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November 6, 2006 Assembly of First Nations signs health research partnership agreement to support and enhance First Nations health surveyA Memorandum of Understanding was signed Friday in Montreal between the AFN, the First Nations Information Governance Committee (FNIGC), and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health. "This new partnership bridges the interests of First Nations self-determination in research, and the excellence of research conducted among Canada's leading Aboriginal health researchers," said National Chief Phil Fontaine. "Good data is essential to show Canadians the critical state of poverty among First Nations peoples,” said the National Chief. “I am encouraged that the national research institute specializing on Aboriginal peoples' health is investing in raising the profile of First Nations data collected by First Nations communities." “It is important to understand the health and health status of Aboriginal people in communities. Poverty is an important determinant of health, and through this collaboration with the Assembly of First Nations we will be able to address poverty by improving health,” said Dr. Jeff Reading, Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Aboriginal Peoples’ Health.
A specific call for research grants will be issued by CIHR for analysis of data from the First Nations Regional Longitudinal Health Survey (RHS), the only national research initiative completely owned and controlled by First Nations across Canada. "I am personally committed to the use of reliable information that can serve all governments in making the best decisions on how to improve the lives and circumstances of First Nations peoples,” added National Chief Fontaine." The RHS has been funded by the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch of Health Canada over the past several years.
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. For more information, contact: Bryan Hendry |
