The Athabasca Health Authority (AHA) began in 1994 with the formation of a steering committee and in 1996 a 'Unanimous Members Agreement' was signed at Black Lake to confirm that the Athabasca First Nations Bands and provincial communities would jointly administer health services in the Athabasca region.

The model for AHA is an integrated one that encompasses acute, primary health, community-care, palliative, respite and long term care.

AHA is the first health authority in Canada to establish an integrated federal, provincial and First Nations health services organization.

The Athabasca Health Facility is the first health facility built on a reserve by the provincial government.