First Nations and government representatives hold health forum

On September 18, 2025, the Government of New Brunswick shared the following release:

HERON BAY (GNB) – A first-of-its-kind health forum took place today with First Nations leaders and provincial government representatives.

“This represents the beginning of an ongoing bilateral health forum and celebrates the beginning of a new relationship and a new way of working together to improve health outcomes for First Nations in the province,” said Premier Susan Holt. “We gathered together with the goal of supporting Indigenous self-determination in health care for Indigenous peoples in New Brunswick.”

The forum was held at Ugpi’ganjig Aboriginal Heritage Gardens, with the theme being Mawita’nen – we gather together. Mawita’nen is a Mi’kmaq word that reflects a commitment to collective insight, respect and action in gathering.

“We hosted Premier Holt and her staff here in Ugpi’ganjig for what we hope to be the first of many constructive meetings between First Nations leadership and health representatives,” said Chief Chris George of Ugpi’ganjig (Eel River Bar) First Nation.

“We recognize the need to address gaps in current programs and services available to First Nations, and today was an important first step towards achieving that goal,” said Indigenous Affairs Minister Keith Chiasson. “An ongoing bilateral health forum provides an opportunity for true partnership and demonstrates a desire to work together to improve health outcomes for First Nations.”

“Many First Nations communities in New Brunswick face a wide range of challenges when it comes to the health system; lack of trauma-informed mental health care, inclusion in the nursing retention incentive, and overall inequitable access to services, to name a few,” said Neqotkuk (Tobique) First Nation Chief Ross Perley. “We are happy that the province is coming to the table to discuss these pressing issues with us and look forward to working together with them to find solutions and improve health-care access for all First Nations in New Brunswick.”

The day-long forum opened with a ceremony, included discussions about how to improve programs and services, and ended with a commitment for quarterly meetings of a working group that includes First Nations health directors and the government’s senior-level health-care representatives.

“It was refreshing to see provincial leaders and health partners commit to this work and understand that, in order to improve the health-care system for First Nations, you must listen, learn and work with First Nations,” said Sitansisk (Saint Mary’s) First Nation Chief Allan Polchies. “A bilateral health process requires not only the good faith participation of our provincial counterparts, but sustainable funding and resources and the meaningful involvement of First Nations in health-care decision-making. Together is the only way to create culturally safe, trauma-informed health services that are accessible to our people.”

To view the original release, visit: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news.html