To advocate for Syilx control and management of their health, programs and services. – Syilx Health Mandate
The ONA is committed to improving the health of our people not only for our present community members but for the st̓əlsqílxʷ — the people-to-be. For Syilx people, health is multifaceted, holistic and interconnected. The health of Syilx people is reflected in the health of the individual, family, community and land. These elements are inseparable and cannot be looked at in isolation.
Health Planning Team
Working through the Nation Health Planner, along with the Health Care Advocate and the Syilx Early Years Program, the Planner gathers information from community sources, including band staff and Health Directors. This collaboration aims to identify current health priorities and ensure that health investments align with the community’s actual needs. Additionally, Health coordinates regional activities and supports local band initiatives to enhance the delivery of health services.
The Health Team works with the Planning and Policy Teams for Mental Wellbeing, Data, and Child & Family so that strategies are aligned and investments in health can be advocated for and allocated where they are needed most.
Priorities
In 2010, the ONA created a community-driven Syilx Health Plan. Since then, many initiatives have addressed the priorities identified in 2010, including more opportunities for the early years sector, support for Syilx community members to connect to health care facilities, and access to health benefits through health advocacy program.
Other priority areas have also emerged: traditional wellness and healing on the land, the opioid crisis, trauma-informed practice, and linking health issues with root causes and social determinants of health.
Current Health priorities include:
- Continued health engagements and planning
- Create safe spaces for dialogue (social determinants of health, poverty, opioid, stigma, etc)
- Address barriers to accessing quality health care support services
- Reduce systemic racism in health care settings
Collaboration
Engagement with communities and the Wellness Committee ensures strategies can be developed to support communities with complex health issues including: Primary Care Networks, cultural safety and anti-racism initiatives, preparing for flooding and fires.
Partnerships
FNHA supports Nations with advocacy and facilitation, including funding for programs like Traditional Wellness and generally bringing resources closer to Nations and communities. ONA also works with Interior Health, including on a Letter of Understanding that is being revised to reflect changes in legislation.
Planning
Beyond initiatives in health and regional coordination to support communities and the Nation, further engagement is being planned to create a Syilx-specific understanding of what health means.
For More Information, Contact:
Menno Salverda, Nation Planner Health
NationPlanner.Health@syilx.org or 250-869-5364