Council of Chiefs concerned about the “bullying” allegations in the James Bay health system

Press Release

Mushkegowuk Council of Chiefs deeply concerned about the “bullying” allegations in the James Bay health system but are even more concerned about the well-being of their people.

(Moose Factory, ON) The reported “bullying” allegations against the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) in the James Bay area by former employees in the August 31/16 CBC report are alarming, very troubling and definitely unacceptable, say the leaders of the Mushkegowuk Cree in the region.

“The alleged treatment received by the former WAHA employees while trying their best to provide mental services for our people is very concerning to us, but what we are even more concerned about is the state of health and well-being of our people. Although this serious matter surfaced through our national media outlet, we believe there maybe some truth to the allegations and we are looking for a swift response to the matter from both levels of governments. We know some of the solutions and we should get moving on them together,” says Grand Chief Jonathon Solomon.

Since 2010, the Mushkegowuk First Nations remain under a declared state of emergency for high suicide rates and also under a state of emergency for health and public health that was declared by Nishnawbe Aski Nation in February 2016. “We thought we were making some progress with our mental health care services but WAHA, the primary health care provider in our area, appears to not be working with or for us but this will not deter us to rectify and find solutions. Further as a former Mental Health Worker in my home community, I am not surprised that this has surfaced because of what I experienced during my time as a Mental Worker in the area” says Grand Chief Deputy Rebecca Friday.

At a Mushkegowuk Health Summit in March 2016, there were many concerns expressed about the management and structure of WAHA. Among the several health summit report recommendations was the critical need to replace or re-negotiate the existing Weeneebayko Area Health Integration Framework Agreement that governs health care in the region.

In an urgent letter to federal health Minister Philpott and provincial health Minister Hoskins, Grand Chief Solomon is requesting an early government-to-government meeting to discuss moving forward on renegotiating and replacing the current health organization, which the Mushkegowuk Chiefs believe is a key part of the problem.

“The Mushkegowuk Council of Chiefs are deeply concerned and frankly outraged by the unworkability of the existing system. We have called for renegotiation of the health system agreement for some time. If this management style occurred in Attawapiskat, we suspect it is also being applied and occurring throughout the Weeneebayko Area, and the people who suffer also include those desperately needing that health care. I am requesting a meeting through correspondence between the two Health Ministers to address this very sad situation as soon as possible” says Grand Chief Solomon.

Chief Ignace Gull, of the Attawapiskat First Nation, says: “we need a thorough review of the current structure of WAHA and the James Bay Mental Health Services because I understand this is where the problem originated and those people should be made accountable and removed, and my Council share this view as a whole”.

“These are the kinds of specific problems and specific solutions that Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip was talking about with the Prime Minister and their national audience at the band’s last concert in Kingston, and here is an opportunity to do something”, said Grand Chief Solomon.

For Further inquiries contact Grand Chief Jonathan Solomon at 705-363-7122 (cell).

ILR5