Today, thirteen Mi'kmaq First Nation Chiefs, Federal Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu, and Nova Scotia Minister of Health and Wellness Michelle Thompson signed a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the next steps to help transform the design and delivery of health services for Mi'kmaq throughout the province of Nova Scotia.

"By signing this MOU today, the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia, the Government of Canada and the Government of Nova Scotia are demonstrating that we are walking the path of health transformation hand-in-hand. We are all committed to transferring control of the design and delivery of federal health and wellness services and programs to the Mi'kmaq; and transforming and creating a new system that is Mi'kmaq-led, culturally safe, comprehensive and trauma-informed. Together, with our health system partners, we will improve the health and wellness of our people, our communities and our Nation. Elukuti'kw wjit naji-wlo'ltinenew utanminal."

Chief Andrea Paul
Pictou Landing First Nation
Lead Chief, Health Portfolio, Mi'kmaq Chiefs of Nova Scotia

"When First Nations are involved in health care transformation, services improve, and Indigenous Peoples get and stay healthier. This agreement lays the groundwork to build a culturally safe and high-quality health system for the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia. Thank you to the Tajikeimɨk, Mi'kmaq Chiefs, provincial officials and all those who have contributed to today's milestone. Today's agreement will set in motion the transformation of health care for First Nations in Nova Scotia."

The Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services

"The MOU we have signed today is another step in working towards a better healthcare system for all people living in Nova Scotia. We look forward to working with our partners at Tajikeimɨk, the Chiefs and Health Directors from our 13 Mi'kmaw First Nations, and Mi'kmaw in Nova Scotia to change how we deliver health services to better meet the healthcare needs of our First Nations communities."

The Honourable Michelle Thompson
Minister of Health and Wellness, Nova Scotia

• In January 2022, Indigenous Services Canada committed $8.96 million in federal funding over the next two years to support the partnership with Tajikeimɨk. In March 2023, an additional $6.79 million was confirmed for 2023–24, bringing the total federal funding to $15.75 million over three years.

• Five federally funded health transformation initiatives are now underway—in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, and (two in) Manitoba.

• Investments in Health Transformation help Canada to meet its commitment to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which states in Article 23 that "Indigenous peoples have the right to be actively involved in developing and determining health, housing and other economic and social programmes affecting them and, as far as possible, to administer such programmes through their own institutions."

Associated links

• Tajikeimik | Mi'kmaw Health and Wellness
• Indigenous health care in Canada

For more information, media may contact:

Carolyn Pierce
Director, Communications and Engagement
Tajikeimɨk
902-305-7543
carolyn.pierce@mhwns.ca

Zeus Eden
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services
zeus.eden@sac-isc.gc.ca

Khalehla Perrault
Communications and Media Relations Advisor
Nova Scotia Health and Wellness
902-717-3193
khalehla.perrault@novascotia.ca

Media Relations
Indigenous Services Canada
media@sac-isc.gc.ca

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