To the Editor:
I agree with the view expressed in the Feb. 1 article, Medical centre funding still up in the air, that public dialogue on this issue is required. The Saddle Lake Cree Nation is the largest reserve in northeast Alberta with a population that exceeds that of St. Paul and where our population counts have been used in the past to develop this town; it is time for the First Nations people to speak up about this issue.
The federal government has jurisdiction in relation to First Nations health and any funding that is to be allocated for this purpose must be situated on reserve, bolstering our own economy, to serve our own health requirements in the present and into the future. Considering the fact that First Nations represent the highest rates of health needs and is the fastest growing population amongst Canada’s populations, it is critical to support medical capital projects in Saddle Lake; these services can be accessed by all First Nations in this region and even non-First Nations members of the public.
I personally do not use St. Paul’s medical clinic services and know of many First Nations people who go elsewhere to receive due care and attention to their health requirements. I intend to write a letter to INAC supporting our Chief’s position and invite First Nations people who would like their voices heard to contact me with their own stories regarding accessing off-reserve medical services. I can be reached at work at 780-726-2961 or at home at 780-657-3353.
Emma V. Gladue
Saddle Lake
