Vision
Healthy, Self-Determining and Vibrant BC First Nations Children, Families and Communities.
Mission
Supporting BC First Nations to implement the mandate set out in the Tripartite First Nations Health Plan that seeks to elevate health outcomes for BC First Nations people.
Values
Respect
We believe that maintaining respectful relationships is fundamental to the achievement of our shared vision. Respectful relationships are built upon the recognition that we all have something to contribute, as individuals and as the three components of the First Nations health governance structure. Therefore, we commit to treating each other with dignity and generosity, being responsive to one another, and acknowledging that each entity has their own respective processes and practices. We are also committed to respectful interactions with First Nations, tripartite partners, and other collaborators.
Discipline
We have the historic opportunity to achieve transformative change in First Nations health and wellness, and an obligation to make the most of this opportunity. This will require discipline amongst us, including through: loyalty to one another and our shared vision; upholding and supporting our roles, responsibilities, decisions, and processes; maintaining and nurturing unity and a united front; integrity and reliability in fulfilling our commitments, and accountability to one another for these commitments and contributions; and, solutions-oriented and active participation.
Relationships
We believe that effective working relationships with First Nations, tripartite partners, and with one another are the foundation for achieving our vision and implementing our health plans and agreements. We commit to fostering effective working relationships and camaraderie underpinned by: trust; honesty; understanding; teamwork; and mutual support. We also acknowledge that humour and laughter are both good medicine, and a good way to build relationships.
Culture
We are here because of those that came before us, and to work on behalf of First Nations. We draw upon the diverse and unique cultures, ceremonies, customs, and teachings of First Nations for strength, wisdom, and guidance. We uphold traditional and holistic approaches to health and self-care and strive to achieve a balance in our mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical wellness.
Excellence
We are humbled and honoured to have been asked by First Nations to work on their behalf to improve health and wellness, and have a moral and personal responsibility to strive for excellence. Excellence means that our outcomes are sustainable, that our processes are professional and transparent, and that we commit to learn continuously – through capacity development opportunities, from each other and from new, different and innovative models worldwide.
Fairness
We work to improve the health and wellness of all First Nations in BC. Our decision making reflects the best interests of all First Nations, and leads to just and equitable treatment amongst all First Nations communities, First Nations organizations, and across all regions of British Columbia. We are committed to make room for everyone, and are inclusive in our communications, information-sharing, and discussions.
Directives
Since 2008, BC First Nations have been involved in an unprecedented process of community engagement to guide the work in First Nations health governance. Through more than 120 regional and sub-regional caucus meetings, and more than 250 Health Partnership Workbooks, First Nations in BC have developed the following directives. These directives describe the fundamental standards and instructions for the new health governance relationship.
Directive #1: Community-Driven, Nation-Based
• The Community-Driven, Nation-Based principle is overarching and foundational to the entire health governance arrangement.
• Program, service and policy development must be informed and driven by the grassroots level.
• First Nations community health agreements and programs must be protected and enhanced.
• Autonomy and authority of First Nations will not be compromised.
Directive #2: Increase First Nations Decision-Making and Control
• Increase First Nations influence in health program and service philosophy, design and delivery at the local, regional, provincial, national and international levels.
• Develop a wellness approach to health including prioritizing health promotion and disease and injury prevention.
• Implement greater local control over community-level health services.
• Involve First Nations in federal and provincial decision-making about health services for First Nations at the highest levels.
• Increase community-level flexibility in spending decisions to meet their own needs and priorities.
• Implement the OCAP (ownership, control, access and possession) principle regarding First Nations health data, including leading First Nations health reporting.
• Recognize the authority of individual BC First Nations in their governance of health services in their communities and devolve the delivery of programs to local and regional levels as much as possible and when appropriate and feasible.
Directive #3: Improve Services
• Protect, incorporate and promote First Nations knowledge, beliefs, values, practices, medicines and models of health and healing into all health programs and services that serve BC First Nations.
• Improve and revitalize the Non-Insured Benefits program.
• Increase access to primary care, physicians, nurses, dental care and other allied health care by First Nations communities.
• Through the creation of a First Nations Health Authority and supporting a First Nations population health approach, First Nations will work collectively to improve all health services accessed by First Nations.
• Support health and wellness planning and the development of health program and service delivery models at local and regional levels.
Directive #4: Foster Meaningful Collaboration and Partnership
• Collaborate with other First Nations and non-First Nations organization and governments to address social and environmental determinants of First Nations health (e.g. poverty, water quality, housing, etc.).
• Partnerships are critical to our collective success. First Nations will create opportunities through working collaboratively with federal, provincial, and regional partners.
• Foster collaboration in research and reporting at all levels.
• Support community engagement hubs.
• Enable relationship-building between First Nations and the regional health authorities and the First Nations Health Authority with the goal of aligning health care with First Nations priorities and community health plans where applicable.
Directive #5: Develop Human and Economic Capacity
• Develop current and future health professionals at all levels through a variety of education and training methods and opportunities.
• Result in opportunities to leverage additional funding and investment and services from federal and provincial sources for First Nations in BC.
• Result in economic opportunities to generate additional resources for First Nations health programs.
Directive #6: Be Without Prejudice to First Nations Interests
• Not impact on Aboriginal Title and Rights or the treaty rights of First Nations, and be without prejudice to any self-government agreements or court proceedings.
• Not impact on the fiduciary duty of the Crown.
• Not impact on existing federal funding agreement with individual First Nations, unless First Nations want the agreements to change.
Directive #7: Function at a High Operational Standard
• Be accountable, including through clear, regular and transparent reporting.
• Make best and prudent use of available resources.
• Implement appropriate competencies for key roles and responsibilities at all levels.
• Operate with clear governance documents, policies, and procedures, including for conflict of interest and dispute resolution.