The FNHA-PHAC JEA is a commitment that binds the FNHA and PHAC to the goal of improving the health and well-being of First Nations people and communities in BC while moving forward the process of reconciliation.
The signing was preceded by ceremony and the calling of witnesses. Representatives from the FNHA and PHAC also spoke, at times with great emotion, about the journey and importance of the JEA.
FNHA signatories were Dr. Nel Wieman, Chief Medical Officer; and Katie Hughes, Acting Chief Operating Officer, signing on behalf of FNHA Chief Executive Officer Richard Jock. PHAC signatories were Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada; and Heather Jeffrey, PHAC President.
“I think this is the first time I really sense the concept of reciprocal accountability; I feel like I already have great partners," said Dr. Tam. “I'm embarking on a journey to look at how we can address and strengthen Indigenous health and science and knowledge in our current settler-colonial systems and draw from our strengths. I see today as a commitment for that shared future."
“Our ancestors understood that wellness is not an individual pursuit, but a collective responsibility," added Dr. Wieman. “Today we uphold that same standard. We are dedicated to building our partnership on a foundation of cultural safety and humility. This means fully acknowledging the undeclared public health emergency of Indigenous-specific racism that First Nations people face daily."
The JEA describes the overall approach and processes for collaboration and cooperation between the FNHA and PHAC by executive and operational leadership. It also sets the overall approach and steps for collaboration and processes to work together to achieve their shared objectives.
The associated 2024-26 workplan outlines the joint priorities for the teams' shared work. It will be revisited and updated annually, and is currently focused on the following key priority areas:
1) Indigenous-specific (FN/M/I) racism in the public health system and Cultural Safety and Humility (CSH): The objective is to share truths and history of Indigenous-settler relations in Canada and within the federal public service with PHAC Western Region employees. This will be a PHAC effort.
2) Toxic Drug Crisis: The objective is to address the toxic drug crisis and reduce stigma around substance use by coordinating federal and FNHA efforts to collaborate on the toxic drug crisis for First Nations in BC.
3) Public Health Human Resources (HHR): This objective involves promoting the development of public health competencies among First Nations in BC.
The ceremony marks the next step in an exciting journey—a journey built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to healthy, vibrant, and self-determining First Nations children, families, and communities.
