Evolving the FNHC’s Role in First Nations Health Governance.

The FNHC engaging on how to evolve its role within the First Nations Health Governance Structure. This engagement stems from recommendations outlined the FNHC Evaluation completed in 2023, and is part of the pathway leading to a decision at Gathering Wisdom XIV in September 2027.

In Spring 2026, Chiefs, leaders, health directors and community representatives shared perspectives on the future mandate, structure and accountability processes of the First Nations Health Council.

What We Heard in Spring 2026

Spring engagement identified emerging direction in three areas:

• Clarifying the FNHC’s mandate, with a stronger focus on provincial and federal advocacy.
• Strengthening how priorities are validated and advanced from Nations through regional and provincial processes.
• Improving accountability through clearer responsibilities, coordinated action and consistent reporting back to Nations.

Questions about the FNHC’s provincial structure, regional representation and membership require further discussion. No final decisions have been made.

One System, Two Pathways

An emerging accountability model would provide two connected pathways for advancing Nation and community priorities:

Advocacy and System Change

The FNHC would advance priorities requiring policy, legislative, funding, intergovernmental or broader system change.

Services and Operations

The First Nations Health Authority would address operational, program, service-improvement, resource, quality and safety matters.

Both pathways would:

• Begin with priorities identified by communities and Nations.
• Include regional validation and prioritization.
• Engage the FNHA early where service-delivery expertise is needed.
• Report back to Nations on what was heard, what action was taken, what changed and what comes next.

This model remains under development and will be refined through further engagement.

Fall 2026 Engagement

During Fall 2026, the FNHC will bring the Spring 2026 findings back to First Nations for review.

The discussion will focus on:

• Whether the engagement summary accurately reflects what was heard.
• Where common or emerging direction exists.
• Which questions require further regional or provincial dialogue.
• How advocacy and service-delivery pathways should work in practice.
• How Nations should receive meaningful and timely reports on progress.

Regional distinctions will remain visible throughout this process. Provincial proposals will not be finalized until Nations have had further opportunities to review and shape them.

How Your Direction Will Be Used

Fall 2026 input will help guide the next stage of work, including development of a draft Consensus Paper for engagement in Spring 2027.

Chiefs and leaders will be asked to consider the final Consensus Paper and Resolution at Gathering Wisdom XIV in September 2027.

If you would like to have your say, please click the survey link below. All related materials are found here Resources | FNHC Engagement HQ.