Wear the silver pin to show your support

International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on August 31st each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of drug-related death. The day acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends who have lost loved ones.

A number of silver pins will be distributed to communities in advance of August 31. You can get a pin from your Community Engagement Coordinator, your health centre or a nearby Friendship Centre.

International Overdose Awareness Day also spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable. Naloxone is an injectable medication that prevents overdose and saves lives. Naloxone is available at no cost for First Nations and no prescriptions are required. Read more about it here.

It’s important that we understand that overdose can affect anyone. Watch a short video featuring Gitxsan First Nation member Shane Baker and his personal story of opioid recovery here.

For more information about overdose prevention, please visit www.fnha.ca/overdose

Very few of us remain untouched by the overdose crisis here in BC. Two weeks ago, we released new data that confirmed what First Nations leaders long suspected: that First Nations people are over-represented in this public health emergency. 

But overdose death is preventable—and we cannot forget this.

As a First Nations health organization, we recognize substances are a common coping mechanism for people experiencing long-term pain and trauma. We recognize the root causes of problematic substance use are born out of experiences that are shared by many of our people, including disconnection from land and culture, intergenerational impacts of the residential school system and racism...read more

The outlook for wildfires in BC’s interior and north interior remains one of high alert. Ten First Nations are currently on evacuation order or alert. The following communique includes information on air quality, Red Cross, funding for ranchers, Health Benefits and health and mental wellness services. 

Read Wildfire Communique #12

Emergency Management BC releases First Nations Emergency Management Tool Kit.

​On October 1, 2017, the FNHA will join BC PharmaCare, becoming part of the provincial drug benefits insurance program.

The transition to PharmaCare is part of an overall plan to bring decision-making about health benefits closer to home and into the hands of First Nations. Bringing the program home to BC is our first step in improving it. The FNHA PharmaCare plan will be a fully paid plan and BC PharmaCare will be the first payer for FNHA clients.​ ​

Find out more on benefits to the transition here. 

Watch a webinar on details about the transition here.

Join the next PharmaCare Transition Webinar on Thursday, September 7 at 10 AM - 11:30 AM

To join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone visit:

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/496049597

Julie Morrison, Crisis Response Advisor for the North Region, has been FNHA’s primary contact at the Prince George evacuation centre during the current wildfire crisis, providing on-the-ground support through many challenging and emotionally charged situations.

In the first three hours of operation, FNHA North Region staff engaged with more than 75 First Nations community members, arriving from the interior.

Read more here. 

First Nations Elders and Youth have expressed the importance of intergenerational conversations to support their health and wellness.

In 2015 Elders shared, "What would you say to your 20-year-old self?" Youth answered with their own #MessageToElders.

Elders responded with this message - watch it here.

The FNHA and BC Association of Friendship Centres Doulas for Aboriginal Families Grant Program is still accepting families. Funding is available to pay for prenatal, birthing and postpartum doula services for expectant Aboriginal mothers and families, living in BC (living either on and off reserve). This grant program provides up to $1000 of coverage for each pregnancy in a family.

Find out more here. 

On-Reserve Operational Fuel Treatments & Maintenance Treatments

Deadline is Thursday August 31, 2017 by 4:30 pm.

First Nations Emergency Services Society Forest Fuel Management Department accessed funding to support On-Reserve Operational Fuel Treatment Projects and can contribute a maximum of 90% of the cost of eligible activities up to $57,690 in funding per First Nation.

More info here. 

This Emergency Management BC (EMBC) tool kit is designed to provide First Nations communities with resources to support emergency management activities at the community level.

This tool kit is not intended to replace a community emergency plan; it is designed to support a community with additional considerations that may be required during emergency response. These resources will also help you identify some of the information that may be asked of you to best support emergency response in your community.

Find it here.

​Enterprise Content Management​

Issue date: August 17, 2017

Closing date: August 25, 2017 4 PM PST​

Event Planning Support for Gathering Wisdom for a Shared Journey IX 2018​

Closing date: August 25, 2017 4 PM PST​

​Insurance Broker for Business Services​

Closing date: August 31, 2017 4 PM PST

​​Staffing and Recruitment Services – Professional Level​​​​​

Closing date: August 25, 2017 4 PM PST

Medical Director/ Physician Advisor/ Primary Care – Physician Leader

Closing date/time: August 21​, 2017 at 4PM PST

Find information on all Procurement Opportunities here

Executive Director, CEO Office Operations
Location: West Vancouver
Deadline: September 1, 2017 at 4:00PM

Executive Director, CEO Projects & Partnerships
Location: West Vancouver
Deadline: September 1, 2017 at 4:00PM

Manager, Surveys & Data Secretariat
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: September 1, 2017 at 4:00PM

Health Benefits Pharmacy Assessors
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: Open until filled

Benefits Support Representatives
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: Open until filled

Health Benefits Assessor (2 Year Term)
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: August 20, 2017 at 4:00PM

View the job descriptions and apply online here.

Community Health Nurse
Organization: Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council
Location(s): Port Alberni
Deadline: Aug 25, 2017 by 11:55 PM
Job description

Home Care Nurse
Organization: Tles'qox (Toosey Indian Band) Yunesit'in (Stone)
Location(s): Toosey and Stone, BC
Deadline: Aug 20, 2017 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Mental Wellness & Substance Use Worker
Organization: T'it'q'et Administration
Location(s): Lillooet BC
Deadline: Open until filled
Job description

Home Care Nurse
Organization: Dease River First Nation
Location(s): Dease River
Deadline: Open until filled
Job description