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Maamwesying Ontario Health Team, Algoma Public Health sign collaboration agreement

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Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services and Algoma Public Health, held a signing ceremony late last month in Sault Ste. Marie.

Dr. Jennifer Loo (left), Medical Officer of Health and CEO of Algoma Public Health and Allan Moffat (right), CEO of North Shore Tribal Council sign a partnership agreement in Sault Ste. Marie on March 27, 2024. (Supplied/Maamwesying Ontario Health Team)

Officials said the agreement is for Indigenous peoples and embraces their unique cultural knowledge and traditional practices while improving access to and awareness of Indigenous Health Services available in the region.

On March 27, officials from Maamwesying Ontario Health Team and Algoma Public Health gathered in the community room of the Algoma Public Health office on Willow Avenue to make the new agreement official.

"In solidifying this partnership (we) emphasize the pivotal role of Indigenous-led healthcare systems characterized by community-driven innovation and cultural sensitivity,” said Carol Eshkakogan, CEO of Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services and chair of the Maamwesying Ontario Health Team Leadership Council.

“This agreement reinforces the value of Indigenous communities, acknowledging their right to self-determination in the healthcare landscape.”

Eshkakogan said the two teams' shared vision aligns with creating a healthcare system free of racism and discrimination for a future where health equity prevails.

Dr. Jennifer Loo (left), Medical Officer of Health and CEO of Algoma Public Health and Allan Moffat (right), CEO of North Shore Tribal Council exchange gifts at signing ceremony in Sault Ste. Marie on March 27, 2024. (Supplied/Maamwesying Ontario Health Team)

Dr. Jennifer Loo, the Medical Officer of Health and CEO of Algoma Public Health, echoed this sentiment saying the collaboration is driven by a vision to provide coordinated and seamless health care and ensuring optimal outcomes for Indigenous patients, clients, and communities.

“Algoma Public Health is honoured to become a collaborative partner to walk alongside Maamwesing in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation,” she said.

“Maamwesying’s leadership demonstrates the importance of self-determination and placing Indigenous health in Indigenous hands.”

Dr. Jennifer Loo (left), Medical Officer of Health and CEO of Algoma Public Health and Allan Moffat (right), CEO of North Shore Tribal Council shake hands at signing ceremony in Sault Ste. Marie on March 27, 2024. (Supplied/Maamwesying Ontario Health Team)

Maamwesying Ontario Health Team

The Maamwesying Ontario Health Team was announced in October of 2022 to seamlessly integrate health care services for clients in the communities of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, Sagamok Anishnawbek, Serpent River First Nation, Mississauga First Nation, Thessalon First Nation, Garden River First Nation, Batchewana First Nation, Michipicoten First Nation, Chapleau Cree First Nation, Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation and Brunswick House First Nation along with the urban Indigenous population in Sault Ste. Marie area.

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