The MOU will focus on improving health care, delivery and access to the American Indians and Alaska Natives of the United States, and to the First Nation and Inuit people of Canada.

"This is an important step in coordinating international health efforts on behalf of underserved, indigenous populations," Secretary Thompson said. "Sharing the knowledge and expertise of our two countries enriches and enhances our efforts to deliver quality health care services, and raises the health status of Indian people in Canada and the U.S."

The agreement allows for a more efficient exchange of information and personnel between the U.S. and Canada, and calls for establishing workshops, seminars and meetings on issues surrounding indigenous health. Additionally, a comprehensive work plan will be developed to address specific health management factors such as financial health management systems, telemedicine and tele-health capabilities, chronic disease collaboration, indigenous health support mechanisms, coordination with outside agencies and approaches to health care delivery.

The department's Indian Health Service (IHS) will administer the activities under the MOU for the U.S. The IHS is the principal federal health care provider and health advocate for American Indian and Alaska Native people. It works with tribal and urban programs to provide health services to approximately 1.5 million American Indians and Alaska Natives who belong to more than 560 federally recognized Tribes in 35 states.

The President's fiscal year 2003 budget request for IHS is $3.5 billion, an increase of $61 million over fiscal year 2002.

For Canada, the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch is the IHS counterpart. It works with more than 600 First Nations and Inuit communities, other Health Canada branches, and other Canadian government departments to provide health programs and services to address health disparities.