We're here to serve you
ITHA supports its member Nations efforts to improve the health and well-being of their own people in their own communities. This is the purpose of our organization and this is the Mission of the Board of Directors. Four key parts of our Vision:
Advocacy:
We respect the jurisdiction of member Nations within their own territories. Our commitment is to optimize the control of member Nations over their own health services. To this end, we provide advocacy. We speak collectively on behalf of our 29 member Nations and believe that we have greater strength in numbers. We are frequently asked to speak and be a part of policy initiatives on a regional and national level. Often, we speak out, even when not invited!
Innovation:
We have learned that we must continuously search for new ways to get things done. With limited resources, it is not possible to purchase all our needed services, to hire specialists or even to adequately transport our people from remote villages to get the services or see the specialists. From the beginning, we have created innovative ways to get the job done. We rent a lodge from a member Nation in the off season for healing programs, we use a helicopter contract to get multi-disciplinary teams to our remote communities, we have developed grass roots programs to respond to crises in our communities, and we are a leader in advancing eHealth technologies to supplement and support services in the community. These are just some of the things that have earned ITHA its reputation for providing innovative, successful solutions.
Managing Relationships:
We have a strong belief in managing the many relationships that are required to make the most of limited resources. This is accomplished through partnerships, the most important partnership is with our member Nations and their health services delivery structures.
Culture:
Culture is the glue that holds our vision for the future together. ITHA is a multicultural agency. We are owned and operated by 29 Member Nations, all with distinct cultural characteristics. Our practices are sometimes similar but always distinct. We see this as both a strength and an opportunity.
The ITHA Logo back to top
The ITHA logo, created by artist Maynard Johnny, represents strength and unity of our member Nations. The left side of the double-headed eagle is of Kwakwaka'wakw design and represents the northern member First Nations.
The right side of the eagle is of Coast-Salish design and represents the southern member First Nations including the Coast-Salish and Saanich people.
The two eagles are joined by one body representing the coming together of two distinct and unique cultural groups through ITHA, for the health and well-being of their people.