RNAO and NAN sign Relationship Accord to improve health across NAN Territory

To advance health equity and effective health care and in support of Nishnawbe Aski Nation’s (NAN) aspirations for self-determination over matters of health, RNAO signed a new partnership with NAN on March 24.

During the NAN virtual Chiefs Assembly on Health Transformation & Governance on March 23 and 24, RNAO along with other health-care associations signed Relationship Accords with NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler and First Nations leaders.

Through this accord, RNAO commits to support NAN as they engage in nation-to-nation negotiations with the provincial and federal government for a NAN-run health system on its territory.

In response to the new partnership, RNAO President Morgan Hoffarth said: "RNAO is delighted to be formalizing our support for the aspirations of NAN for self-determination on all matters, including its peoples health needs and services. We look forward to working with NAN and in concert with other health system partners, bringing to life a health system that will improve the health outcomes for NAN's communities.”

To learn more about the signing ceremony, please see the press release. 

RNAO has long been committed to supporting First Nations communities. Throughout the pandemic, RNAO has hosted webinars dedicated to nurses working with First Nations communities. RNAO also created a page dedicated to providing key resources and supports available to address the needs of First Nations’ persons and communities during this pandemic to prevent and/or delay the spread of COVID-19.