Engagement in system redesign: A wellness example to enable a cultural transformation.

For the past several years, Interior Health (IH) has worked collaboratively with Aboriginal leaders to build strong relationships and develop an environment of reciprocal accountability and knowledge exchange. All partners are committed to working together to change the healthcare system so that it responds appropriately and effectively to the needs of a population of people with the poorest health outcomes. The development of the IH Aboriginal Health and Wellness Strategy is an example of meaningful engagement with First Nations communities in the IH region at the system level. The strategy was built by IH, led by First Nations, and developed in collaboration with First Nations, Urban, and Métis partners. It aims to address the shared long-term goal of improving the overall health and wellness of Aboriginal people and enable a cultural transformation to overcome the barriers that are stopping Aboriginal people from seeking care from a shared healthcare system.