The elected leaders that are part of the Keewatinohk Inniniw Okimowin Council have unanimously declared a state of emergency regarding health services on First Nations.
This comes as all 21 of Manitoba’s federal nursing stations are being impacted by a critical nursing shortage, resulting in them being in an “open to emergencies only” policy for at least the week of May 16th to the 23rd.
A press release from Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin explains the state of emergency signals to both the provincial and federal governments that First Nations in the north will be seeking more control over the health systems meant to serve them.
In addition to the nursing shortage, KIM looks to address medical transportation related issues, lack of preventative health care, and modernizing health care infrastructure on reserve.
