An Indigenous Storytelling project, Coyote's Food Medicines, was launched in front of an audience of 4,000 Elders at the BC Elders Gathering this week to encourage conversations about wellness and how to manage medications for a healthy life. Secwepemc Elders created the Coyote's Food Medicines ​story, using traditional knowledge and humour to raise awareness of the issue of multiple medications and their potential impact on health.

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), Shared Care's Polypharmacy Risk Reduction Initiative (a partnership of Doctors of BC and the BC government), and Interior Health worked with Elders, initiating conversations that led to the creation of the Coyote story. During one of these conversations, Secwepemc Elder Jean William shared her impressions, "In the past, our Elders didn't take lots of medication, mostly just aspirin. But now cupboards look like pharmacy shelves."

Read the media release and the resource here.

​​A Message from Dr. Nel Wieman

With the legalization of non-medical cannabis in Canada set to happen on October 17, 2018, we at the FNHA want to provide you with as much health-related information on cannabis as possible so you can make the best and safest choices for yourself and your family members. If you'd like to learn more in the days leading up to legalization and beyond, you can check our website for a series of messages on cannabis and health.

In this message, Dr. Wieman focuses on youth and cannabis use, particularly the risks to mental health and brain development.

Read this important message here.

​​Since the Public Health Emergency was declared in 2016, BC has witnessed an unprecedented number of deaths related to overdoses. The opioid crisis has disproportionately affected First Nations in BC. First Nations populations are five times more likely than non-First Nations to experience an overdose event and three times more likely to die.

Read the full update and key milestones here.

An update from Dr. Evan Adams, FNHA Chief Medical Officer

National Injury Prevention Day is a good time to report on the work the First Nations Health Authority has done and is doing in the area of injury prevention since November 2017, when we released our joint report with the BC Coroners Service on First Nations youth and young adults' injury deaths. We examine past injury deaths in order to prevent future injury deaths, and to remind ourselves of some important issues. We are committed to working in partnership with First Nations people and communities to identify public safety opportunities with a view to promoting wellness and safety.

Read the full post here.

A message from Dr. Kelsey Louie, FNHA Medical Officer

July 5 was National Injury Prevention Day in Canada.

As a physician, I've seen more than my share of injuries, so I want to take this opportunity to remind Indigenous people in BC to drive and play safely – for your own sake and for others' sakes. No one wants to be the person who was texting and ran into kids on bikes or the person who forgot to wear a seat belt or a life jacket. Now that I'm older, I can better appreciate the wise advice my father always gave me: "The most dangerous time in life is when you're having fun. When you're out horsing around with friends, that's when you can get injured and so caught up in the enjoyment that you don't realize you're vulnerable."

Read Dr. Louie's message here.

4,000 First Nations Elders from across BC gathered in Cowichan Tribes territory from July 10-12 to attend the 42nd Annual BC Elders' Gathering at Island Savings Centre. The event focused on Elder health and wellness, and celebrating culture and resilience with the theme of 'I tst 'o' hwun' 'I (We are Still Here).

The Elders' Gathering brings wisdom keepers together to celebrate their culture and make connections, while learning through workshops and discussions. It is an opportunity for Elders to nurture their spirit and mental and physical wellness through health check-ups.

Read the media release here.

All Living Markers and Corner Posts were invited to attend Gathering Wisdom for a Shared Journey IX (GW IX), which took place on May 15-17 at the Westin Bayshore on Coast Salish Territory. As Living Markers of health transfer, it is our job and honor to share our written reflections so that you may see what is happening in community through our eyes.

Read the highlights post here!

More than 70 riders of all ages and skill levels signed up for the challenging 112km bike ride between Telegraph Creek and Dease Lake that took place June 22. Chief Rick MacLean started this fundraiser nine years ago and has watched it grow yearly. In past years, funds have been used to purchase a wheelchair, help support families with medical crises, and this year proceeds went to the Dease Lake Rec Centre.

Read more and see pictures from the event here!

The EAF is currently accepting grant funding applications for projects that will increase accessibility in community spaces and workplaces across Canada. Your business or organization could receive a grant of up to $100,000 through the EAF program to improve accessibility and safety for people with disabilities.

The EAF program funds projects which help remove barriers to accessibility through:

• the construction, renovation or retrofit of community facilities and workplaces, which could include the construction of access ramps and accessible offices and washrooms and the installation of elevators; and
• the provision of accessible information and communication technologies such as braille printers, accessible computer software, and visual alarm systems.

If you would like to apply for funding or learn more about this funding opportunity, please visit the EAF funding webpage.

Manager, Travel and Events
Location: West Vancouver
Deadline: Sunday, July 15, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.

Regional Addictions Specialist
Location: Vancouver Island
Deadline: July 15, 2018 at 4:00pm

Senior Policy Analyst, Health Benefits
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.

Co-op Student, Projects & Partnerships Development
Location: West Vancouver
Deadline: July 25, 2018 at 4:00pm

Specialist, Climate Change & Health
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: July 25, 2018 at 4:00pm

Regional Manager, Primary Care
Location: Northern Region
Deadline: July 27, 2018 at 4:00pm

Child & Youth Systems Navigator, (1 Year Term)
Location: Cawston
Deadline: July 27, 2018 at 4:00pm

Coordinator, Total Compensation
Location: West Vancouver
Deadline: July 29, 2018 at 4:00pm

Find all our job postings on our website here.

Addictions Team Lead
Organization: Carrier Sekani Family Services
Location(s): Vanderhoof BC
Deadline: Aug 19, 2018 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Child and Youth Counsellor
Organization: Surrounded by Cedar Child & Family Services
Location(s): Victoria BC
Deadline: Jul 20, 2018 by 4:00 PM
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Women's Support Worker
Organization: Battered Women's Support Services
Location(s): Vancouver, BC
Deadline: Jul 18, 2018 by 4:00 PM
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Learning Circle Manager
Organization: UBC Learning Circle
Location(s): Vancouver, BC
Deadline: Jul 15, 2018 by 4:00 PM
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