First Nations and Aboriginal peoples and partners will be coming together in wellness at 145 Day of Wellness events throughout British Columbia on June 21. This year communities have been encouraged to show cultural pride by bringing together the wisdom of Elders and the energy of youth at their celebrations.

Wellness-focused, community-organized events this year include storytelling, live music, traditional song and dance, feasting, hikes, youth camps, traditional games, bannock-making contests and much more. View an interactive map of events throughout the province here!

The FNHA is pleased to share the First Nations Health Authority's 2018/2019 Summary Service Plan, which communicates a specific set of key priorities for the year, building from our ongoing long-term goals as a First Nations health and wellness organization. This Summary Service Plan marks the third year into our five-year health plan.

Read the report online here.

FNHA Acknowledges World Elder Abuse Awareness Day—June 15, 2018

June 15 is designated as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by the United Nations General Assembly, and it represents one day in the year when the whole world voices its opposition to all forms of Elder abuse. Elder abuse can take various forms such as physical, psychological or emotional, sexual and financial abuse. It can also be the result of intentional or unintentional neglect.

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) acknowledges World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and challenges individuals and communities to break the silence around this rarely discussed and under-investigated topic.

For Indigenous people, the role of Elders is sacred. Elders are our teachers, grandparents, parents, aunties and uncles, and trusted supports. Most importantly, they are often the knowledge keepers for our communities, speakers of our traditional languages, and experts on the ways that our ancestors lived and related to one another.

Read the full post for messages from FNHA Elder Advisor and Knowledge Keeper, Syexwaliya (Ann Whonnock) and FNHA Senior Medical Officer Dr. Nel Wieman.

FNHA is very interested in the views and beliefs of First Nations and Aboriginal people in BC. FNHA has recently launched the Health Attitudes + Beliefs survey to learn more about First Nations perspectives on the opioid crisis, changes to federal cannabis policy, and to improve cancer screening rates for First Nations in BC.

The results of conducting this survey will improve how FNHA delivers health programs, services, and shares public health information with BC First Nations. FNHA has hired R.A. Malatest & Associates Ltd. to plan and administer the survey.

The survey can be completed over the phone (toll-free) or online. It only takes about 10 minutes and all survey participants will be entered to win a $500, $300 or $100 prize.

Find out more and take the survey here!

The First Nations Health Authority has released the Health System Matrix Utilization report which shows how First Nations in BC are using provincial health services. The report compares First Nations to other provincial residents on per capita use and costs across a number of health conditions and use factors. The Health System Matrix dataset includes data on hospitals, physicians, and other services as well as chronic conditions.

The report covers key findings from 2008-2015 and includes clinical evidence to support a road map to better health outcomes. Among other findings, the report reveals that First Nations have lower rates of attachment to physician services and that First Nations are utilizing emergency rooms at higher rates than other residents for primary care services.

Read the communique and report online here.

A message from Dr. Kelsey Louie, FNHA Medical Officer

Canadian Men’s Health Week is June 11-17

"MAKE SMALL CHANGES," the theme of Canadian Men's Health Week this year, is something I really believe in – because I've seen small changes add up to big benefits in both myself and my patients. So, in this message, I'd like to highlight the opportunity that exists for each of us as Indigenous men to take greater ownership of our choices and our individual health and wellness.

Read the full Men's Health Week message from Dr. Kelsey Louie here!

This week is Men’s Health Week. Watch this video with FNHA CEO Joe Gallagher speaking on men's health, the importance of colon screening, and the "Screen. For Wellness" campaign.

Watch the full video here!

To sign up for the "Screen. For Wellness" campaign please visit: https://www.screenforwellness.com/

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Evan Adams has a video message for new grads on how to celebrate safely.

Do you have an upcoming graduation or grad celebration coming up? Share your safe grad plan with us on social media and you could win one of two $100 gift certificates! Hashtag #SafeGradPlan or tag the FNHA (make sure the post is public or we won't be able to see it!). Contest closes June 30th.

Watch the full video here!

An opportunity to participate and collaborate for First Nations Communities in British Columbia

The ACHH Initiative is working with communities and clinicians to bridge the gap in our understanding of Aboriginal children’s pain and hurt.

Aboriginal children and families are often misunderstood and mistreated by health care professionals – an issue at the heart of the Aboriginal Children’s Hurt & Healing Initiative (ACHH Initiative). The ACHH Initiative is working with communities and clinicians to bridge the gap in our understanding of Aboriginal children’s pain and hurt.

The ACHH is working on a research project on Aboriginal children’s pain. They are seeking a BC First Nation that will become one of six communities/centres that would host the research project to understand the health of Aboriginal children and their perception of hurt and pain in a period of approximately two years.

Learn more about the opportunity here.

Traditional Wellness Coordinator
Location: Chilliwack
Deadline: June 18, 2018 at 4:00pm

HR Assistant
Location: West Vancouver
Deadline: June 22, 2018 at 4:00pm

Manager, Strategic Policy
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: June 22, 2018 at 4:00pm

Manager, Business Analysis
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: June 29, 2018 at 4:00pm

Senior Specialist, Learning & Development
Location: West Vancouver
Deadline: June 29, 2018 at 4:00pm

Senior Reporting Analyst
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: Monday, July 2, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.

Child & Youth Systems Navigator (Term)
Location: Prince George
Deadline: Open until filled

Indigenous Primary Care Access Coordinator (2 Year Term)
Location: Terrace
Deadline: Open until filled

Find all our job postings on our website here.

Wellness Worker
Organization: Carrier Sekani Family Services
Location(s): Burns Lake and Prince George
Deadline: Jul 2, 2018
Job description

Licensed Practical Nurse
Organization: Tsawout First Nation
Location(s): Saanichton
Deadline: Jun 29, 2018 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Nursing Supervisor (Mat Leave)
Organization: Stó:lō Service Agency
Location(s): Chilliwack, BC
Deadline: Jun 29, 2018 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Registered Social Worker
Organization: Tsihqot’in Health Department
Location(s): Williams Lake
Deadline: Jun 29, 2018 by 4:00 PM
Job description