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Introducing Samson Wong, FNHA's New Environmental Public Health Services Provincial Manager
Samson started his career with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) in Spring 2008. Samson holds a Bachelor of Science, Life and Earth Science (2006) from UBC and a Bachelor of Technology, in Environmental Health from BCIT (2008). He obtained his Master of Arts in Leadership (Healthcare) from Trinity Western University in 2021. Samson is married to his wonderful wife, Rosanna, and has two children, Matthias (8) and Abigail (5). Samson is looking forward to carrying out the important environmental health work in communities across BC.
Funding Opportunity: Environmental Contaminants Program
The First Nations Health Authority’s Environmental Contaminants Program is still accepting project proposals from First Nations communities or First Nations organizations in BC that explore the link between human health and environmental contaminants. To discuss potential environmental contaminants project ideas or concerns at the community level, please email the Environmental Contaminants Program Coordinator or refer to these guidelines (PDF).
Funding Opportunity: Indigenous Climate Health Action Program
The First Nations Health Authority’s Indigenous Climate Health Action Program is now accepting expressions of interest (EOIs) for projects beginning spring 2023! EOIs will be reviewed in the order they are received until available funding has been allocated. ICHAP supports community-driven projects that strengthen the resilience of First Nations people to the health impacts of climate change.
Collaborative Project Seeks to Determine Indigenous 'Healing Indicators'
The First Nations Health Authority is engaged in a collaborative project with Simon Fraser University which will help identify ecological indicators that are based in the 7 Directives and examine how those indicators contribute to Indigenous-led Health Impact Assessments. The work builds on some of the goals highlighted in the 2020 First Nations Population Health and Wellness Agenda Summary of Findings.
Updates From the Field: Tla'amin Nation's Climate Action Project
Staff from the FNHA's environmental public health team were recently invited to participate in a shoreline tour as part of Tla'amin Nation's climate change project. The research involves conducting a climate-health assessment to identify priority risks to community health and develop a plan to respond to impacts.
I·SPARC Chosen to Deliver Popular Community-Based Food Systems Program
The First Nations Health Authority has chosen the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council to deliver the Food Systems Program. Food security and food sovereignty are important determinants of health for Indigenous peoples and this transition to an Indigenous-led organization will bring a community and culture-based lens to the program.
Strengthening Intergenerational Healing Communities on the Land
Last year, the Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness (ACEH) received funding through the First Nations Health Authority's Indigenous Climate Health Action Program to support a project focusing on intergenerational sharing of bio-cultural knowledge through land-based activities. Check out ACEH's video below to learn more about the project.
Funding Opportunity: Clean energy in Indigenous, rural and remote communities
Many Indigenous, rural and remote communities use diesel or fossil fuels for heat and power. Diesel is a well-known and reliable energy source, however, it can also impact communities and the environment. The transition to clean energy continues to be important to Indigenous communities and the Government of Canada as we work together towards reconciliation. An additional $300 million is available until 2027 for your clean energy projects. These projects can help advance Indigenous-led climate action, support local economic development and create skilled jobs while reducing pollution and improving air quality. There is no deadline to apply.
Funding Opportunity: Adaptation, resilience and disaster mitigation program
The Adaptation, Resilience and Disaster Mitigation (ARDM) program is a sub-stream under the Green Infrastructure umbrella. The program will fund flood mitigation infrastructure projects for individual communities (up to $10 million), and joint applications submitted by multiple communities (up to $20 million). The program has a total of $81.8 million federal and provincial dollars to support projects that increase structural capacity and/or natural capacity with the intent of reducing, or even negating, the effects of flooding. Deadline for applications is October 7, 2022.
Heat-Related Illness and Hot Weather in BC
The BC Centre for Disease Control provides a broad range of heat-related guidance on its website, including information on the different types of heat alerts, how to prepare for hot temperatures, symptoms of heat-related illnesses, those most at risk during hot weather and ways to stay cool. For tips and advice from the FNHA, click the link below.
FNHA's Our Community, Our Water Grant
Water is an integral part of life, community and wellbeing. To help protect and celebrate the importance of water, and particularly the drinking water in your community, the First Nations Health Authority Drinking Water Safety Program invites you to submit a proposal to host an educational community water awareness event or activity. Learn more at the FNHA's Water Awareness Grants webpage or click below to apply.
BC’s sea life is bouncing back, slowly, after the 2021 heat dome
It’s been just over a year since a devastating heat wave settled over British Columbia. It was in late June 2021 that extreme temperatures, so unlike anything experienced here before, wreaked havoc across the province. Twelve months ago, Chris Harley, a professor in the University of British Columbia’s zoology department, estimated that more than a billion sea creatures had died under the heat dome. A year later, Harley said the toll was far greater than he first thought.
