Making First Nations Youth a Priority – Concrete Actions To Put an End to the Disparities

QUEBEC, Feb. 19 – “The future of our people is dependent upon our youth, who account for approximately 50% of our population”, declared the Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL), Mr. Ghislain Picard, during a press briefing that took place during the First Nations Children and Youth Forum that is being held today, tomorrow and Thursday, in Quebec. “The holding of this Forum, the establishment of a supervision committee and the setting aside of places that are reserved for First Nations in the Faculties of medicine are concrete measures that stem directly from the Quebec First Nations Health and Social Services Blueprint, which was launched last autumn” added Mr. Ghislain Picard. This Forum, which has brought together more than 300 interveners from the Quebec First Nations and the Quebec network, provides an opportunity for the relevant organisations and interveners to report on the situation, but also to reflect together on the changes that must be made. It aims to facilitate consultation with all the players involved in regards to the importance of prioritizing the interventions among the First Nations children and youth in order to close the gaps that separate them from the Canadian general population. “The grave data that we are aware of reflects the actual situation that the children and youth in our communities are experiencing on a daily basis, whether it is regarding health, education or social conditions, and demands radical change and resounding actions,” declared Ms. Guylaine Gill, Executive Director of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC). She also added that “The priorities set in the Health and Social Services Blueprint 2007-2017, Closing the Gaps…Accelerating Change, that was adopted unanimously by the Chiefs of Quebec, are unequalled and place the well-being of children front and centre.”

Setting up of a supervision committee

Among the Forum’s speakers, Mr. Stanley Vollant, a doctor from the Innu Nation, as well as Mr. Serge Bouchard, an anthropologist and speaker, both accepted to sit on the experts committee that has the mandate to produce a periodical report on the health status and quality of life of First Nations as well as on progress in regards to the Blueprint’s implementation. This committee will also be composed of Ms. Marcelline Kanapé, Ms. Andrée Lajoie, Ms. Landon Pearson, Mr. Aurélien Gill, Mr. Evans Villeneuve, Mr. Christian Sioui, Mr. Yves Morin, Mr. Jean-Guy Whiteduck and Mr. James Papatie.

Places in Faculties of medicine set aside for First Nations students

After many months of discussion between First Nations, who are represented by the AFNQL and the FNQLHSSC, and the Université Laval, who acted as the negotiating partner on behalf of the universities, Dr. Evens Villeneuve is proud to announce that starting in September of 2008, four places will be set aside each year for First Nations and Inuit throughout all the Faculties of medicine in Quebec: Université Laval, Université de Sherbrooke, Université de Montréal and McGill University. The students will benefit from conditions that will facilitate their admission into the medicine program.

Closing the Gaps

We must not lose sight of the fact that First Nations are confronted with significant health problems as well as living conditions that are well below that of the general Quebec population. “There is an urgent need to close the gaps,” stated Dr. Stanley Vollant.

The gravity of the statistics, that were confirmed during the First Nations Regional Longitudinal Health Survey (2002), Quebec Region, calls for all of society to undertake concrete and swift actions, which are supported by the will of First Nations to continue to fully exist. The answer is the 10-year Blueprint, presented by the FNQLHSSC, which proposes solutions that are adapted to the real problems that First Nations are experiencing.

About the AFNQL

The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is the regional organisation that regroups the Chiefs of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador.

About the FNQLHSSC

The role of the FNQLHSSC is to assist the First Nations and Inuit communities and organisations in Quebec and Labrador in the defence, maintenance, and exercising of their inherent rights regarding health and social services, as well as to assist them in the achievement and development of their programs.

For further information: Chantal Cleary, Communications Officer, FNQLHSSC, (418) 842-1540, (418) 558-5008; Alain Garon, Communications Officer, AFNQL, (418) 842-5020