To discuss the continuum of care for Metis citizens in Saskatchewan, the Metis Nation- Saskatchewan Ministry of Health is hosting its first ever Health Conference at Saskatoon’s Prairieland Park.

MN-S Health Minister Marg Friesen says on February 2nd and 3rd, Metis citizens and professionals will gather to discuss topics such as care for children and youth, caregiver experiences, kinship in the community, the cancer care continuum, Metis palliative care practices, and accessibility-based care services.

Friesen says in recent years, enough evidence has come out to suggest that there may be service gaps in Saskatchewan when it comes to Metis health care.

“I am going to refer to the racism that Indigenous people have faced in our healthcare system, and so we want to address that as transparent as possible, because if this a barrier that people are facing, then we want to be able to address it in a healthy way,” she states.

She adds that the conference is more than just speakers talking to an audience, as there are opportunities for the audience to engage in the dialogue and share personal stories of their own.

“This one is quite engaging. It’s interactive and informative,” she explains. “We are looking forward to having really fulsome discussion on ‘what does that continuum of care look like?’, and ‘what are the experiences and the personal stories that citizens may have that can contribute to possible changes in the way those services are offered?'” Friesen questions.

To kick off the event, the MN-S and the Saskatchewan Health Authority renewed their Memorandum of Understanding from 2018. Friesen says that signing ensures that the work of  MN-S will continue to be recognized by and within the provincial health care system.

She adds that the event really has something for all age groups, as there are discussions that apply to youth, elders, and everyone in between.