As of February 1, FNHA began reimbursing OAT clinic fees to private clinics serving First Nations clients. Reimbursement of OAT clinic fees up to a maximum of $70/month per client will be provided until March 31st, 2020. Service providers complete a subsidy application form with First Nations clients and submit the paperwork to FNHA. Clients must have First Nations status to be eligible.

Opioid Agonist Therapy is an effective treatment for dependency on different types of opioids such as heroin, oxycodone, and fentanyl. The therapy involves taking the medications Methadone or Suboxone. These medications can prevent the effects of withdrawal and reduce cravings for opioids. OAT services are prescribed by a doctor and can be accessed through residential or outpatient treatment programs.

Read more here.

​​Updated approach developed based on hundreds of recommendations from First Nations communities across BC

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) has released a new policy outlining its vision for mental health and wellness a year after hosting its inaugural Mental Health and Wellness Summit, where FNHA first publicly shared the commitment at the core of the new Policy. Through the Policy FNHA has committed to working with partners to ensure access to a comprehensive continuum of mental health and wellness approaches. The Mental Health and Wellness Policy will support the FNHA, First Nations, and health system partners to plan for mental health and wellness from First Nations perspectives.

"We heard from our communities that a system-wide paradigm shift is needed to support the ongoing wellness, self-determination and resilience of our Nations and families," says Joe Gallagher, FNHA CEO. "Bringing this policy to life will support increased self-determination of First Nations and transform approaches towards mental health and wellness throughout BC."

First Nations communities, families and individuals in BC have clearly and consistently indicated that mental health and wellness is a top priority. To address this, the new policy was created, informed by both the First Nations Perspective on Health and Wellness, and extensive engagement with First Nations people and communities.

Read more here!

It’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Week! The FNHA partnered with Yúusnewas, an Indigenous peer-led program that provides HIV and sexual health workshops for youth, on a new condom and lube kit to help you stay safe and sexy! Pick yours up when you book a workshop with FNHA’s Indigenous Wellness Team, or at YouthCO and Yúusnewas.

Book a workshop by emailing: stbbi@fnha.ca  (Kit coming soon.)

Wanda Charleyboy (left) and Kim Ramier (right)

A renovation project goes wrong and a window falls on an unfortunate worker. Bleeding profusely from multiple cuts to his head, he seeks emergency medical help. Only this is in Xeni Gwet'in, about a three-hour drive southwest of the nearest hospital in Williams Lake. The man goes to the local health centre where Community Health Nurse Wanda Charleyboy has just welcomed Kim Ramier, an Emergency Department nurse from Williams Lake. Kim and Wanda had been matched for a new exchange program that has Emergency Department nurses from Interior Health spending a day with counterparts who work in remote First Nation communities. There – not half an hour after Kim arrived – she joins Wanda in treating the wounded man.

Read more about the Nurse Exchange Program here!

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and Health Standards Organization (HSO) are partnering to develop a Cultural Safety and Humility standard. A technical committee led by First Nations peoples will develop this standard for use across the health system in British Columbia. The application process is now open for anyone interested in participating.

In BC, a broad-based movement towards greater cultural safety through cultural humility is underway.

The standard aims to embed this work, with the goal of improving individual and population health and wellness experience and outcomes.

Read the full communique here!

The First Nations Health Directors Association (FNHDA) is excited to introduce the Lateral Kindness Gram. The Lateral Kindness Gram is a resource developed by the FNHDA to promote lateral kindness by sending an uplifting message. With the Lateral Kindness Gram you can recognize a client, peer, friend, family member or an acquaintance for their positive attitude at work, their contributions to the team, or the work they do in helping the community achieve our shared vision of “Healthy, Self-Determining and Vibrant BC First Nations Children, Families and Communities.”

Read more and find out how to send a Lateral Kindness Gram here!

For Health Directors or community members who are experiencing challenges with their local pharmacist not being aware of Plan W or understanding the coverage levels under Plan W, please contact FNHA's Health Benefits at 1.855.550.5454 (Toll Free) or email: healthbenefits@fnha.ca

The support line hours are resuming their pre-PharmaCare Plan W transfer hours:
8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

All contact info will remain the same.

The Kwakiutl Band was awarded a 2019 FNHA Winter Wellness Grant. On January 26, more than two dozen community members travelled to Mount Cain for some outdoor fun activities.

On January 29, Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nations (Canoe Creek) hosted a winter event on their traditional lands that included a fire-making competition, bannock making contest, recycled sled parade, and sliding. For some community members, this is their favourite event of the year!

The intent of the Community Resilience Through Arts and Culture pilot program is to support arts and cultural events, initiatives and engagement by and for local communities. The focus of this program is communities experiencing hardship, historic oppression or other challenges that would benefit from the power of arts and culture to promote healing, resilience and connection.

Eligible activities include: ​

• Cultural events, festivals and community celebrations
• Arts and culture projects, programs or workshops

Apply online now! Intake open until noon PST, February 15th, 2019

New educational opportunities are opening up for Indigenous high school students thanks to a partnership between the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation and Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU).

Starting at KPU in 2019, the Verna J. Kirkness Science and Engineering Education Program will support educational opportunities and activities outside of the classroom through research mentorship.

Find out more here.

Cancer Communications
Closing Date: Feb 19, 2019 16:00
More info.

​​​Multifunction Co​​​pier/Scanner/Printer Lease and Managed Print Services​
Closing Date: Feb. 28, 2019 16:00​
More info.

Senior Specialist, Change Management
Location: West Vancouver
Deadline: February 20, 2019 at 4:00pm

Payroll Administrator (2 Term Positions)
Location: West Vancouver
Deadline: February 22, 2019 at 4:00pm

Senior Coordinator, Tobacco Cessation and Reduction
Location: Interior Region
Deadline: February 26, 2019 @4:00pm

Manager, Program & Service Support
Location: Chilliwack or Matsqui Office locations
Deadline: February 26, 2019 at 4:00PM

Coordinator, HR Governance
Location: West Vancouver
Deadline: February 27, 2019 at 4:00pm

Nurse Coordinator, CD Emergency Infection Prevention and Control
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: February 28, 2019 at 4:00 pm

Specialist, Panorama Implementation and Sustainment
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: February 28, 2019 at 4:00 pm

Project Manager Corporate Office
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: March 8, 2019 at 4:00pm

Find all job postings on our website.

Registered Dietician
Organization: Tsihqot’in Health Department
Location(s): Williams Lake
Deadline: Feb 28, 2019 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Executive Director
Organization: Rural and Remote Division of Family Practice
Location(s): Home-Office Based
Deadline: Open until filled
Job description

Aboriginal Patient Liaison
Organization: Carrier Sekani Family Services
Location(s): Prince George
Deadline: Open until filled
Job description

Mental Health and Addictions Services Clinician
Organization: Kwakiutl Health Centre
Location(s): Port Hardy
Deadline: Open until filled
Job description