First Nations and Métis Health Services

Our Vision

Optimal health and well-being for First Nations and Métis individuals, families, communities, and nations.

Our Mission

• The Saskatchewan Health Authority collaborates with First Nations and Métis people of Saskatchewan to achieve health and well-being, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. In the spirit of reconciliation, the Saskatchewan Health Authority is committed to fostering meaningful relationships to support the journey towards good health for all people within the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
• First Nations and Métis Health Services (FNMHS) is holistic and focuses on the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual. Through an understanding of oneself, a vision of wellness which balances body, mind and spirit is promoted throughout life.

Additionally, support is provided to patients and their families from admission to discharge by working with a range of health professionals and departments. At this time, our services are available in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Broadview.

What We Do

Elders/Cultural Support Workers

Elders are:

• The foundation of our language and culture
• Teachers of traditional and spiritual knowledge
• The link of our past, present and future
• Our spiritual leaders and teachers who have the wisdom, knowledge and experience to give guidance on how to improve and ensure the physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health of our communities
• Available for prayer, counselling, trauma and crisis support and guidance.

Advocacy

We try to contact each individual admitted to our hospitals. We assist with communication between the health care team and patients, as well as for those who wish to include traditional care practices as part of their health care plan. We act as a supporting voice during patient admission and health care planning.

Coordination of Services

We assist with co-ordination on Non-insured Health Benefits (NIHB) including medical transportation, First Nations and Métis language translation, make connections and warm hands-offs to community resources to assist with access to appropriate services.

Education

To increase cultural safety and awareness we collaborate with front line staff to support patients in their understanding of medical procedures and discharge plans.

Healing Centres

Anyone wishing to include traditional or spiritual care as part of their health plan can access healing centres in FNMHS in Regina at the Regina General Hospital and Pasqua Hospital. The healing centres can be accessed without referral during regular business hours. In Saskatoon and Prince Albert, hospitals currently have designated spaces. Please contact your health educator at these sites or the FNMHS office for access.

Our Guiding Principles

• Traditional First Nations and Métis approaches to wellness, including the use of traditional healers, medicine people, and Elders are recognized, respected, and promoted within the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
• Addressing the issues facing First Nations and Métis communities requires a respectful and cooperative partnership between the community, it’s leadership and those trusted to provide health care.
• As First Nations and Métis people, we have the right to control our health in regards to matters that are important to our communities, cultures, identities, traditions and languages.
• To be an effective steward, we must be accountable for the resources and care of those we are entrusted to serve, and have the courage to do what is right.