WINNIPEG, MB. – 63 First Nations will now have access to Manitoba’s public health information management system through a new information sharing agreement.

The access will include comprehensive immunization records, vaccine monitoring and various other health-related information.

Through the new agreement, Manitoba First Nations communities will have access to the provincial public health information management system, either directly through First Nations health-care providers or through a bridging service provided by Indigenous Services Canada.

An extensive stakeholder engagement process was undertaken to reach the information sharing agreement, including input from the First Nations Inuit Health Branch of Indigenous Services Canada and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, represented by Nanaandawewigamig (First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba). Each partner contributed expertise, represented the experiences of their community, and provided input from experts such as analysts, health information specialists and legal counsel.

“We are very pleased that after four long years of negotiation and deliberation, we have reached an agreement that affirms First Nation data governance and respects OCAP principles,” said Cathy Merrick, chief of the Cross Lake Band of Indians, and chair of the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba.

“This information sharing agreement will greatly improve access to information and health care in our communities. It is a milestone that is symbolic and significant to the recognition of our inherent rights and self-determination.”

With Files from the Provincial Government