Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay and the Canadian Red Cross gather to recognize the culmination of years of development on the Nâtimâchâukimikw – Mobile Health Unit in Chisasibi

Winter exercise brings mobile healthcare closer to remote northern communities.

The Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay (CBHSSJB), in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross, held a milestone joint exercise session to trial new winterized equipment and strengthen staff skills for the Nâtimâchâukimikw – Mobile Health Unit (MHU) in Chisasibi, where the initiative first originated.

The MHU is made possible in large part thanks to the invaluable contributions of the Cree Nations of Chisasibi and Waswanipi, represented during the activities by Chief Daisy House and the Public Safety team, respectively.

As the CBHSSJB continues to prioritize access to primary care, the MHU serves as a complementary layer of emergency‑care access that enhances organizational preparedness and supports resilient service delivery during urgent situations.

This exercise was significant, as it marked the culmination of the organizations’ multi‑year innovative partnership, rooted in an Indigenous‑led approach and built on a foundation of knowledge exchange, best practices, and community‑driven priorities.

Also, part of today’s exercise, the Canadian Rangers and Chisasibi First Responders supported us in demonstrating the MHU in action.

Highlights from this exercise session included:

• Hands-on experience: Participants tested new winterized Mobile Health Unit equipment in remote and extreme conditions, building practical skills for future deployments;

• Capacity strengthening: Strengthening the competencies of CBHSSJB Mobile Health Unit and the Canadian Red Cross in winterized infrastructure, equipment, and clinical setup in preparation for real emergency health responses in extreme cold weather conditions;

• Cultural integration: The session included a sweat lodge, traditional supper, and other Cree practices, ensuring that this gathering was grounded in Cree values, knowledge, and perspectives – as they have been from the project’s outset.

Key outcomes of the Mobile Health Unit partnership include:

• Strengthening readiness and response capacity for and by northern and remote communities while integrating local knowledge and priorities;

• Ensuring complementary operating standards and sharing of best practices with Indigenous leadership, as well as community, provincial, and federal partners to enhance emergency and extreme weather preparedness;

• Advancing northern health autonomy through modular clinical services, community-grounded healthcare delivery, and logistical readiness.

Designed to provide essential healthcare services to remote communities in Eeyou Istchee during emergencies, including those occurring in extreme weather conditions, the Mobile Health Unit is the first of its kind in Northern Canada and represents a shared commitment to innovation, cultural collaboration, and locally guided healthcare delivery.