Our History and Background

In 1995/96, Mnaamodzawin Health Services staff were housed in 2 locations, Administration and Management staff were situated at UCCM Headquarters in M’Chigeeng and Community Health staff were located in Aundeck Omni-Kaning (operating as the UCCM Native Health Unit).

In 1996 the UCCM Health Services Committee were no longer responsible for administering just the Health Transfer programs funded by Health Canada, but also were successful in obtaining funding approval with the Ministry of Health - Long Term Care.

In 1996, through a collaborative effort with Wikwemikong, a joint initiative was pursued in a proposal submission to the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy.  With success, approval was granted and a second committee was established for the implementation of the Health Access Centre Programs and Services.

As a result of the unique status for the 2 funding sources, 2 mandates for programming and vast service delivery area, both agencies operated with separate boards.  It was then appropriate that each agency establish a business operating name for which they became incorporated.

UCCM Health Services incorporated in 1999 is recognized as the federally funded Transfer Agency now known as Mnaamodzawin Health Services.  (Mnaamodzawin translated is Healthy Lifestyle  - Healthy Living).

Due to the growth of programs and services, the demand for office space was critical.  UCCM Health Services and Noojmowin-Teg staff relocated to rental units located in Whitefish River and Aundeck Omni Kaning.  At these 2 locations, offices were established for all program staff consisting of Executive Directors, Executive Assistants, Administration staff, Community Health Nurses, Diabetes Educator, Long Term Care Nurses, Mental Health Case Manager, Traditional Coordinator, Psychologists, Nurse Practitioners, Dietitians and a Researcher/Evaluator.

Construction
Following the challenges of organizational structure, governance and policy development, both agencies embarked on an initiative to construct a health facility to house all programs and that that human resources would expand.  In recognition of enhanced services and the feasibility of cost sharing, both agencies obtained full support from all 7 First Nations to integrate services into one facility.  Planning and Development than proceeded in 1997/98, in which the initial health centre was constructed in the community of Sheguiandah First Nation.

Recognition is given to the following Agencies for the financial support;

1. First Nation Inuit Health Branch
2. Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy
3. Indian and Northern Affairs

Recognition is also noted to UCCM Technical Services for their contribution of technical expertise and last but not least, the in-kind contribution to Sheguiandah First Nation for offering their land base to have our facility constructed.

Phase 1 of construction was completed in 1999.  However, due to the growing needs and capacity to house programs, an expansion to the original facility was completed in 2001 allowing for a designated area for Mental Health Services.

October 26, 2001 marks the anniversary for the loss of our Health Centre.  Today, October 19th, 2005 will embrace a new beginning as we celebrate the opening of our new facility. 

Mnaamodzawin Health Services in partnership with (5) member First Nation communities of UCCM strengthen community harmony and well being, by ensuring access to high quality holistic services which promote personal, family and community responsibility of health care.

Mnaamodzawin Health Services is funded by the Ministry of Health Long Term Care; First Nations and Inuit Health Branch and Home and Community Care Program.

Special recognition and Chi-Miigwetch to Howard Chambers Project Management Services, Brenda Roy, Larry Roy, Castellan James & Partners, Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation, Mike Nadjiwan and Vernon McGraw for their dedication and commitment in providing the framework of this beautiful Health Centre.