Terms of Reference

MANDATE

On October 10, 2002 the Chief’s Executive made the Motion to support the Okanagan Nation Health Directors meeting, to discuss health issues, 6 times per year and bring there recommendations specific to health forward to the Chiefs Executive Council.

OKANAGAN NATION ALLIANCE MISSION STATEMENT

“Under the direction of the Chief’s Executive Council, the ONA staff team’s function is to serve the people of the Nation by fostering and supporting collective goals and actions that serve everyone.”

OKANAGAN NATION HEALTH COMMITTEE MISSION STATEMENT

“ Under the direction of the Chief’s Executive Council, the Okanagan Nation Health Committee Advocates for Collective, Equitable & Quality Health Care Services for the Okanagan Nation.”

VISION

“For improved overall health and wellness for the Okanagan Nation.”

GOALS

i. Provide the Chiefs Executive Council with current health care information and recommendations
ii. Advocate for equal & equitable access to quality health care services
iii. Increase promote and increase awareness of the ONA Health Governance Structure
iv. Communicate and work together on collective health initiatives and issues.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ONA HEALTH COMMITTEE

i. To advocate for First Nations communities on or off reserve membership to have equal access to quality health services
ii. To bring forward collective health concerns
iii. To bring forward current health care information recommendations to the chiefs executive for collective political action. iv. To promote and increase awareness of the ONA Health Governance Structure for an increased alliance on health care issues

AUTHORITY

The ONA Chief’s Executive Council have entrusted the Okanagan Nation Health Committee with the responsibility to advocate for equitable and quality health services from the Provincial & Federal Governments.

ACCOUNTABILITY

i. Quarterly reports to ONA Chief’s Executive Council with action items presented by the Chairperson of the Okanagan Nation Health Committee
ii. One member of the Chief’s Executive Council to sit on the Okanagan Nation Health Committee
iii. Adhere to the ONA Policy and Procedures, Team Charter, Oath of Confidentiality

MEETINGS

Meetings are to be held six times per year at the Okanagan Nation Alliance office located in Westbank, BC

MEMBERSHIP
One health representative from each of the seven members from the Okanagan Nation Alliance plus one member from the Chiefs Executive Council or designate and the Okanagan Nation AHAWAC Representative.

• Lower Similkameen Indian Band
• Upper Similkameen Indian Band
• Okanagan Indian Band
• Penticton Indian Band
• West First Nation
• Osoyoos Indian Band
• Upper Nicola Indian Band
• One member from the Chief’s Executive Council
• Okanagan Nation AHWAC Rep.

RELATIONS WITH OUTSIDE AGENCIES

In order to ensure accessibility to all available health care programs and sponsorships, the Okanagan Nation Health Committee will develop the best possible working relationships with appropriate Federal and Provincial governments to become the most effective means of identifying how best to meet the Nations health needs.

ADMINISTRATION

i. ONA responsible for hosting the ONA Health Committee ii. Travel Expenses and Health Directors time are the responsibility of each Band

ADOPTION OF TERMS OF REFERENCE
On October 29, 2003, the Chiefs Executive Council passed a Motion to fully support and adopt the Okanagan Nation Health Committee Terms of Reference.