From L-R: Nasuʔkin Jason Louie (yaqan nuʔkiy), Lisa Varley (Interior Health), Reggie Goldsbury (KNC), Nasuʔkin Don Sam (ʔAkisq̓nuk),
Nasuʔkin Heidi Gravelle (Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi‘it), Rachael Nicholas (KNC), Caitlin Flint (Interior Health), Nasuʔkin Cheryl Casimer (ʔaq̓am),
Diane Whitehead (Interior Health) and Jared Basil (KNC) presented the signed LOU at the 2026 Ktunaxa Nation AGA on Wednesday, July 15.
The Ktunaxa Nation and Interior Health have formalized their commitment to working together to improve health services and outcomes for Ktunaxa citizens, and other Indigenous people, living within ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa through a Letter of Understanding (LOU).
The LOU was signed during the Ktunaxa Nation Annual General Assembly, held July 15-16 in yaqan nuʔkiy.
The agreement is a step toward increasing the Ktunaxa Nation’s influence in decisions about health services that impact Ktunaxa people. It recognizes the Ktunaxa Nation’s ongoing work toward greater authority in matters affecting its citizens, including health standards and services.
Through the LOU, the Ktunaxa Nation and Interior Health will work toward more effective shared decision-making, with the goal of improving access to quality health services and achieving better health outcomes.
Both parties will work to improve and integrate programs and services, while exploring opportunities to address the broader determinants of health. A strengths-based approach will guide the measurement of progress, supported by mutually agreed-upon indicators of health and wellbeing.
The LOU also commits the parties to open and reciprocal communication, and collaboration on data exchange and information sharing, while respecting data sovereignty.
This agreement provides a strong foundation for continued collaboration and a more responsive, accessible and culturally appropriate health system for Ktunaxa people.
