No formal acknowledgement of the negative impacts of previous colonial government policies

Release of “Indigenous Health in the New Saskatchewan Health Authority: Summary of Findings”. The 2016 Saskatchewan Advisory Panel on Health System Structure Report includes a recommendation to engage with Indigenous people to help inform how best to address First Nations and Métis health needs in a culturally responsive and respectful manner. Both reports clearly identify that health system changes are needed in order to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples in the province.

In accordance with the Advisory Panel’s recommendation, an Indigenous Health Working Group (IHWG) was formed for the months leading up to the transition to a single health authority (May through November 2017). The mandate of the IHWG was recommendation five on the advisory report.

5. Engage with Indigenous people to help inform how best to address First Nations and Métis health needs in a culturally responsive and respectful manner. In particular, the following should be examined:

• Appropriate representation in the governance of the Provincial Health Authority;
• Ensuring community advisory networks are reflective of the ethnicity and culture of the community; and
• Establishing a senior administrative role within the Provincial Health Authority with the responsibility for ensuring health care services respect the Fist Nation and Métis patient experience.