First Nations Health Authority

Health Care Assistants are the heart of First Nations Health Care. The FNHA celebrates all of the work you do. We see you. We thank you. Read the full message on our website: https://bit.ly/4eI7xh4

As we come together for the final day of the Decolonizing Addictions Conference, we take a moment to honor the deep insights and meaningful discussions we've shared over these past few days. FNHA regional staff members welcomed attendees at the registration table and FNHA booth, sharing resources on health and food sovereignty, along with some FNHA swag. It’s been a beautiful opportunity to engage with our community. This gathering has been a space for learning and dialogue. We are grateful to the Kwakiutl for hosting day one, to Gwa'sala - Nakwaxda'xw for day two, and to Quatsino for leading today’s sessions. We extend our appreciation to presenters Len Pierre, Avis O'Brien, and Marnie Scow for their impactful contributions. We are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside communities as we journey together toward healing and understanding. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this event a success. We look forward to carrying these important conversations forward together.

Nominate a Health Champion in the Vancouver Island region! Do you know someone who demonstrates outstanding leadership and advocacy in First Nations health and wellness on Vancouver Island? We want to hear from you! Help us recognize these remarkable individuals who are making a difference in our communities. Visit the link to find the form to submit your nomination: https://bit.ly/4fbDdeN Let’s celebrate those who inspire and champion health for all. Together, we can honour the incredible work being done in First Nations health!

The FNHA is hosting another Nurturing Our Roots pop-up engagement event at the Mission Friendship Centre on Oct. 22! All First Nations people living in urban areas or "off-reserve" are invited to join us any time from 4 - 7 p.m. for food, gifts, door prizes and an evening of cultural sharing and connection. Register here: https://bit.ly/3Yndb2m

📢 Attention all First Nations people living in urban areas and/or away from home AND staff from health system partners, urban Indigenous organizations or BC First Nations. Join us for one of our upcoming Vancouver Island region engagements in October. Mark your calendars: 1. Port Hardy pop-up at Sacred Wolf Friendship Centre on October 18 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 2. Victoria at Norway House on October 24 from 12 - 2 p.m. and 4 - 6 p.m. We want to understand your health and wellness service needs and the best ways to engage and communicate with the UAH population. Come share your thoughts with us! Learn more at fnha.ca/UAH or register at fnha.ca/uahengagement

The Winds of Change are here! The FNHA, in collaboration with our partner Health Standards Organization, is taking the BC Cultural Safety and Humility standard to the national level with the aim of creating culturally safe systems and services throughout Canada that better respond to the health and wellness priorities of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples and communities. Learn more about the Winds of Change: https://lnkd.in/gPWxAwPm

“I am still sacred, you are still sacred, our communities are still sacred.” Naneek Naytowhow is a two-spirit urban Indigenous harm reduction worker, cultural facilitator and community member in the Downtown Eastside in Hastings, in so-called Vancouver. Read her story here: https://lnkd.in/gZk5GvJ7

For World Mental Health Day (Oct. 10), this year's theme is “prioritizing mental health in the workplace." It's a great opportunity to check in with our colleagues, our loved ones, and ourselves, about mental health and wellness. We can have conversations around our wholistic well-being and the steps we can take to nurture our spirit. Read our full story: https://lnkd.in/g3dxHgsn

On September 13, 2024, a remarkable moment in healing and community took place as the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) joined Tsow-tun Le Lum (TTLL) to celebrate the Sacred Ceremonial Grand Opening of the newly relocated healing house in Cowichan Territory. This day marked not just the unveiling of a new building but the continuation of a vital legacy that began in Snaw-naw-as Territory in 1988. Read the full story on our website: https://lnkd.in/djySe9t4

Darci Trociuk of the Kaska First Nation spoke on a regional youth panel representing First Nations voices from across the province. She posed several questions to Karin Phillips, a senior policy analyst with Health Canada, about confidentiality for youth accessing health services in rural and remote First Nations communities. Youth are the voices of tomorrow, leading us today! #FNHAYouthForum2024