News Release

1995-80
November 30, 1995

Fort Qu'Appelle Indian Hospital transferred to First Nations control

OTTAWA - Federal Health Minister Diane Marleau and the 16 chiefs of the Touchwood- File Hills-Qu'Appelle Tribal Council today signed an historic agreement to mark the transfer of the Fort Qu'Appelle Indian Hospital to First Nations control.

This transfer will enable the Tribal Council to design and deliver programs which meet physical, mental, emotional and spiritual healing needs of First Nations and non- Aboriginal clients. Currently, the hospital operates as an acute care facility providing inpatient services, diagnostic and therapeutic services, administration and support services, as well as allied programs.

The hospital will continue to provide acute care services to both First Nations and non-Aboriginal clients. However, the transfer marks the beginning of a First Nations' holistic approach to complete wellness through development of new programming.

The Tribal Council's long-term plans are to make the hospital the focal point for health and most social services for the member First Nations. Over the long term, the hospital will provide an array of institutionally-based and community-based health and wellness programs and services. Programming plans include counselling services, traditional medicine, traditional diet counselling, liaison services and respite services.

The majority of the federal employees working in the hospital will be offered continued employment by the Fort Qu'Appelle Indian Hospital Board Inc., established by the Tribal Council to manage the facility. The Board consists of representatives of the 16 First Nations members of the Tribal Council and non-Aboriginal representatives from the surrounding communities.

The Touchwood-File Hills-Qu'Appelle Tribal Council represents 16 First Nations (list attached). The Hospital is expected to become a leader in the field of First Nations health, setting an example of what can result from co-operation among First Nations, communities, and the federal and provincial governments.

Information
Monette Haché
Health Canada
(613) 957-1803

Perry Bellegarde
Tribal Council President
Touchwood-File Hills-Qu'Appelle Tribal Council
(306) 332-8200

List Of Members of the First Nations Of The Touchwood-File Hills-Qu'Appelle Tribal Council

• Carry the Kettle - Nekaneet
• Day Star - Okanese
• Fishing Lake- Pasqua
• Gordon - Peepeekisis
• Kawacatoose - Piapot
• Little Black Bear - Standing Buffalo
• Muscowpetung - Starblanket
• Muskowekwan - Wood Mountain