The Tripartite Committee on First Nations Health
The Tripartite Committee on First Nations Health is one of four governing structures outlined in the Tripartite First Nations Health Plan. Mandated through the Tripartite Health Plan and the Framework Agreement, the Tripartite Committee:
- coordinates and aligns planning, programming, and service delivery between the FNHA, BC Health Authorities and the BC Ministry of Health, including the review of their respective FNHA MYHP and BC Regional Health Authorities’ Aboriginal Health Plans;
- facilitates discussions and coordinates planning and programming among BC First Nations, British Columbia and Canada on all matters relating to First Nations health and wellness;
- provides a forum for discussion on the progress and implementation of this Agreement and other health arrangements including the Transformative Change Accord: First Nations Health Plan (2006), the First Nations Health Plan MOU (2006), the Tripartite First Nations
- Health Plan (2007) and the Health Partnership Accord;
- prepares and makes public an annual progress report for the Minister of Health (BC), the Minister of Health (Canada) and the FNHC on the progress of the integration and the improvement of health services for First Nations in British Columbia; and
- undertakes such other functions as the Tripartite Committee members may from time to time agree, and which are consistent with the purposes and intent of this Agreement and its terms of reference.
Committee Membership
Membership on this committee consists of:
(a) the President/ Chief Executive Officers of each of the BC Health Authorities;
(b) the Provincial Health Officer under the BC Public Health Act and the Aboriginal Health Physician Advisor;
(c) the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the FNHC;
(d) one representative from each of the 5 First Nations regional tables;
(e) the Chief Executive Officer of the FNHA;
(f) the President of the FNHDA;
(g) the appropriate Associate Deputy Minister and Assistant Deputy Minister of the BC Ministry of Health; and,
(h) any other non-voting, observer or full members as agreed to by the Tripartite Committee.
Partners Sign Historic Agreement
On October 13th, 2011, BC, Canada and BC First Nations signed the historic Tripartite Framework Agreement on First Nations Health. The signing ceremony was hosted by Squamish Nation and included cultural protocols provided by Squamish and Sta’Ailes First Nation. Check out speeches from the principles and witnesses below:
Federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq
Provincial Minister of Health Services Michael deJong
Grand Chief Doug Kelly, Chair, First Nations Health Council
National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo
Chief Douglas White III, Snuneymuxw
Chief Bill Cramner, Namgis
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip
Kukpi7 Wayne Christian
Chief Wilf Adam, Lake Babine Nation
Please note that due to technical difficulties Chief Adam’s speech was not fully captured
What does the Future hold?A new structure for governance of First Nations health services in British Columbia, which will initially include regional health planning and administration as well as health design, delivery and accountability, will be created and implemented to reflect the service delivery needs of First Nations and to define results to be achieved.
BC First Nations have been developing a meaningful Health Partnership with BC and Canada over the past several years. Through this partnership, BC First Nations will be the first in Canada to assume control of Federally Funded health services through a new First Nations Health Authority. A First Nations Health Authority will position BC First Nations to enter into partnerships with Regional Health Authorities and provincial Health Service Organizations.
Through the Tripartite process, the coordination of federally and provincially-funded health programs and services will be more effective and include the increased participation of First Nations in the governance, management and delivery of services. Through this new arrangement, First Nations health policy development, program management, and service delivery will take place closer to home. BC First Nations will also be well positioned to create and test new approaches to health care.
Duplication will not occur and a parallel health system will not be created. Supported by our partners, these efforts will result in health improvements at the individual/patient, community, region, and population health levels.
Key Enabling Documents
Download the Transformative Change Accord | PDF
Download the TCA: First Nations Health Plan | PDF
Download the First Nations Health Plan Memorandum of Understanding | PDF
Download the Tripartite First Nations Health Plan | PDF