Partnerships

The proposed collaboration involves three-way partnerships among Aboriginal groups, provinces/territories and Health Canada. The process for forming these partnerships is influenced by the priorities of all three parties and by each Aboriginal group's unique political and social history that defines inter-governmental relations.

The progress includes the concluding of two MOUs. The Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay is signatory to the Quebec MOU, and the First Nation Chiefs' Health Committee, First Nations Summit, is party to the British Columbia MOU. In those regions, there already existed a data-sharing mechanism and infrastructure ready to seize the diabetes surveillance opportunity. Other First Nations, Métis and Inuit groups are contemplating entering into MOUs for participation in diabetes surveillance or are preparing to do so. Although this work will take time, MOU models concluded in British Columbia and Quebec will aid the efforts.