Métis Nation BC and Vancouver Coastal Health sign Letter of Understanding

This includes MNBC citizens and self-identifying Métis people in the two Métis Chartered Communities of North Fraser Métis Association and Powell River Métis Association.

"It's exciting to see the progress that our Nation is making to increase Métis visibility in accessing culturally appropriate health care in BC," says Louis De Jaeger, MNBC Minister of Health and Director of Region 2. "We have worked tirelessly to fulfill our mandate to be a self-governing Nation, advocating for better outcomes in health for Métis citizens across the Province."

VCH will work alongside MNBC's Regional Governance of the Lower Mainland to plan and deliver health services to Métis individuals, families and communities that are culturally safe and appropriate utilizing the following reports as core documents for action within the health authority:

• Taanishi Kiiya? Métis Public Health Surveillance Program - Baseline Report
• In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in B.C. Health Care
• DRIPA Action Plan Theme 3: Ending Indigenous Specific Racism and Discrimination

"It's exciting to see the progress that our Nation is making to increase Métis visibility in accessing culturally appropriate health care in BC. We have worked tirelessly to fulfill our mandate to be a self-governing Nation, advocating for better outcomes in health for Métis citizens across the Province."

In the Letter of Understanding, the parties commit to the common goals of Métis influence in decisions related to the development and delivery of health services that impact Métis people in the VCH regions, including:

• Working with the Métis Chartered Communities
• Sharing effective decision making and accountability that will:
  • Reduce barriers, and
  • Increase access to culturally safe and appropriate health care services
• Establishing a joint committee between MNBC and VCH
• Taking a collaborative approach in the improvement of the health status of Métis in the local Chartered Communities

"Vancouver Coastal Health is committed to providing exceptional care to all and to ensuring culturally safe care to Indigenous peoples across our region," says Leslie Bonshor, Vice President of Indigenous Health at Vancouver Coastal Health. "We are pleased to continue our work with MNBC by formalizing our working relationship and look forward to implementing a work plan that will provide equitable access to health services and improved health and wellness outcomes for the Métis people we serve."