Provincial Ministers Carolyn Bertram and Doug Currie met recently with federal and provincial government representatives and leaders of National Aboriginal organizations to discuss health issues of concern to Aboriginal peoples throughout Canada.
Health Minister Currie and Minister Bertram, who is the Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, attended the National Aboriginal Health Working Summit held in Winnipeg earlier this month. The Island delegation – which included representatives from the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island, including Chief Brian Francis – participated in discussions on many health concerns of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.
“In order to improve many of the health issues facing our Aboriginal people, we must address the physical, emotional, traditional and spiritual health of the individual, the family and the community,” said Minister Bertram. “We need to work hand in hand with Islanders in our Aboriginal communities to identify the issues and move towards implementing solutions.”
Minister Currie added, “This summit was an opportunity for us to examine the existing health care system and how it can be enhanced to better serve the Aboriginal people in our province. We look forward to working with our federal and First Nations partners to improve service delivery.”
In December, the Canada/Prince Edward Island/Mi’kmaq Partnership Agreement was signed providing a framework to restore, revitalize and strengthen the Mi'kmaq of Prince Edward Island, their communities and their families. The Department of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour assumed responsibility for Aboriginal Affairs in Prince Edward Island effective January 1, 2008.