The Meadow Lake Tribal Council and the Saskatchewan Health Authority have signed a memorandum of understanding to achieve better health outcomes for residents.

The MOU is a “framework in which the two sides will work collaboratively to maximize efforts to improve the health of First Nation’s people through diverse and targeted initiatives. This includes health promotion, tracking the determinants of health, and supporting efforts to access funds for new programs, services, and research,” stated a press release from the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

“MLTC is a willing partner in advancing the health care of our First Nation community members through this MOU, based on a respectful working relationship, responsive collaboration in our health systems, the results will be improvements in health status for our partnership community,” said Tribal Chief Richard Ben on behalf of the First Nation members.

The agreement is expected to identify health gaps, improve access to health and reduce barriers which impact First Nations people’s health.

(Photo: Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) Chief Richard Ben (right) watches as Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) CEO Scott Livingstone takes his turn signing a formal agreement between the SHA and MLTC during a ceremony in Meadow Lake. Courtesy of the Saskatchewan Health Authority.)