New partnership agreements struck to support northern Quebec Cree health hubs

Leaders of several Cree organizations have signed a historic agreement they say will help address some long-standing health and social issues, like intergenerational trauma, chronic illnesses and high rates of addictions.

On Sept. 22, leaders from the Cree health board, Cree Nation Government (CNG) and Cree School Board signed a new Community Miyupimaatisiiun Committee Partnership agreement to improve overall well-being for Cree people in northern Quebec communities. 

"The nation was too split up, doing their own thing without considering working together because we're all serving the same people," said Bertie Wapachee, the chairperson of the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay (CBHSSJB).

Instead of addressing one part of an issue, we can do it all together [such as] alcoholism, bootlegging or drug addiction and drug trafficking," said Wapachee.

"Miyupimaatsiiun," in English, roughly translates to "healthy living."

Community Miyupimaatisiiun Centres (CMC) are existing local health hubs in Cree communities that offer general medicine, home care and dentistry, among other services. 

Each community also has a Miyupimaatisiiun committee made up of local leaders and community members, some of whom represent regional Cree organizations and entities. They are mandated to identify three local health and social priorities and suggest solutions, according to a release about the signing. The idea is to better support and bridge the local CMC committees with regional entities and resources.

Mandy Gull-Masty, the current Grand Chief of Eeyou Istchee, said that she is looking forward to the mandate beginning. 

"We are inter-connected, but we know every community also has diverse needs … The Miyupimaatisiiun committees are critical to finding successful solutions that are Cree-driven," said Gull-Masty, in a press release.

Leaders of Cree organizations say they will support the Miyupimaatsiiun committees in programming and projects. 

Priorities could be anything from youth mental health, Cree customary adoption or chronic conditions such as diabetes, among others, according to a Cree health board press release. 

One of the other entities signed onto the agreement is the Cree School Board. 

"The effects of the pandemic, compounded with the issues we face in our communities as a result of intergenerational traumas, necessitate a focus on physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being in our schools," said Sarah Pash, chairperson for the Cree School Board. 

The regional partners and local committees are in the early stages of figuring out how the committees will work and how they can be best supported.Their aim is to work together toward a healthier nation in all aspects of life. 

"Whatever action plan they come up with, we'll do our part in contributing [funding] to their action plan," said Wapachee, adding the level of collaboration is something that has never been done before.

They start meetings soon, Wapachee said, adding he's looking forward to moving to a Cree model of what health and well-being looks like. 

"The four elements in life — the physical health, emotional health, mental health and spiritual health — have to be balanced," said Wapachee. "That's what we're all seeking and that's what we all deserve."