Duane Hicks
The executive director of Fort Frances Tribal Area Health Services was among the presenters calling for more long-term support for indigenous communities in crisis last week in Ottawa.
Calvin Morrisseau, who also is secretary/treasurer of the First Nation Health Managers Association, appeared with FNHMA executive director Marion Crowe before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs on Oct. 17.
The committee, which includes local MP Don Rusnak, is studying suicide among indigenous peoples and communities.
When asked about the key points made during the 30-minute presentation, Morrisseau told the Times that “suicide is tragic and effects all aspect of community life.”
“Thankfully, crisis teams come in until the crisis is over,” he noted.
“But there is little done to make long-term plans to ensure this tragedy does not reoccur,” he stressed.
“There has to be a greater investment into communities to ensure our health people, especially our health directors, are properly resourced, supported, and trained as they are usually the ones who are on the front lines co-ordinating and navigating the aftermath of such tragedy,” Morrisseau noted.
“Our health teams, including all of our partners, must ensure proper resourcing, including the assurance medical support is available,” he added.
“In order for this to occur, First Nation primary-care providers must has access to mainstream recruitment processes for doctors,” said Morrisseau, noting this final point was in response to a question posed by an MP on adequate services in this area and Canada in general.
Collectively, First Nations have presented their needs on numerous occasions to government officials at all levels, Morrisseau said.
“It is shameful to be still talking about it when action is needed,” he charged.
“The first thing which needs to occurs is investments in programming,” Morrisseau argued.
“We need to create meaningful solutions specific to each First Nation.”
According to the North West LHIN, health outcomes in Rainy River District is worse for indigenous peoples.
They experience more chronic illness, suicides, cancer, diabetes, and mental health issues and addictions, but receive only three-five percent of the funding from the LHIN to address it.
The FNHMA is a national organization that assists First Nation health managers get accredited as Certified Health Managers.
Morrisseau represents the Ontario members on this national board.
He noted the FNHMA gives FFTAHS access to best practices across the country.
But Morrisseau also spoke on behalf of the FFTAHS, “as we work diligently on the addictions and mental health file by offering out-patient treatment and mental health counselling to member First Nations in our area.”
