FIRST NATIONS ARE PULLING OUT ALL THE STOPS TO ACCELERATE CHANGE

Faced with serious health problems as well as living conditions that are vastly inferior to that of the Quebec population in general, the Quebec First Nations decided to take the bull by the horns and to attack in unison the numerous challenges to be met in terms of health and social conditions in the communities. “Closing the Gaps… Accelerating Change” is the solution proposed by the ambitious Blueprint that is being launched today by the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL) in collaboration with the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC).

“The future of our people depends upon our youth, who compose about 50% of our population. We have the responsibility to do all that we can, effective immediately, to close the gaps that separate us from Canadians and Quebecers. The challenges are significant.” declared Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL. Mr. Picard invited governments to change their ways of doing things in order to more efficiently respond to the expectations of the communities and to abandon outdated policies, which are often an important factor in the ongoing deterioration of the health and quality of life of First Nations. “We do not have the right to fail nor deceive future generations who, in many cases, are progressively losing their health in addition to their patience and their hope. We have an obligation to the future. This challenge belongs to us.” he declared.

The gravity of the statistics, confirmed during the First Nations Regional Longitudinal Health Survey (2002), Quebec region, calls for all of society to take quick and concrete actions that are supported by the will of First Nations to continue to fully exist. The answer is the Blueprint presented by the FNQLHSSC, which proposes solutions that are adapted to the real problems that the First Nations are experiencing. It is a historical plan that is the result of an unprecedented concerted effort between the communities, experts from various fields and many First Nations organisations.

“This Blueprint establishes the milestones on the road to be followed and identifies the necessary focus areas to ensure that 2007-2017 is a decade of profound change to the benefit of the health and well-being of the First Nations of Quebec. It is ambitious because it aims for complete equality in terms of health, through significant and innovative structural changes, while betting on First Nations capacity to take control over their future. It is also realistic because it does not underestimate the difficulty of the road that lies ahead and it is supported by the obvious statement that a population that is healthy and in charge is one that is fulfilled, and consequently participates in a positive manner to the economic and social dynamic of the country.” explained Guylaine Gill, Executive Director of the FNQLHSSC.

Committee of Experts

The AFNQL and the FNQLHSSC also took advantage of the launching of the Blueprint in order to announce the establishment of a Committee of Experts. The Committee will be under the presidency of Dr. Stanley Vollant and composed of First Nations representatives, health and social services representatives, academicians as well as members of civil society. This Committee will have the mandate to produce a periodical report on the status of health installations, the quality of life of First Nations as well as progress in the implementation of the Blueprint.

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