New resource will support childhood nutrition and family connection through sharing of traditional and healthy foods

In honour of UNICEF's World Children's Day, Nov. 20, we are pleased to share A Guide to Your Baby's First Solid Foods, a new resource to support the wellness and healthy development of your baby. Preparing and sharing food is an important way of connecting with and caring for family and loved ones, and access to nutritious foods plays a critical role in the development and growth of babies and children.

Read more here and download the guide here!

November 23 is the application deadline for the 2019 Winter Wellness Grants!

This year, FNHA is requesting all successful applicants to host their wellness activities between January 1 – February 22, 2019 and to promote the theme that “Everyone is a Wellness Champion – Time to live it!”, with a focus on participants leading by example to encourage holistic approaches to wellness.

Communities, schools, organizations and agencies that are engaged in direct health service delivery to BC First Nations and/or Aboriginal people may be eligible for funding to host a Community-Driven Winter Wellness Event or Initiative.

Find the full details on how to apply here!

​New faces on the First Nations Health Council (FNHC) and First Nations Health Directors Association (FNHDA) Board facilitated discussions for health and wellness

From November 6-9, 2018, leadership from the three Island Families—Kwakwaka'wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth and Coast Salish—gathered in Snuneymuxw Territory (Nanaimo, BC) for Vancouver Island Fall Regional Caucus to discuss the continued improvement of health care for their people. This year's caucus had a strong turnout, with 10 Chiefs, 25 Proxies, 31 Health Directors/Health Leads and 7 Social Leads attending.

Island Families were welcomed by Regional FNHC and FNHDA representatives, including new members. They brought a fresh perspective and voice to the room, and supported productive conversations across the three days.

Read the full blog here!

Antibiotics Awareness Week was November 12-18. Read a message from Dr. Sean Wachtel.

"Traditional medicines and methods can help keep us well during the winter cold season. Local plant-based medicines have been used since time immemorial to keep Indigenous people healthy and treat symptoms of colds and other illnesses. Cold-water bathing, vigorous walking, brushing, smudging, teas and poultices are just some examples of effective practices and medicines used year-round. ​Winter ceremony and letting-go practices also nurture our spirits and leave us less susceptible to viruses and colds."

Read the message here.

A message from Dr. Shannon McDonald, FNHA Deputy Chief Medical Officer

This is an important conversation to have, because diabetes continues to disproportionately impact the lives of Indigenous people. In fact, there is a very high chance that you or someone you love is dealing with this disease and doing what they can to manage their blood sugar levels. Health issues can result when blood sugar levels become too high. In diabetes, this happens because either the body is unable to make enough of a hormone called insulin or the insulin it has isn't working properly.

Read the full message here!

Above: Elder Rick Campbell from Boothroyd Band shares stories from his community.

Regional event focused on networking and taking care of our spirit

Approximately 150 people attended the annual Mental Wellness Forum October 16th and 17th at Cheam First Nation. This gathering was held in partnership with Fraser Health Authority, the Ministry of Children and Family Development and First Nations Health Authority. These were a mix of community members, front line workers, service agencies and organizations.

The first day focused on the opioid crisis. The partners provided updates of the last year's activities, focusing on the priorities set at last year's forum. This was followed by a panel presentation of new and existing services available across the valley with plenty of networking time built in. Everyone participated in the Indigenous Cafe that has become a hallmark of this forum, where five topics ranging from land based treatment to the new Tier 4 youth beds in Chilliwack were discussed and direction from the attendees was taken away to guide the work in the upcoming year. Our day ended as stories were shared to remind us of the good and successful work happening around the Fraser Salish region.

Trauma was the focus of Day 2, and included presentations from Indian Residential Schools Support Services (IRSSS), the Family Information Liaison Unit and Dr. Patricia Vickers (FNHA), who spoke on resiliency.

The afternoon of Day 2 was devoted to a cleansing ceremony, to support the participants in getting rid of the heaviness that is a natural result of this important work.

Change Management Capability Development

Closing dates: November 21, 2018 at 4:00 pm PST

More info here.

Benefits Support Representative (Term)
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.

Financial Analyst, Community Financial Planning and Analysis
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: November 27, 2018 at 4:00 PM

Administrative Assistant
Location: Chilliwack
Deadline: November 28, 2018 at 4:00pm

Senior Project Coordinator
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: November 29, 2018 at 4:00pm

Co-op Student, IMIT
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: November 30, 2018 at 4:00PM

Clinical Nurse Advisor, Immunization
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: December 4, 2018 at 4:00 pm

Social Worker, Campbell River
Location: Vancouver Island
Deadline: Open Until Filled

Community Relations Representative
Location: Northern Region
Deadline: Open until filled

Find all job postings on our website.

Project Coordinator Organization: Health Equity Collaborative/PeerNetBC
Location(s): Vancouver
Deadline: Nov 30, 2018 by 11:55 PM
Job description

Part-Time Instructor
Organization: Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health and UBC Extended Learning
Location(s): Vancouver
Deadline: Nov 30, 2018 by 4:30 PM
Job description

Interim Band Social Development Worker
Organization: Adams Lake Indian Band
Location(s): Chase
Deadline: Nov 30, 2018 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Community Health Nurse – Registered Nurse
Organization: Xeni Gwet'in
Location(s): Nemiah Valley
Deadline: Dec 31, 2018 by 11:55 PM
Job description