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SCO Seeks Input on Improving Non-Insured Health Benefits

October 7, 2024

“First Nations people on average, live 11 years fewer than all other Manitobans. It is our Treaty right, and a human right, to have equitable access to healthcare, yet we do not.  We must not stop the fight for equal care. SCO is asking our First Nations people who use the NIHB program what doesn’t work; we will carry their voice to government to demand change” – Grand Chief Jerry Daniels.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  October 1, 2024

ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB —The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is launching a new survey to better understand how the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program is working along with identifying areas for improvement. We have heard from members through their experiences, that the NIHB program is not operating to best serve First Nation citizens.

“There are provisions in the NIHB program which make seeking proper healthcare almost, if not completely, impossible, such as the medical transportation rates.  First Nations people have a right to care and a right to a barrier free NIHB program which truly provides for our needs as negotiated by our Ancestors” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “This survey will help us identify the most challenging issues, with an overall goal of improving the NIHB program as one of many steps to achieving a health status comparable to other Canadians. Our life expectancy is 11 years shorter than non-First Nation people in our own Territories.”

NIHB covers a range of medical products and services such as some prescription and over the counter medication, vision care, dental care, medical transportation, medical supplies and equipment, and mental health counselling to eligible First Nations people. SCO wants to better understand how the program is working and identify shortfalls where improvements can be made.

Currently, SCO offers NIHB Navigation for people experiencing difficulty accessing their benefits. The NIHB Navigators provide advocacy and support for First Nation citizens to assist with denials and appeals.

“There is no questioning the importance of improving the NIHB program and the value it could have in the lives our citizens,” added Skownan First Nation Chief Cameron Catcheway. “This survey will help us as leaders advocate effectively for a NIHB program that fully honours the Treaty right to health and the medicine chest.”

The SCO NIHB survey consists of up to 20 questions and should take about 15 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary and all responses are confidential.

“One of my goals is to begin to close the documented 11 year and growing gap in life expectancy between our citizens and all others living in this province we now share,” concluded Grand Chief Daniels. “I encourage everyone who is eligible to take the time to complete this survey and help us advocate for your health and well-being.”

The new SCO NIHB survey is open and can be found at  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/sco-nihb.  The survey will close in mid-November.

More information on the NIHB Navigator Program, is available on OUR WEBSITE.

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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 33 First Nations and more than 87,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions

through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.

For media inquiries:

Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca