Our People. Our Health. Our Way.
Health Transformation with SCO
There is a documented 11 year and growing gap in life expectancy between First Nation citizens and all others living in what is now known as Manitoba. The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is working to change that by transforming the health care system.
All levels of government recognize the need to work collaboratively to establish a new health care model where First Nations leadership and health care professionals have increased self-administration, self-determination, and self-governance authority.
First Nations will assume greater control and be responsible for the design and delivery of community-based health care services and systems.
Through a community-driven process started in 2019, SCO is working with First Nation partners and all levels of government to build a First Nation health system in southern Manitoba where:
- Decisions are made by First Nations, for First Nations
- There is a full range of community-based health care services, improved infrastructure, and increased health human resources
- Health services are culturally responsive, reflective of regional differences, and provided closer to home
- There is easy access to better healthcare, including enhanced primary care
- The First Nation’s health authority works collaboratively with other sectors to improve the social determinants of health of First Nations people
- Strengthened partnerships with provincial and other health systems ensures seamless continuum of care and culturally safe health care for First Nation citizens, wherever they seek health care in Manitoba
Community Engagement Leads to a Healthier Future
Community engagement guides Health Transformation. Community members, health teams, and leaders continually share their vision with us of a healthier future, guided by principles informed by Dakota and Anishinaabe ways of knowing.
SCO Health Transformation and the southern First Nations of Manitoba’s vison of a healthier future includes:
- Community-based primary care services
- A cultural and traditional knowledge foundation to health care
- Increased mental health and addictions services within community
- Increased Elder programs and services within community
- More health human resources within community
Southern First Nations health care is wholistic and encompasses the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of the individual, family, and community.