The federal government has established a collaboration protocol to better communicate information about the swine flu virus to First Nations communities.
Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq and Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl announced the new protocol at an Ottawa news conference Saturday morning.
Under the protocol, the two ministries will develop "culturally appropriate" modes of communication about the virus for First Nations communities and work with aboriginal leaders to address the health needs of remote and isolated communities.
"Our government will continue to look for new ways to share critical health information with people living in these communities," Aglukkaq said. "We will listen and respond to their concerns."
The announcement is considered a peacemaking move after Health Canada shipped body bags earlier this week to a number of Manitoba reserves hit hard by the virus.
Health Canada said the body bags were part of a routine shipment to re-stock supplies, which included hand sanitizers and face masks.
However, Shawn Atleo, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, said the issue speaks to a larger communication problem between health authorities and at-risk aboriginal communities.
Atleo was present at Saturday's announcement, where he said such a protocol is needed to assist communities at high risk for an outbreak, due to inadequate housing, poverty and chronic illness.
"This is an important national initiative," Atleo said. "This protocol is about reflecting the fact that we need action on the ground right now."
According to Aglukkaq, the new protocol will also include an interactive summit that will allow First Nations leaders from across Canada to share information about preparing for and dealing with a swine flu outbreak.
