Governance

A strong health system starts with strong First Nations governance. Health Transformation is about building a governance structure that places decision-making authority where it belongs: with First Nations, guided by their priorities, needs, and vision for the future.

We are not at that place yet, we are not creating a governance model to govern the health system. What we are currently doing is building a governance model for the process that will get us to the permanent system. This interim model, after engagement, will hold parties within the structure accountable to their roles and direct the work going forward.

NAN First Nations are at the centre of the health governance model. Member First Nations will help shape priorities and policies, guide how the system operates, and ensure leadership remains accountable to the Nations it serves.

Together, this governance structure ensures that decisions across the health system, from funding and planning to service delivery and frontline care, are guided by First Nations priorities and remain accountable to First Nations.

Five Part Model:

• First Nations – provide community needs and priorities 
• Leadership (Annual Gatherings) – final decision-makers and source of authority ​
• Chiefs Council (Ogimak) – provides ongoing political direction ​
• Expert Advisory Panels (Weethamakek) – provide expert and technical guidance ​
• Interim Operations Body (Meeyow) – completes the work directed by the Chiefs Council​

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