The FNHA and CIHI sign pact that brings together the best of both worlds

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) in British Columbia and the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) have formalized a partnership aimed at supporting better health outcomes for First Nations and Aboriginal peoples.

The partnership will centre on improving access to data, analyses and expertise, as well as data governance, management and quality, to improve the health and wellness of First Nations living in B.C.

The agreement recognizes the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and describes the shared principles of equality, mutual respect, collective impact, shared learning, embracing the best of both worlds and championing wellness.

Early priorities include improving access to data, using relevant data to support decision-making within both organizations and improving cultural safety for and within CIHI. This partnership will set the stage in recognizing the importance of working together in equal partnership as a means to achieve greater outcomes for First Nations.

The chief executive officers of both parties met at Songhees First Nation's Wellness Centre to sign the agreement.

Quotes

This partnership has the potential to bring together the best of both worlds and represents an important first step in a learning journey. We are excited to leverage CIHI's data and analytics experience in order to accelerate our quality improvement and measurement efforts. Likewise we are excited to share the richness of our First Nations teachings on health and wellness.

— Joe Gallagher, CEO, FNHA

This collaboration is an important step forward in achieving FNHA's and CIHI's shared objective of improving the health and well-being of First Nations individuals, families and communities. We will draw on the unique expertise, experience and skills of each organization to expand our understanding of the health and health service use of First Nations, Inuit and Métis in B.C. and look forward to learning from our colleagues at the FNHA on how best to work in a culturally safe and humble way.

— David O'Toole, President and CEO, CIHI

About the Canadian Institute for Health Information

The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that provides essential information on Canada's health systems and the health of Canadians.

We provide comparable and actionable data and information that are used to accelerate improvements in health care, health system performance and population health across Canada. Our stakeholders use our broad range of health system databases, measurements and standards, together with our evidence-based reports and analyses, in their decision-making processes. We protect the privacy of Canadians by ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of the health care information we provide.

CIHI has made a commitment to 4 priority populations, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis, as part of its strategic plan.

About the First Nations Health Authority

The First Nations Health Authority is responsible for planning, management, service delivery and funding of health programs, in partnership with First Nations communities in B.C. The organization works to reform the way health care is delivered to B.C. First Nations through direct services, provincial collaboration and health system innovation. For more information on the FNHA, visit www.fnha.ca/about.

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