This week, FNHA is sharing resources and articles to support you, your communities and loved ones.

This week is National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW). This year's theme, Stigma Ends with Me, provides an opportunity for individuals, communities and the health system to reflect on the root causes of substance use and addiction.

Read below for resources and peer-support stories for more information on how you can fight stigma.

National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW) 2019 Message — Richard Jock

National Addictions Awareness Week — Peer Outreach Q & A

New 5-bed Recovery House in Esk'etemc First Nation opened in January 2019

By Charlene Belleau, Chair, First Nations Health Council

As we join together this November 25 to mark the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women​, I reflect on how this work goes beyond a single day observance. I believe we are all called on to do this work together and accept responsibility for our children and families. Eliminating violence starts with us, with every individual. This in turn creates safer places for children, families and communities.

One way we do this work is through the Commitment Sticks program, a initiative launched at Gathering Wisdom in 2015 using a design created by Esk'etemc Elder Fred Johnson Sr. to signify the sacred responsibilities we have for the health and safety of our Indigenous women and girls.

Read the full post here.

Last Saturday, November 23 was International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, a day of healing, support and remembrance for many individuals, families and communities. On this day, we’re sharing a message from youth to “break the stigma” around mental health.

Watch the video below from the Life Promotion for All My Relations (LPAMR) youth advisory committee, a group of young leaders and one Elder who were motivated to make a difference through their own personal experiences with mental health and suicide.

When we asked the LPAMR about “Life Promotion,” we heard about the significance of culture, the need for wholistic and strengths-based approaches to wellness, and how breaking the stigma around mental health is important for youth.

This short video is just the beginning of the wisdom the LPAMR would like to share.

Join us January 14-16th, 2020 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. on the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations.

The 2020 Gathering Wisdom for a Shared Journey marks the 10th anniversary of this forum. It brings together leaders, health directors, wellness leads, our Federal and Provincial partners and professional associations to discuss health, mental health and the social determinants of health.

AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

• Results from a number of evaluations, including three mandatory evaluations required under the Tripartite Framework Agreement and the Canada Funding Agreement.
• Discussion on the success and future of the First Nation health governance structure in BC.
• Direct dialogue with First Nation, provider and health system partners the health and wellness of our children, families and communities.
• Presentations by Art Napoleon and Dr. James Makokis.

REGISTER TODAY
Ensure you register to guarantee your seat!
Visit gathering-wisdom.ca to register and for updated agenda highlights.

A message from Jeff Reading, PhD, FNHA Chair in Heart Health and Wellness at St. Paul's Hospital

This month is Diabetes Awareness Month, so it's a good time to talk about the connection between diabetes and heart disease. Many people are not aware of the connection between diabetes and heart health, but there certainly is one. In fact, having diabetes means you are more likely to develop heart disease. This is because some of the same things are associated with the development and progression of both heart disease and type 2 diabetes – for example, obesity and smoking commercial tobacco.

The good news is there are ways you can reduce health risks, even if you do have heart disease and diabetes.

Read the full message here.

Join the panel discussion on Indigenous sexual wellbeing, featuring some of the Indigenous Educators who work in sexual wellbeing across the province. Members of the Yuusnewas team at the YouthCO HIV & Hep C Society, the BC CDC and the Indigenous Wellness team at FNHA, as well as other Indigenous partner organizations working in Indigenous sexual health and wellbeing will speak to:

• Why we speak to sexual wellbeing and not just sexual health
• What are Indigenous perspectives on sexual wellbeing, and what does decolonizing sexual wellbeing look like?
• The value of peer and youth involvement to share perspectives and experiences on how to best support conversations on sexual wellbeing

Date: Thursday, December 12th, 2019 (PST)
Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30 am
Where: Videoconference OR internet webinar.

Find out more and register online here.

UBC Extended Learning is still accepting applications for the January 2020 UBC Certificate in Aboriginal Health and Community Administration (AHCAP). Now in its 20th successful year, this one-year online and residency program was developed in consultation with Indigenous communities.

This program offers:

• Five multi-day residencies at UBC Vancouver
• Practical courses taught by Indigenous healthcare professionals
• A flexible format that works with your careers and family needs
• An opportunity to make new friends, and create a network of likeminded peers in a supportive environment
• A graduation ceremony held in the UBC First Nations Longhouse.

We’re accepting program applications until December 6, 2019. AHCAP Bursary Fund applications must be received along with a program application.

Learn more about the program here.

Community Engagement Coordinator
Location: Abbotsford (Matsqui Office)
Deadline: December 3rd, 2019 at 4:00 PM

Project Coordinator, Mental Health & Wellness
Location: Northern
Deadline:Tuesday December 3rd at 4:00 PM

Regional Primary Care Project Manager
Location: Vancouver Island
Deadline: December 4th 2019 at 4:00 PM

Regional Project Developer
Location: West Vancouver
Deadline: December 4th 2019 at 4:00 PM

Co-op Student - Climate Change and Health Adaptation
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: December 4th 2019 at 4:00 PM

Manager, Cultural Safety & Humility
Location: West Vancouver
Deadline: December 6, 2019 at 4:00 PM

Primary Care Lead
Location: Chilliwack
Deadline: December 8th 2019, 4:00 PM

Team Leader, Medical (Term)
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: December 9th, 2019 at 4:00 PM

Find all job postings on our website.

Health Director
Organization: Gitwangak Health Authority
Location(s): Gitwangak
Deadline: 11/29/2019, 12:00:00 PM
Job description

Executive Director of Legal Services
Organization: Carrier Sekani Family Services
Location(s): Prince George
Deadline: 12/1/2019, 11:55:00 PM
Job description

Clinical Counsellor
Organization: Ahousaht First Nation
Location(s): Ahousaht
Deadline: 12/2/2019, 11:55:00 PM
Job description

Transportation Coordinator
Organization: Stz’uminus First Nation
Location(s): Ladysmith
Deadline: 12/6/2019, 4:00:00 PM
Job description