The accounting firm MNP is issuing a challenge to innovators in Canada to develop new ideas for Aboriginal health initiatives.

Operation Blue Sky is an MNP-funded competition that will be awarding $35,000 in prize money for proposals for attainable healthcare ideas for Aboriginal communities.

“The long-term goals of this challenge is to improve health and wellness outcomes for First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities through new ideas that create dialogue and inspire action to implement change,” said Laurel Wood, Executive Vice President for Client Services with MNP.  “Ultimately we are looking for people to come up with something new that inspires a dialogue that hasn’t happened before or hasn’t happened in this way.”

Operation Blue Sky: Aboriginal Health Initiatives runs from March 11 to August 12.

All entries will be predicated on collaborating with Canadian Aboriginal communities in addressing their unique health concerns.

The entrants will be judged by a panel of healthcare experts and an MNP representative.

First place will receive $25,000, with the second place and the People’s Choice winners receiving $5,000 each.