UNBC and the NCCIH extend partnership

The renewal of a decades-long collaboration ensures a bright future for Indigenous public health in Canada

The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) and the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH) signed an agreement to continue a partnership spanning more than two decades. Representatives of the two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see UNBC continue to host NCCIH at its campus in Prince George, BC.

The agreement extends a partnership created in 2005 when the NCCIH was established by the Government of Canada. The NCCIH is funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada as one of six National Collaborating Centres for Public Health (NCCPH).

The NCCIH is unique to the NCCPH program as it is the only centre that focuses on a specific population. The NCCIH’s mandate is to strengthen Indigenous public health systems and support health equity for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada through
knowledge synthesis, translation and exchange.

Coming together in community is critical for well-being and success – whether it is in our individual Indigenous communities or in communities of practice such as we have at the NCCIH. We need to give and receive support. And that is what UNBC does for us – it supports us to flourish as an autonomous Indigenous-led organization. This helps ensure our success and longevity as an organization.

“This renewed partnership with the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health reflects a shared commitment to Indigenous-led approaches, meaningful engagement and collaboration that extends across the country,” says UNBC Interim President Dr. Bill Owen. “NCCIH is a leader in advancing Indigenous public health, by supporting its work the University community is helping to foster healthy, thriving Indigenous communities in northern B.C. and beyond.”

The agreement is in effect until March 31, 2028. It was signed by Dr. Terri Aldred for the NCCIH and Dr. Bill Owen for UNBC.