Prince George, BC – It’s hoped the signing of an historic accord late last week will improve health outcomes for Northern BC First Nations.

Statistics show that health indicator gaps are larger for First Nations in the North than the rest of the province.  The region has the highest proportion of Aboriginal people in BC, over almost two-thirds of the province’s land base and faces unique issues related to social determinants of health like housing, education, and economic factors.

The Northern Regional Health Caucus – made up of representatives of Northern First Nations, the interim First Nations Health Authority, and Northern Health have signed an agreement hoped to lay the groundwork for innovations in health service delivery and the creation of a more integrated, culturally-appropriate, and effective health system.

Included in the agreement is the development of a Health and Wellness Committee and plan that will identify the needs of First Nations in the North, find solutions, and use measurable indictors to track its success.

Northern Regional Health Caucus rep, Marjorie McCrae, says, "First Nations in Northern BC face some very unique challenges in the health care system, but this Accord is a great example of the positive working relationship we have and the bright future ahead."

McCrae says, "Our Northern Caucus has come together as one voice representing all viewpoints and, in close collaboration with Northern Health, created this Accord that will prove to offer concrete outcomes to Northern First Nations and positively impact all residents of the North."

Other initiatives included in the deal look to the improvement of primary care services, access to services in remote communities and the recruitment and retention of additional health professionals in the North.