Nipawin Needs Dialysis Unit

As with everyone, our Red Earth Cree Nation is looking forward to a great 2009 with positive expectations and hope. And I would share with your readership on one of our hopes for the New Year.In December 2007, I initiated a process to inquire into and push for the institution of a satellite dialysis unit for the Nipawin Union Hospital. I have sent correspondence to the provincial minister of health, Don McMorris, to First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, to Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and to federal MP Rob Clarke, and others. And I have since had meetings with government and health officials including the executive of the Kelsey Trail Health Authority.

Everyone has been understanding but not convinced.

I did not set out to do this solely for my own membership, I do it for the sake of other dialysis patients from the Cumberland House and Shoal Lake Cree Nations who currently endure 12 to 20 hours of total travel, waiting, treatment and return time to and from the reserve to the nearest dialysis treatment centre in Saskatoon. The leadership of these two First Nations understand and support what we are seeking.

I remain committed to this initiative and would ask that the readership of your paper share and support in our resolve by calling or writing your township leaders, MLA, MP, provincial and federal minister responsible and other health officials to institute a satellite dialysis unit for the Nipawin Union Hospital.

Thank you.

Chief Miller Nawakayas, Red Earth Cree Nation