Manitoba Metis Federation

September 27, 2010, Selkirk, MB - The Interlake Regional Health Authority and the Manitoba Metis Federation are pleased to announce that a Memorandum of Understanding/Partnership Agreement will be signed today in support of on-going development of a representational Aboriginal workforce within the Interlake RHA.

The Manitoba Metis Federation’s Provincial Recruitment Initiative strives to establish dynamic partnerships with employers while promoting its inventory of employment ready candidates who match employer defined qualification criteria. The Manitoba Metis Federation’s successes continue to be driven by partnerships that are geared towards empowering Metis people and their communities.

“The Interlake RHA is proud to be a partner with the Manitoba Metis Federation in this important initiative and we look forward to enhanced opportunities for Metis people within our workforce,” said Kevin Beresford, Interlake RHA Chief Executive Officer. “The Interlake RHA would like to recognize the Manitoba Metis Federation for their leadership and vision as we strive to move closer towards a representational workforce across our region.”

"This partnership is a very positive step towards furthering the aspirations of our Metis citizens to deliver culturally appropriate health services in our various communities," said Manitoba Metis Federation President David Chartrand. "This is especially important in light of a recent study that identified the fact that Metis suffer from some of the highest chronic disease rates in the Province. “We applaud the Interlake Regional Health Authority for this initiative and look forward to future progress for the benefit of not only our Metis citizens but for all Manitobans as well."

Established in 2009, the Interlake RHA’s Aboriginal Human Resources Initiative is intended to promote opportunities for Aboriginal people living in the Interlake region. This includes but is not limited to:
● Promoting employment opportunities and increasing the representation of Aboriginal people employed by the Interlake RHA
● Identifying challenges to employment and identifying solutions to address those challenges
● Developing and implementing a cross-cultural awareness training program
● Enhancing training and education programs
● Developing a database identifying the number of Aboriginal people employed by the Interlake RHA by site, classification and employment status
● Creating innovative retention strategies

When: Monday, September 27th-10am
Where: Selkirk Regional Health Centre (EMS Training Room) 100 Easton Dr., Selkirk MB
All Media are invited to Attend

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Contact:
Lauralou Cicierski, (204) 467-4747
Public Relations Manager, IRHA
lcicierski@irha.mb.ca

Frank Coyle, (204) 586-8474 ext. 374
Director of Communications, MMF
fcoyle@mmf.mb.ca