**MUSHKEGOWUK COUNCIL NEWS RELEASE**

A Mushkegowuk Council of Chiefs meeting on September 6 heard a grim report on the status of health care in Mushkegowuk Territory from the new management team at Weeneebayko Area Health Authority, which was created years ago to administer the overall health system in Mushkegowuk Territory.

Mushkegowuk Grand Chief Jonathan Solomon expressed serious concerns about the state of the health care system in Mushkegowuk Territory. “The health care system in our region is in crisis, that is clear. There are many very serious problems, and the shortage of physicians is critical. The Council of Chiefs is extremely concerned about the ability of the Mushkegowuk people to access basic health care.”

At the same time, Grand Chief Solomon expressed some hope that a possible turnaround is being worked on. “The Chiefs listened to a detailed presentation from the new management team at Weeneebayko. The Chiefs recognize that we have gone through a difficult period in service delivery in the region, but are supportive of new plans that will hopefully once again work toward strengthening health care. The new management have real concerns, and some good plans, and are willing to listen to the Chiefs. They seem willing to engage with the community, by having open Board meetings and direct dialogue with the community members. There might be reason for hope, over time.”