September 11, 2009

Saskatoon Campus - The First Nations University of Canada will partner with Treaty No. 6 Chiefs to support the Medicine Chest Task Force (MCTF) on Indian Control of Indian Health.

The official announcement was made at a special signing ceremony held last Friday at the First Nations University of Canada in Saskatoon.

The Task Force will provide new opportunities for FNUniv professionals in health, sciences, and social work to contribute to the research, planning and development of First Nations traditional and contemporary health system as it falls under First Nations jurisdictions and laws.

“We are thrilled with this new partnership,” said Charles Pratt, President of the First Nations University of Canada. “It provides an opportunity for our academics and technical professionals to help better the First Nations current health and health care systems by allowing our staff and faculty at the University to contribute to the development of these projects.”

The University is also committed to helping develop funding submissions for projects related to health, social development and the environment.

First Nations Governance Expert Sol Sanderson and MCTF Chair Eldon Okanee look forward to the new partnership with the University.

“The establishment of the most effective and efficient organizational infrastructure at the beginning of this initiative is absolutely critical,” said Okanee. “Through this new partnership, we are excited about the level of expertise the FNUniv will bring to help further developing this process.”

MCTF is administered and operated by Thunderchild First Nation, comprising of leaders from Thunderchild First Nation, Big Island Cree Nation, Battleford Agency Tribal Chiefs, Moosomin First Nation, Onion Lake Cree Nation, Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation, Poundmaker Cree Nation, Battlefords Tribal Council, and the Confederacy of Treaty 6 Nations.

The mission of the First Nations University of Canada is to enhance the quality of life, and to preserve, protect, and interpret the history, language, culture, and artistic heritage of First Nations.

For more information,

Tina Pelletier Eldon Okanee
Office of Communications
Direct: 306-790-5950 Ext. 2600 Cellular: 306-530-9228
tpelletier[at]firstnationsuniversity.ca

Eldon Okanee
Medicine Chest Task Force, Chair
Direct: 306-845-4312
Cellular: 306-845-8135
eldon.okanee[at]thunderchild.ca