will:
- Reduce barriers, and
- Increase access to culturally safe and appropriate health care services
- Establishing a joint committee between MNBC and VCH
- Taking a collaborative approach in the improvement of the health status of Métis in the local Chartered Communities
“Vancouver Coastal Health is committed to providing exceptional care to all and to ensuring culturally safe care to Indigenous peoples across our region,” says Leslie Bonshor, Vice President of Indigenous Health at Vancouver Coastal Health. “We are pleased to continue our work with MNBC by formalizing our working relationship and look forward to implementing a work plan that will provide equitable access to health services and improved health and wellness outcomes for the Métis people we serve.”
About Métis Nation BC
According to Statistics Canada, there are nearly 98,000 Métis people in BC. More than 22,000 are registered MNBC Citizens. MNBC represents thirty-nine (39) Métis Chartered Communities in British Columbia. MNBC’s mandate is to develop and enhance opportunities for Métis communities by implementing culturally relevant social and economic programs and services. Métis Nation BC is recognized by the Métis National Council, Provincial Government of British Columbia, and the Federal Government of Canada, as the Governing Nation for Métis in BC.
About Vancouver Coastal Health
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is committed to delivering exceptional care for all 1.2 million people within the ancestral, traditional and unceded homelands of 14 First Nations. With more than 26,000 staff and medical staff, VCH is British Columbia’s hub of health-care innovation, research and academic excellence, providing specialized care to patients throughout the province. Learn more at vch.ca.
Media contact:
Metis Nation BC
Callum Robinson
Communications Manager
[email protected]
604-790-7931
Vancouver Coastal Health
April Penney
Communications Leader
[email protected]
604-290-7482
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