Racism-Free Care, First Nations Strong.
Health Transformation Timelines and Milestones
In November 2022, KIM received permission to proceed with negotiations towards a bilateral Health Transformation Agreement in Principle from the Keewatinohk Inniniw Okimowin Council of elected leaders.
Health Transformation and Transfer Process
Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. (KIM) has secured an Agreement-in-Principle with the federal government to take on the design and delivery of certain aspects of the health care system in the north. The agreement in principle will be followed by a legally binding framework agreement which will formalize a new arrangement for transforming healthcare and the transfer of some of the functions of FNIHB MB on behalf of 23 northern First Nations. KIM will continue to influence change within Manitoba’s provincial health care system and its regional health authorities, as a new First Nations led health entity modelled on other regional entities such as the BC First Nations Health Authority and the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority in Ontario.
Health Transformation and transfer is the recognition of First Nations sovereignty culminating in the transfer of responsibility for funding, management, design, and delivery of health services to First Nations organizations like KIM with and on behalf of northern First Nations.
This means systemic change with First Nations taking ownership and control over the design and delivery of health systems.
KIM exists to identify and implement solutions for northern Manitoba First Nations. Guided by its bylaws, KIM is dedicated to:
- Aiding First Nations in achieving health sovereignty, Nation by Nation.
- Sourcing and distributing funding for both aggregate and First Nation-specific health care solutions.
- Addressing gaps in health services and wellness priorities.
- Creating racism-free, equitable, and accessible healthcare systems.
What We’ve Heard So Far
KIM has heard from First Nations citizens, leaders, Elders, youth, and health workers: health transformation must be First Nation-led, community-based, culturally safe, and built around the real needs of northern First Nations people.
This summary brings together common themes from the Chiefs Task Force on Health and KIM 2018–2022 engagements, recent Health Transformation Facilitator community engagements, and ongoing conversations with Nations. These themes are collected from the gathered voices of the people and are seen as starting points for continued discussion. Each Nation has its own priorities, experiences, and direction.
What People Are Calling For
First Nation-led health systems
Nations want local control over health planning, governance, delivery, and evaluation. This includes stronger roles for Elders, youth, leadership, health workers, and citizens in setting priorities and shaping solutions.
Wholistic wellness
People want care that reflects spiritual, cultural, emotional, physical, family, community, and land-based wellness. This includes traditional healing, Ceremony, language, Elders, land-based care, and the social conditions that affect health, such as housing, food, education, and connection.
Racism-free, respectful care
Citizens have called for care that is safe, respectful, trauma-informed, and free from racism, judgment, discrimination, and harm. Racism in health care must be addressed through a First Nation-led response with clear accountability.
Care closer to home
People want more services available in or near their Nation, so families do not have to rely on emergency departments, delayed referrals, repeated travel, or separation from home. Priorities include prenatal care, birthing supports, diagnostics, dental, vision, chronic disease care, dialysis, mental wellness, pediatric care, and support for diabetes.
Connected, team-based care
Citizens want care teams to work together around the person and family. Care should feel easier to follow, safer, and less fragmented, with better coordination across programs, providers, and systems.
Mental wellness, harm reduction, and recovery supports
People want trusted supports close to home, including counselling, peer support, life promotion, harm reduction, Ceremony, Elder support, language, land-based healing, treatment options, after-care, and youth-specific services.
Navigation, advocacy, and accountability
Patients and families need support to understand their options, ask questions, make informed decisions, move through systems, and raise concerns when care does not meet their needs or rights.
Clear communication and language access
People need information they can understand, in the language they prefer, with support from interpreters, translators, advocates, and workers who understand medical terms and local context.
Reliable workforce and safe places for care
Nations need consistent, qualified, and supported health workers, including nurses, social workers, mental health workers, emergency responders, and direct care providers. They also need safe, accessible, and appropriate spaces for care, wellness, programming, storage, security, backup power, personal care, and independent living.
Equitable and dignified care for Elders, children, older adults, and people living with disabilities
People want supports that help citizens receive care with safety, dignity, belonging, and access to the equipment, services, wellness checks, medications, and specialized care they need.
First Nations workforce equity
People want First Nation representation at all levels of the health system, including leadership and decision-making roles. This includes training pathways to grow local providers and stronger support for local and visiting staff.
Medical transportation that works
Nations want more control over medical travel, better coordination, fair allowances, safer transportation, stronger accountability for providers, and practical support when flights, roads, meals, accommodations, or escorts become a barrier to care.
Access to medications, supplies, and equipment
Citizens want timely access to prescriptions, medical supplies, mobility aids, glasses, readers, and equipment, with policies that respond to real patient experience.
Inclusive access to care
People should not be denied support because they live off reserve, are non-status, are non-band members, or fall outside narrow eligibility rules. Care must meet people with dignity and reduce avoidable denials.
Stay Connected
Our Community Navigators will be visiting Nations throughout the summer and fall to continue listening and engaging in these topics. Keep in touch through our newsletter or Facebook to find out when they are visiting your Nation.
These themes are not final. They are meant to support discussion with Nations and citizens. KIM will continue listening, learning, and refining this work based on the priorities, experiences, and direction shared by northern First Nations.