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Kanawenimitisoowin summit finds best ways to achieve healthcare goals

The SLFNHA summit had opportunities for those in attendance to take part in breakout groups to discuss what they believe would be the best ways to achieve their healthcare goals.

THUNDER BAY – A three-day conference organized by the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority, which focused on helping Indigenous communities in the region take control of their health care, and design a system that meets their unique needs, concluded on Thursday.

Each day of the Kanawenimitisoowin (Looking after yourself) summit opened with a drum song and prayer, before the floor was opened to comments and speeches from various Indigenous leaders in the region.

James Morris, president and CEO of the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority, says the conference is all about retaking control of and localizing health care in their communities.

"We did it all ourselves, we didn't depend on anybody else to help us,” he said, referring to traditional health practices. “Now, it's all we do, we wait for somebody to come and do everything for us and we want to get away from that. We want to look after ourselves."

The summit had opportunities for those in attendance to take part in breakout groups to discuss what they believe would be the best ways to achieve these healthcare goals.

Morris offered some solutions, including training nurses and doctors within these communities.

"A lot of what we call agency nurses, they come from Toronto and they go up for I think two weeks and then they leave again,” said Morris. “That's not enough time to build a working relationship with your clients."

During the speeches, many emotional stories were shared surrounding loved ones who were unable to receive proper care for illnesses.

Wallace McKay, Emcee of the summit, says these health care difficulties go beyond physical ailments, with mental health supports being crucial as well.

"The young people that commit suicide is a direct result of the health services that we have before,” he said. “The imposition of being subjected to experiments such as residential schools, we are suffering."

Now that the three-day summit has concluded, the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority plans to take the lessons and ideas inspired through these discussions to ensure these communities have access to health care, and the ability to look after themselves in their own way.



Justin Hardy

About the Author: Justin Hardy

Justin Hardy is a reporter born and raised in the Northwest.
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