Health
The Chiefs of Ontario Health Secretariat supports increased opportunities for First Nations to participate and influence regional and national health policy, health systems (Federal and Provincial) and program development in all Health areas as mandated by the leadership.
The Health team’s long-term goal is reflected in the 2009 First Nations Strategic Health Plan’s Vision for First Nations Health:
“In the year 2033, we the First Nations people have control of our health, our own health systems and environment, living our traditions that value life and care of self. We live healthy lives (physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually), as well as governing our own healthy communities.”
The Health Secretariat will focus on the following strategies to support the achievement of First Nations health goals:
- Research, policy and legislative analysis, and advocacy.
- Relationships, collaboration, partnerships, and tripartite processes.
To achieve the following priority outcomes:
- A First Nations Research and Data Management Centre.
- A strategy for Jordan’s Principle in Ontario.
- Mental health and addictions research, promotion programs, and wellbeing initiatives.
Human Trafficking
Since time immemorial, First Nation peoples have had mechanisms for culturally safe practices that reconcile sexual violence and sexual exploitation within their community. These natural healing ways and justice methods have been interfered with for centuries by settler colonial justice systems. The natural healing paths and accountability mechanisms have suffered a great cultural injury, and this has resulted in an epic destructive colonial influence on our people. This discussion paper highlights the need for ending sexual violence and sexual exploitation in First Nation communities.
Data Governance Committee
Research and surveillance involving First Nations communities has become a sought after demographic. First Nation communities are becoming more involved and want to make sure that research conducted and information collected is benefiting their communities. Due to this rapid change in the environment involving First Nation research, Leadership has mandated and continues to support the Chiefs of Ontario in its work with the First Nation Data Governance Committee.
Trilateral Health Senior Officials Committee
All Ontario Chiefs Assembly in June 2011 passed Resolution 11/38 directing OCCOH to establish TFNHSOC with the provincial and federal governments.
Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)
The NIHB Program is a national program that is designed to support First Nations people in reaching an overall health status that is comparable with Canadians.
Health Research & Data Management
The Health Research and Data Management Sector strategic directions are building upon the Chiefs of Ontario’s main objective and the Health Strategic Plan that was developed in 2009.
Mental Health & Addiction
Annual Health Forum
The Chiefs of Ontario health forum is an annual event connecting First Nations across the province on the topic of healthcare. Information about all upcoming health forums can be found on our special Chiefs of Ontario Assembly Center website.
Contact Health
Tobi Mitchell
Director of Health
Tobi.Mitchell@coo.org
or Alice@coo.org
(416) 597-1266
Toll-Free: 1-877-517-6527
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Updates
Media Advisory – First Nations Community Wellness Conference Media Event
(March 14, 2024 – Toronto, Ontario) On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, the Chiefs of Ontario will hold a media event to
Opioid-Related Toxicity and Deaths Continue to Rise among First Nations in Ontario
(Toronto, ON – November 23, 2023) – The Chiefs of Ontario (COO) and Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare made the following
Call for Proposals: One-Time Mental Health & Addictions Funding
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Ontario Health and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, is launching a
Health Sector Update: First Nations COVID-19 Testing in Ontario – Weekly Report 99
Key messages: About 70% of eligible First Nations people are fully vaccinated as of Mar 14, 2022. This has not changed
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