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About KO Health

Background Information

In 1988 the Federal Government approved of a health transfer policy agreement which would allow health resources to be transferred from the Government to Native control. Health Canada administers funds to the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, which in turn provides funding for Native Health Boards and Tribal Councils. 

Leadership and Executive

  • Keewaytinook Okimakanak which means Northern Chiefs in Okimakanak, which means Northern Chiefs in Oji-Cree, is non political Chiefs Council serving Deer Lake, Fort Severn,Keewaywin,McDowell Lake North Spirit  Lake and Poplar Hill First Nations.
  •  The Organization is Directed by the Chieifs of the member First Nations who Form the Board of Directors.
  • Through it's close awareness of community needs and it's team approach, The Council advises and assists it's member First Nations.The organization is directed by the Chiefs of the member First Nations who Form the Board of Directors.  
  • Through its close awarness of the community needs and its team approach,The Council advises and assists it's member First Nations.
  • The Council provides services in areas of health education ,economic development,employment assistance ,legal public works,finance and administration,and computer communications(K-Net Services)
  • The Executive Director Liaises with the six Chiefs,with the staff of the Council and with other organizations and governments.

Finance:

The Finance Department provides assistance and advice to member First Nations as Well as Accounting support for the organization. Financial support is provide by the Financial Advisor in computerized accounting systems government reporting, financial policies and management systems,payroll procedures,etc.

Office Support:

Office support staff provide the services required to serve people in offices and in Communities.Support staff carry out a range of dutis from  reception to research and minute-taking. They make it possible for to do their work effectively and efficiently.

Health:

  • The Overall goal of the Keewaytinook Okimakanak's Health Program is develop resources at the community level the effective delivery of management  of a range of health services. This includes the development of infrastructure and human resources to support local health and wellness activites.
  • Health staff work closely with front-line community health workers providing advice  and support such as proposal  writing,program development and administration. The following are highlights of the Health Programs newest initiatives:
  • relocation of hospital and health services to Red Lake
  • coordinator of Telepsychiatry program for Poplar Hill First Nation
  • delelopment of First Nation Nursing services
  • development of Wellness Centre and outside resources
  • delivering transportation and other non-medical services to patients in Red Lake area
  • delivery of Long Term Care services to First Nations.

Program Administration

Keewaytinook Okimakanak Health Services is partially funded through the FNIHB and Health Canada. A portion is funded through the contribution of the four communities of Deer Lake, Poplar Hill, North Spirit Lake, and McDowell Lake. This comprises a central budget, which pays for salaries, travel, professional fees, and administration. The funding enables staff to provide services and to initiate projects. KO also provides administration and support to individual community programs or projects as requested by First Nations.The committee was established in October of 1999 as per resolution 99/10/6#10. The committee sets and maintains direction and quality control for the development of Keewaytinook Okimakanak health initiatives. The committee also serves as a means of communication and distribution of information between both the Keewaytinook Okimakanak Health Services and the First Nations communities.

KO Health Services Advisory Committee (KOHAC)

  • Mary Lawson - Health Director/KOHAC Chair - McDowell Lake
  • Barbara Strang - Health Director - Poplar Hill
  • Ananius Sawanas - Health Director - Deer Lake
  • Brenda Kakegamic - Health Director - North Spirit Lake
  • vacant - Health Director - Keewaywin
  • Daisy Kabestra - Health Director  - Fort Severn  

Health Director

The Health Director  also represents KO communities on following committees:

  • Sioux Lookout First Nation Health Authority Board
  • Oshki Pimacheowin Education Training Institute Advisory Committee
  • Sioux Lookout Menoyawin Health Centre-Chief Joe Meekis
  • The Chiefs Committee on Health Sioux Zone - Tina Kakepetum-Schultz
  • Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Health Planning Group

KO Health Services Staff

  • Robert Thomas - Health Director
  • Karen Dodic - Health Programs Assistant  
  • Erin Weaver - Health Secretary                                                                                        
  • Kendall Hochstetler - Home Community Care Nurse 
  • Phyllis Chowaniec- Long Term Care Nurse                                                                                          
  • Sally Bunting - Mental Health Therapist
  • Gary Quequish - Mental Health Therapist, Capacity Builder/Trainer
  • Elsie Stony - Regional Crisis Intervention Coordinator
  • Ron Matthews - Indian Residental School Support

Further details on KO Health Services Staff Check "Meet the Staff" on the Main Menu