Indigenous approaches to health and wellness leadership: A BC First Nations perspective

In 2011, British Columbia (BC) First Nations came together to speak with one voice and by consensus made the largest self-determining decision made in this country: to take control over their own health and wellness. Guided by First Nations perspectives, values, and principles, the First Nations Hea...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Healthcare Management Forum
Main Author: Gallagher, Joe
Format: Text
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publications 2018
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6295650/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30354687
https://doi.org/10.1177/0840470418788090
Description
Summary:In 2011, British Columbia (BC) First Nations came together to speak with one voice and by consensus made the largest self-determining decision made in this country: to take control over their own health and wellness. Guided by First Nations perspectives, values, and principles, the First Nations Health Authority works alongside the First Nations Health Directors Association and the First Nations Health Council to advance a shared vision of “healthy, self-determining, and vibrant BC First Nations children, families, and communities.” Strong leadership, rooted in the knowledge and teachings that have sustained BC First Nations for thousands of years, is integral to achievement of the vision. This article reflects on Indigenous approaches to health and wellness leadership in the BC context, drawing from traditional teachings shared by BC First Nations Elders and knowledge keepers in four areas: upholding governance and self-determination, “change starts with me,” building a leadership team, and reconciliation and partnership.