The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) has released a groundbreaking report outlining the path to self-determination and sovereignty in health care delivery for First Nations. Titled “Decolonization: Recognizing First Nations Sovereignty,” the report is a direct response to Canada’s call for engagement on the co-development of distinctions-based Indigenous health legislation aimed at addressing health inequities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations.
“This report provides a blueprint for delivering health care for our people, our way,” stated SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. He emphasized that the report is a significant step towards legislative reconciliation in health care, acknowledging the efforts of SCO’s Health Transformation Team for preparing the vital document.
Unveiled at the 17th session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, the report has now gained international recognition as a leader in health transformation. “Decolonization: Recognizing First Nations Sovereignty” critically examines past and present health care systems that have institutionalized practices aimed at assimilating or marginalizing First Nations citizens. It calls for a decolonized health care model, requiring Canada to relinquish its control over lands, systems, and structures that impact First Nations. “This report is another crucial step towards achieving legislative reconciliation for health care,” Grand Chief Daniels said. The proposed model of decolonization emphasizes the need for fiscal structures that ensure SCO member Nations receive their rightful share of prosperity from their territories. This would enable Nations to address colonial determinants of health rooted in poverty and implement holistic solutions based on positive First Nation determinants of health.
Chief Kurvis Anderson of the Pinaymootang First Nation highlighted the urgency of implementing these changes: “The most detrimental determinants of health for First Nations citizens stem from the effects of colonization. We cannot delay any longer when it comes to implementing a system that fully contributes to the health and wellness of our citizens.”
The report asserts that First Nations must have control over all determinants of health, including housing, the economy, environment, culture, immigration, and the design and delivery of health care. “Canada must recognize that First Nations have a right to the land and to share the wealth from the land so the Nations can properly fund their programs and services,” it states.
Karlene Debance, Chief Executive Officer of SCO Health Transformation, expressed optimism about the collaborative future envisioned in the report.
“I am hopeful this report will lead to collaboration with all levels of government as we establish a new health care model where First Nations leadership and health care professionals have increased self-administration, self-determination, and self-governance authority.”
Grand Chief Daniels concluded, “This report, along with what we heard during community engagement sessions, clearly shows that SCO member Nations want to take back control of their health systems and take care of themselves in every possible area. We will no longer be invisible in our own lands and territories, and I am excited to see the next stages unfold when it comes to developing health care, our way.”
The full report, “Decolonization: Recognizing First Nations Sovereignty 2024,” along with all related Health Transformation initiatives, can be accessed at www.scoinc.mb.ca/health-transformation.