Councillor Misty Labillois – Community Update

As the councillor responsible for the health portfolio, I want to start by recognizing the health center team. They deliver exceptional care and run strong programs that support our community every day. While I am not involved in their daily operations, I stay connected to their work and want to share a few updates on what they have been doing.

The health center continues to offer a wide range of services for our community, including visiting specialists and regular clinical care. A rheumatologist provides appointments, there is a doctor’s clinic, and client based diabetes support. We also have staff who support prenatal care, immunizations, midwifery and doula work, and ongoing community health activities.

Mawlugutineg Mental Wellness services are provided through a regional organization that serves five First Nations communities, including Ugpi’ganjig. This structure gives us stronger access and better control over mental health funding that supports local needs.

There is also new funding for an emergency management coordinator position. The posting should be coming soon, and the role will be funded for the next several years.

The health center is also exploring the idea of forming a community health committee. More information on what that will look like will be shared once the plan is further along.

Flu clinics are coming up, and community members who have not received their flu shot are encouraged to attend.

The outdoor community pantry has been helpful, but there are concerns about people from outside the community taking items meant for local families. The health center is looking for ideas on how to protect access, whether through sign-ins, community ID, or bringing the pantry indoors during business hours. Community suggestions are welcome.

The Strawberry Moon rites of passage ceremony is underway for girls ages nine to twelve. They gather each full moon for ceremony or activities, and many of the helpers are also participating in their own fasting journeys. It has been wonderful to watch the girls become more confident, open, and connected as a group. Some will also take part in the upcoming community variety show this month.

In my full time role with North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council, I work closely with all 15 First Nations health directors in New Brunswick. Our collective focus is on health transformation. The goal is to create a First Nations led health organization that would manage federal health funding for all 15 communities. Instead of each community applying individually for limited funding, this new structure would allow resources to be distributed based on needs identified by First Nations ourselves.

This year, we held the first bilateral Health Forum between the province and First Nations. It was the first time both sides sat together to co develop priorities and discuss how health systems can better serve Indigenous people. This represents a major shift in partnership and respect, compared to past governments.

I also sit on the Board of Directors for Vitalité, focusing on governance and quality. I recently completed my First Nations Health Managers Association certification, along with several other women from our region.

Thank you all for being here and supporting this work. We do not always have the same opinions, and that is healthy. Good teams have different perspectives and still find ways to move forward together in a positive way.