Wicekaskosiw Sakahikan Nehiyaw Askiy (Onion Lake Cree Nation) leaders and Indigenous Services Canada representatives gathered in Onion Lake Cree Nation (OLCN), Treaty 6 Territory, today to sign a new contribution agreement that will enhance the nation’s control over health services.

This one-of-a-kind contribution arrangement is a step towards the joint goals set in the 2018 Health Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Government of Canada and Onion Lake Cree Nation.

It will include funding for health programs in areas such as health promotion and protection, disease prevention, primary care and clinical services, and non-insured health benefits.

The Wicekaskosiw Sakahikanewiyiniwak (Onion Lake Cree Nation) has been developing and improving its public services, including health, over many years upon a holistic and Treaty based foundation.

Today’s event took place at the new high school, Sakaskohc High School, in the presence of community members and students and started in a good way with a pipe ceremony and followed up with an honour song sung by the Warrior Society.

“Today’s signing is a key moment of celebration and a first step, which will be one of many critical steps required to achieve our nation’s goal of a Treaty Based Health Funding Arrangement. Our unwavering commitment is to complete a nation-to-nation arrangement that upholds and respects our Treaty and inherent rights. Treaty is an ongoing and sacred obligation, enduring as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the waters flow,” said Okimaw (Chief) Henry Lewis. “Our Nation is part of Treaty no. 6, which contains the medicine chest clause, or the ‘maskikiyiwat’ (medicine chest), which refers to a comprehensive commitment to the health of our people. The next essential step after today is to secure a long-term Treaty Based Health Arrangement that achieves meaningful outcomes for community health programs and services, benefiting our community now and for all future generations.”

OLCN looks forward to continuing the work through its Joint Working Group with the Government of Canada.

“Community health requires strong collaboration. Together with First Nations, we’re working to improve the delivery of health services that is respectful of Treaty rights and relationships. Congratulations to Onion Lake Cree Nation for your work in improving health outcomes for your community,” explained the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada.

The event itinerary included a community feast and a tour of the Onion Lake Health Clinic.

The next stage is to complete the long-term goal of a Treaty Based Funding Arrangement which will start in February of 2025, and it will be critical to fulfilling the joint mandate of the Health MOU, which took place in 2018.

The Onion Lake Cree Nation straddles the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Onion Lake Health Board Incorporated serves more than 8,291 people in the area, which includes both First Nation and non-First Nation citizens.

(Top photo is a screenshot of the live stream from OLCN 7th Generation Podcast/ Assistant Deputy Minister Jennifer Weatley and Okimaw Henry Lewis signing the new Health Arrangement in Treaty 6)