b'HEALTH AND WELL-BEINGThe Bigger PictureNIHB program falls short in providing holistic healthand healing for First NationsBY NICKITA LONGMANT he Non-Insured HealthOne of the most frustratingprocess of accessing medical support, but Benefits (NIHB) is a feder- barriers, she notes,is the reapplicationnot all people can afford this, or [they] ally funded program thatrequirement for people with chronic ordont have the ability to self-advocate, assists First Nations andlifelong illnesses. Every year, they areCarr says.Inuit people who require health carerequired to reapply for this service, andAnd although these types of obstacles and are otherwise uninsured throughI have seen them having to experiencemay seem to be only a minor clerical or other programs, such as private insur- waits, Carr explains. I understand thereadministrative barrier, there are times ance programs through work or provin- are restrictions, but when someone haswhen the wait time can have serious cially funded insurance. Both on- andbeen on the same medication for years,consequences to the person experiencing off-reserve members often utilize thethe application process should take thatthe medical condition. There was program to access wellness support andinto account. a citizen who was suffering from an financial coverage for everything fromAnother major concern is NIHBsabscessed tooth, Carr says. While prescription medications, medical travelthird-party assistance. The program onlyNIHB was stalling about where the and medical supplies.covers expenses not provided throughdental coverage would come from, the But in practice, it falls short. Likeanother form of coverage such as a workcitizen experienced a stroke and required many federally funded programs, NIHBbenefits program, which means thata whole new level of emergency care. is riddled with delays, rigid requirementsfederal coveragemeant to uphold aOutside of the federal restraints of the and confusing bureaucracy that place thetreaty rightis treated as secondary.NIHB program, Carr says she continues burden on those trying to access care. Health care is an inherent treatyto see incredible community initiatives Chief Laurie Carr, who represents theright, whereas private health insurancethat support holistic wellness and Michi Saagiig of Hiawatha First Nationis an additional form of coverage. As ahealing. Our community offers largely 30 minutes outside of Peterborough,treaty right, the government coveragemental health support with cultural and Ont., has seen many members of hershould always come first, Carr says. Thistraditional components, which often fall community come up against theseapproach not only undermines treatyoutside of the NIHB funding.barriers when applying for NIHB.rights, but also creates an added layer ofHolistic health is brought into the Prior to becoming Chief, Carr saton aconfusion. Miscommunication betweencommunity to improve the wellness working committee comprised of Firstdoctors, pharmacists and NIHB officialsof the community members through Nations representatives from severalis common and can delay access toadditional health-care support as well as nations to work alongside NIHB officials essential care. holistic programming such as ceremonial and address the inadequacies of thePeople are in positions where theyand land-based learning opportunities. program. Sadly, not much has changed,may just opt to shell out the financialWe offer aromatherapy and deep tissue she shares.cost of a medication just to speed up themassage therapy, because they are not 32l I ssue1 2025C hIefs ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazIne'