Sankewitahasuwakon
First Nations Health Transformation is a collaborative process between First Nations partners, the federal government, and provinces and territories. The intent is to create a more coordinated health system in which First Nations-led health organizations assume greater control of the design, administration, management and delivery of health services and programs that support community wellness and address their health needs and priorities.
Sankewitahsuwakon is the First Nations health transformation collaborative in New Brunswick. Sankewitahasuwakon is a Wolastoqey and Mi'kmaq word that emerged from the Vision Gathering in November 2024, and translates to "peaceful thinking." This word centers our culture and represents our vision for the purpose of this work.
We are striving to create a First Nations-led health system that helps bring Sankewitahasuwakon across the lifespan and across the continuum of health. Technical support for Sankewitahasuwakon is provided by the three tribal councils (Mawiw, Wolastoqey Tribal Council, Northshore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council). The Advisory Committee includes all 15 First Nation health directors as well as youth and elder representatives.
The logo for Sankewitahasuwakon was collectively designed by Knowledge-Carriers and health leaders from the Wabanaki communities in New Brunswick, and reflects our rich cultural heritage, our knowledge, and our deep connection to this land.
Sankewitahasuwakon is a collaborative between the 15 First Nations in New Brunswick. Sankewitahasuwakon is also working with the provincial and federal governments, Horizon Health Network, Vitalite, and a number of First Nation health initiatives/organizations.
Our goal is to create a First Nations-led health entity that will work with provincial and federal partners to ensure better access and more responsive service delivery that meets the needs of First Nations individuals, families and communities. We will work with the province of New Brunswick to ensure better integration and coordination of health services and more effective and efficient programs.