In the fifth instalment of the FNHA and BC Patient Quality Safety Council Cultural Humility Webinar Series Fraser Health staff will discuss their success with Indigenous Cultural Safety debrief circle sessions.

Facilitated by Aboriginal Health Liaison Carol Peters, the debrief circle sessions are a training opportunity founded on the principles of inclusivity, respect and intentionality. Through a talking circle, participants undertake a personal and professional journey of self-discovery. In this space, buried biases can be unearthed and intentional practices towards reconciliation may be realized.

Join Fraser Health’s Aboriginal Health team as they discuss the challenges and successes of unearthing bias in the health care system and countering tendencies to create cultural risk.

Click here for details on attending!

Common respiratory illnesses circulating in the North East, including Chetwynd

A number of children and families are/have been ill with influenza-like symptoms in the Peace region, including Chetwynd. These illnesses are typical for this time of year. Viruses are generally spread easily among children, especially during the peak season, but most children who become ill make a full recovery without any medical help.

BCCDC advises consumers to properly cook oysters following outbreak

The BC Centre for Disease Control is warning the public following a spike in acute gastrointestinal illness associated with the consumption of oysters. Since early December 2016, over 70 cases of oyster-related illness have been reported to BC health authorities. Illnesses have been reported to Island Health, Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health and First Nations Health Authority. The outbreak is ongoing and more cases are expected.

In April 2016, the BC Minister of Health and Provincial Health Officer declared a Public Health Emergency in response to the alarming number of overdoses and deaths in the first few months of 2016.

Since this time, the FNHA has been actively engaged in naloxone training, distributing naloxone kits, education and awareness, improving access to naloxone, facilitating follow-up treatment, and social media and information campaigns.

Read more here.

Knowing in detail how BC First Nations are accessing FNHA benefits and services allows us to be more responsive to community needs. By understanding the gaps, we are better positioned to focus efforts where they are needed most.

Our new Data Analytics & Reporting team has been working to build FNHA Health Benefits reporting dashboards – interactive, web-based interfaces that provides visibility into information that was previously stuck in clunky spreadsheets and databases.

Read more on the First Nations Health Benefits Data Analytics and Reporting team here!

Did you know the FNHA launched a survey to measure client satisfaction on First Nations Health Benefits? The survey will provide meaningful data and benchmarks, allowing FNHA to make important improvements to its Health Benefits services.

The survey is anonymous and takes only 5-10 minutes to complete. To improve access, clients can fill out surveys on behalf of their family members or Elders. The survey will stay open indefinitely so that clients can fill it out any time.

Find more infomation including FAQ's and the survey link here!

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By Elia Nicholson-Nave, Executive Director of KUU-US Crisis Line Services

The holiday season can be a time of rest and family connection for some, but for others it can bring about heightened feelings of loneliness and sadness, remembering relationships that have come and gone and loved ones who have passed on. It may also be a time of financial burden, bringing a sense of hopelessness to those who feel they can’t ‘keep up.’ 

Read the full blog post here.

The Vancouver Island Region is hosting a Postpartum Doula Training Program for First Nations and Aboriginal community members living and working on the Island and there is still space available.

The Postpartum Doula Training dates are January 30th to February 2nd (8 am to 5 pm) in Campbell River. Accommodation is provided for participants. Travel costs and meals will be reimbursed. There is also an optional Infant and Child CPR course being held January 29th.

Postpartum Doulas support women and families after the baby is born (this is not a birth doula training program). Applicants must be available to participate for the full 4 days of the training session.

For more info, contact Milly Price at milly.price@kdchealth.ca. Application forms can be download at http://kdchealth.com/events.

Deadline is January 20, 2017 for registration and cancellation.

At the beginning of this December, First Nations Health Authority and Dr. Gabor Maté facilitated a two-day training for frontline health service workers, Roots of Trauma. Dr. Maté started with a quote: With our mind we create the world, but before that, the world creates our mind. I watched him as he worked with the courageous participants who shared personal conflicts for him to unravel.

In a very short span of time, after a few questions and some dialogue, he found the pathway in, past the participants’ layers of survival blocks to the truth. I watched him work until he found that pathway. There was trust between each participant and Dr. Maté and trust shifted the shape of fear and shame to truth and peace. It is this same shift that I wish for each of us.

Read the full blog post here! 

FNHA Northern Region is seeking nominations for 'Spirit of Wellness' Champions for 2016. A total of 6 Wellness Champions will be selected.

With the guidance of the Northern Regional Table, the FNHA Northern Region would like to recognize First Nations Elders & Youth who have made achievements and commitments to a healthy and positive lifestyle and/or have made a significant contribution to achieving Healthy, Self-Determining and Vibrant BC First Nation Children, Families and Communities.

Nomination deadline: January 20, 2017.

Find out more here.

In support of Northern First Nations Health & Wellness, the Northern Regional FNHA office is pleased to announce 2016/2017 First Nations Health Fair Grants through the Northern Regional Funding Envelope to assist communities in achieving Healthy, Self-Determining and Vibrant First Nation Children, Families and Communities.

Deadline to apply is February 10, 2017. 

For more information click here. 

Northern Health created a video on cultural practices around birthing from the Tsimshian, Tahltan, Haisla, Gitxsan and Nisǥa’a people and how these impact their health care needs. 

Watch it here!

The UBC Learning Circle is hosting a session on January 17th to explore the intersection of Indigenous land, food, culture, and the sacred relationship within Treaty 8. Host Julian Napoleon will discuss the parallels between the health and well-being of First Nations communities, land, and water and the cumulative impacts of industry in First Nations territories.

Find out more here.

Specialist, eHealth Programs
Locations(s): Vancouver
Deadline: January 13, 2017 at 4:00 PM
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Research Analyst
Location(s): Vancouver Coastal
Deadline: January 17, 2017
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Diabetes Nursing Practice Consultant
Location(s): Vancouver
Deadline: January 20, 2017 at 4:00pm
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Business Analyst
Location(s): Vancouver
Deadline: January 23, 2017 at 4:00PM
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Regional Advisor, Vancouver Coastal
Location(s): Vancouver Coastal
Deadline: Tuesday January 24, 2017 at 4:00pm
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Specialist, Healthy Children
Location(s): Vancouver
Deadline: January 27, 2017 at 4:00pm
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Community Health Nurse, Health Centre (FT/PT)
Location(s): Northern (Gitanyow/Gitwangak)
Deadline: Open Ended Posting
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Dental Therapist (Location TBD)
Location(s): Interior TBD
Deadline: Ongoing
Job description

Health Director
Organization: Moricetown Band
Location(s): Moricetown
Deadline: Feb 3, 2017 by 4:30 PM
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Elders Care Researcher
Organization: Tsilhqot'in National Government
Location(s): Williams Lake BC
Deadline: Jan 13, 2017 by 5:00 PM
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Women's Transition Service Co-ordinator
Organization: Battered Women's Support Services
Location(s): Vancouver BC
Deadline: Jan 13, 2017 by 5:00 PM
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Outreach Physiotherapist
Organization: Northern St'at'imc Outreach Health Service, Lillooet Tribal Council
Location(s): Lillooet BC
Deadline:
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