PHO’s New Indigenous Partnership Council

Press Release

April 24, 2026

Public Health Ontario (PHO) is establishing a new Indigenous Partnership Council to help ensure Indigenous voices, knowledge, and community priorities guide public health work across the province. The Council is part of Public Health Ontario’s commitment to advancing Reconciliation and strengthening relationships with Indigenous partners. In alignment with PHO’s 2024–29 Strategic Plan, the Council will provide culturally informed, community based advice to support the integration of Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and values across PHO’s work.

Indigenous peoples have long held deep knowledge about health and wellness and are best positioned to lead Indigenous health solutions. These ways of knowing continue to play a vital role in supporting strong, healthy communities. By working in partnership with Indigenous leaders and community members, PHO intends to strengthen public health approaches that honour this knowledge and reflect the lived experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Ontario.

The Council will bring together Indigenous health experts, Knowledge Keepers, Elders, and community representatives, that will offer culturally informed advice and recommendations on PHO’s programs, partnerships, and accountability frameworks. Their guidance and unique perspectives will help ensure PHO’s work aligns with the needs, strengths, and aspirations of Indigenous communities.

The establishment of this Council reflects PHO’s ongoing commitment to building meaningful relationships and supporting collaborative, respectful approaches to public health. By centering Indigenous perspectives, the Council will help strengthen trust, deepen engagement, and support public health practices that respect Indigenous rights, self‑determination, and community‑led priorities.

Through this collaboration, PHO hopes to embed Indigenous ways of knowing into how we plan, engage, and deliver services, thereby contributing to a more inclusive, culturally grounded, and responsive public health system for communities across Ontario.

The call for members if now open. Please visit the new Indigenous Partnership Council webpage for more information.

IHT5