B.C First Nations signed an historic agreement today with the provincial and federal governments that will transfer responsibility for the administration of $380 million aboriginal health care dollars to a newly created First Nations Health Authority. Federal Minister Leona Aglukkaq, Grand Chief Doug Kelly and Assembly of First Nations Chief Shawn Atleo said the agreement will streamline administration and integration of health services which will result in remarkable improvements in the health and well-being of BC First Nations and will be a step forward in First Nations taking back responsibility for their own lives and communities.http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20111013/bc_first_nations_health_authority_111013/20111013/?hub=BritishColumbiaHome

Sounds good on paper but is this really going to be the case or will it turn into another insatiable bureaucractic nightmare? Grand Chief Stewart Phillip said he is not clear how it will work on the ground since it is such revolutionary idea. I don’t like the sound of that! http://www.cknw.com/Channels/Reg/NewsLocal/Story.aspx?ID=1555259.

This process is going to take time and there will be a steep learning curve, but for the sake of all aboriginal families I hope that this bold initiative will provide inspiration for young aboriginals to stay in school and pursue meaningful careers in health care delivery rather than just becoming another soft cushy mattrass for paper-pushers and politicians. Go for it kids. The future is bright and you are the future.