Aboriginal ActNow BC and the First Nations Health Plan
Although the health gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in B.C. is closing in key areas such as life expectancy, a new report by the BC provincial health officer released July, 2009, finds that other indicators such as rates of chronic disease are continuing to increase. Diabetes, stroke, heart disease and hypertension conditions are worsening for Aboriginal people in BC as the population ages and grows. (View the report: Pathways to Health and Healing: 2nd Report on the Health and Well-being of Aboriginal People in British Columbia).
First Nations Health Plan
More direct control by First Nations and aboriginal communities over their own health services is key to improved health. A groundbreaking agreement in B.C. involving the Government of BC, the federal government and the First Nations Leadership Council -- called the Transformative Change Accord: First Nations Health Plan -- is revolutionizing how First Nations health policy, programs and initiatives are developed in the province. An unprecedented recognition and respect for the role of First Nations is leading to a new governance structure that will ensure First Nations participation in decisions relating to their health. The 10-year plan identified 29 specific actions in 4 areas, with 7 key targets, to close the gap and improve the health of the First Nations population in B.C.
- View news release on the launch of the First Nations Health Plan.
In health promotion, the Transformative Change Accord: First Nations Health Plan commits the Minister of State for ActNow BC to work with First Nations communities, the National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health, and health authorities on an ActNow BC program specifically focused on Aboriginal people. The NCCAH is in its third year of implementing the initative.
Back to Aboriginal ActNow BC
