The Northern Health Strategy was formed, and continues to function, with principles of collaboration, cooperation, coordination and communication. Its mission, working together to improve the health of northerners is strengthened by its values of openness, respect and building from strengths.

The Northern Health Strategy is inclusive of leaders, managers, service providers and community members.

Understanding the complexities and challenges of working across a wide spectrum of health jurisdictions, the NHS Leadership Group, assisted by the Centre for Aboriginal Health Research, developed and adopted a cross-jurisdictional decision-making mechanism to assist northerners in working together to improve access to quality health services. In recognizing that cross-jurisdictional issues exist at various levels, it is much easier to define areas of strength and areas requiring attention. The model provides a central and equitable place for all northern health authorities and communities.

In summary, the model will include: a Northern Health Leadership Working Group (NHLWG), with two representatives from each partner’s Health Board of Directors, will meet semi-annually (or quarterly if needed) to guide development and to discuss issues or initiatives presented by the Northern Health Strategy Working Group (NHSWG.)

Issues requiring higher-level advocacy will be brought to the attention of the Northern Leadership Forum. This group, which will meet annually, is best described as an amalgam of the North’s elected representatives.

Consensus-building was identified as key to successfully addressing most issues.