Patrick Hape is working with Kahui Tautoko Consulting Ltd to review the health care system of the First Nation people in Canada. The team worked closely with the first nations and government to help establish more productive pathways of moving forward.
Investigating the government's failure to adhere to treaties established with first nations in regards to indigenous health care is a key concern that Hape and his team have uncovered and hope to assist with.
The relationships and discussions conducted throughout this process have not only provided pathways for the first nations in Canada but valuable examples for Māori to take on board.
“Some of the benefits are that you see the traditions of the people there,” says Hape, “But you also come to learn how the government works over there, what the differences and similarities are to the government here, and some other avenues to increase the work of the indigenous people. In the end, the main goal is to grow the work that the indigenous people are doing.”
A valuable revelation for Hape and his peers has been overcoming initial challenges throughout the reviewing process and learning more about the distinct similarities between Māori and first nations.
“There are many benefits in working together with other indigenous people,” says Hape, “It is good in that you learn their customs, you see how they live on their land. The tribes of Canada connect with their mountains and rivers like the Māori do so it is humbling to hear the stories of that land, to see their form of dance and songs.”
The journey has only just begun and Hape plans to work with more indigenous nations around the world to improve outcomes for all indigenous nations.
“I would like to travel elsewhere to find solutions that can be instilled into the tribes here and how we can move forward,” says Hape.
Hape will return to Canada to present the findings of the report with Kahui Tautoko Consulting Ltd in October.