The duration of the AHHRI project for NAN is December 1, 2007 to March 31, 2010. This project will provide NAN with the resources required to obtain input from member communities to develop a strategy for recruitment and retention of health workers in NAN territory. This plan will include recommendations for addressing the health human resources needs specific to northern communities and will foster linkages between NAN communities and potential partners such as post-secondary institutes. Health human resources (HHR) are an important component of the NAN Health Act currently in development, as mandated by the Chiefs-in-Assembly.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Objectives
The NAN AHHRI Policy Analyst will work with affiliated First Nations, the province and federal departments to:
- Develop approaches and strategies for retaining health care providers;
- Engage with First Nations to develop retention strategies based on Ontario region environmental scan and First Nations input regarding the survey;
- Establish a NAN AHHRI working group and seek a mandate endorsed by NAN Chiefs Committee on Health;
- Facilitate processes to identify best practices for retention across the province and across the country and utilize information to build HHR strategies for NAN communities
The intended outcome is to have a solid HHR strategy incorporated into the NAN Health Act. The HHR strategy will chart the course for a coherent resolution of major human resources problems and puts in place a framework to facilitate decision making in the human resources arena for NAN. This overall framework is intended to support FN communities within NAN with their efforts to improve retention of the work force.
Target Groups
Target groups for the AHHRI include:
- First Nations, Inuit and Métis regardless of their status and where they reside;
- Health care providers who provide services to First Nations, Inuit and Métis;
- Universities and colleges (including those controlled by First Nations, Inuit or Métis) delivering health science programs that are interested in making changes in the curricula in order to provide more culturally relevant health science programming; and those that would like to provide culturally relevant health care programs; and
- First Nations, Inuit and Métis and non-Aboriginal health professional and para-professional organizations, associations and associations representing colleges and universities.
