The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) has selected Dianne Lafond as the first First Nations Health Ombudsman in Saskatchewan, the first of her kind in the country.

Born and raised in the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, north of Saskatoon, Dianne Lafond’s role will be to examine issues of racism and discrimination against Indigenous people in the health care system.

The Office of the Ombudsman is responsible for investigating situations relating to Aboriginal health services and, should a problem arise, will lodge a formal complaint and work to find a solution.

The office will also make recommendations to health authorities, including the Saskatchewan Health Authority, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan and other organizations, depending on the nature of the complaint.

Diane Lafond believes that the establishment of this office is important to prevent the new generation of Indigenous peoples and those yet to come from suffering the same injustices as previous generations.

As First Nations Indigenous peoples, we are people created by the Creator to be treated equally. It breaks my heart that our people continue to sufferexplained Ms. Lafond during her speech on Tuesday.

The Vice President of the FSINDavid Pratt said about 72% of health workers do excellent reconciliation work with Indigenous members, but 26% to 28% of them do not.

We are watching you. This office will be watching you and you better straighten uphe warned.

You better start treating First Nations people right when they show up in emergency rooms and clinics, because our office will now make sure these stories are coveredhe continued.

The Government of Saskatchewan welcomes and notes the establishment of this office Racism has no place in the provincial health system. The country reiterates its willingness to work with the ombudsman Strengthen culturally appropriate services

Last year, the federal government provided $1.17 million in funding FSIN for the establishment of the office and plans to increase this amount over the next two years.

With information from Aishwarya Dudha