Happy Holidays from the FNHA family.

We are humbled to serve First Nations in BC as your health and wellness partner.

Wishing you a happy and safe season! 

How to avoid loneliness during the holiday season and beyond 

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

The holiday season is an ideal time to remember that your presence is the most valuable present of all for the lonelier members of your community—and that connecting with others is not only very important for their health, but for yours!

“Holiday Loneliness” is a real problem for many of us. With all the media coverage depicting happy, healthy families and friends basking in the warmth of their togetherness, those of us whose families don’t fit this description—probably the majority, despite what we see on holiday TV commercials—can feel loneliness more intensely.

So it’s very important to cope with holiday loneliness by first being aware of any unrealistic expectations we may have about what this season is supposed to look like and how we are supposed to feel.

Read this in full here.

Squamish Nation Territory / North Vancouver - A new strategy to improve cancer care and supports for Indigenous peoples across British Columbia was announced today.

Improving Indigenous Cancer Journeys: A Road Map is the result of a multi-year partnership between BC Cancer, First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) and the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC). Only the second of its kind in the country, its priorities are in line with the calls to action for health by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

The strategy addresses all aspects of cancer, from prevention through to survivorship with a focus on delivering culturally safe cancer care.

Find out more here.

​Chiefs and technical leads emphasize unity, integrated service approaches and culture at Fraser Salish Caucus​​​

From November 21-23, political and health leaders gathered in Sts'ailes Territory to discuss health and wellness planning and services at the 2017 Fraser Salish Caucus. First Nations Health Council representatives Willie Charlie, Grand Chief Doug Kelly and newly welcomed Councillor Derek Hansom chaired the three days of dialogue and ceremony.

This year's fall Caucus was attended by 73 delegates on day one, 86 on day two and 56 on day three, including 15 Chiefs, three proxy political leads, 17 health leads and nine technical leads. Participating delegates represented 24 of 32 Fraser Salish communities.

Read more here.

Health Leads and Chiefs ask for increased focus on community-led solutions

Chiefs and health leads gathered in the shared territory of Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations from November 28 to 30 to discuss health and wellness programming and service improvements at the 2017 Vancouver Coastal Caucus session.

Long-time First Nations Health Council representative Ernest Armann chaired the dialogue-rich event with spirit and humour, while keeping the proceedings engaging and on track.

Five Chiefs and 11 proxies, 11 health leads, and 14 technical leads participated in the three day caucus session, along with more than 20 Traditional Knowledge Keepers, cultural drumming groups, and wellness practitioners. Twelve of the 14 Vancouver Coastal communities were represented at Caucus.

Read this in full here.

In recognition of National Addictions Awareness week, the FNHA would like to share a new video featuring the Beynon family and Dr. Evan Adams. 

After the loss of their loved one, Julian Beynon, to a fentanyl overdose this year, the Beynon family reached out to Dr. Evan Adams and the FNHA to share their story and start the conversation about overdose.

“The loss of our Son Julian Steven Beynon to fentanyl overdose this year has taken us down the sad road of grief. We reached out to the First Nations Health Authority with the hopes of encouraging those who are in addictions to get help for themselves. We also hope to be able to reach out to the families of those in addictions – you are not alone. There are many resources out there to help both sides and the resources are growing. This is our way of grieving," shared the Beynon family.

Watch it here.

The FNHA’s Mental Health & Wellness Summit event will take place February 7-8, 2018 and will bring together communities, leaders in mental health and partners to exchange knowledge and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Some event themes include mental health and wellness, trauma, the opioid crisis, land-based healing and more.

Please visit this link for more information and to register. 

February 19-23, 2018

The Cuystwi Indigenous Youth Wellness Team invites youth ages 20-25 residing in BC to come together, network and talk about the different forms of activism that they are engaging in within their communities.

The conference focuses on grassroots activism in the form of visual arts, media, public speaking, web development, tools to deal with racism and much more

The free event takes place at the Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre Maple Ridge, and all accomidation, meals and travel are covered. 

Deadline to apply is December 22, 2017.

For more information email: cuystwi@phsa.ca or call (604) 707-6385. 

The Public Health Agency of Canada invites eligible organizations to submit a letter of intent for programs and initiatives to prevent teen/youth dating violence in Canada. This call for proposals will support projects that deliver and test promising programs, and/or improve the capacity of organizations and service providers to deliver effective programming.

For further information and details about applying for funding, click here.

​Network Lead​​
Closing Date: Dec. 22, 2017 at 4:00pm
More info here.

​​​Meeting & Event Venues: Hotel Accommodation & Conference Services for Underserviced Areas​
Closing Date: Dec. 29, 2017 at 4:00pm
More info here.

Resource Scheduling System​
Closing Date: Jan. 12, 2017 at 4:00pm
More info here.

Specialist, Traditional Wellness
Location: Northern Region
Deadline: December 15, 2017 at 4:00pm

Coordinator, Men's Health and Wellness
Location: Northern Region
Deadline: December 15, 2017 at 4:00pm

Recruiter
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: December 15, 2017 at 4:00 p.m.

Regional Addictions Specialist
Location: All Regions
Deadline: December 15, 2017 at 4:00 p.m.

Vice President, Programs & Services
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: December 22, 2017 at 4:00 p.m.

Director Health, Safety & Wellness
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: January 5, 2017 at 4:00 p.m.

Administrative Assistant, Oral Health
Location: Vancouver

Dental Therapist
Location: North

See all job postings on our website here.

Coordinator
Organization: Saanich First Nations Adult Care Society
Location(s): Brentwood Bay
Deadline: Jan 15, 2018 by 11:55 PM
Job description

Master of Science (MSc) Studentship
Organization: SFU & FNHA
Location(s): Vancouver
Deadline: Jan 15, 2018 by 11:55 PM
Job description

Home and Community Care Nurse
Organization: Neskonlith Indian Band
Location(s): Chase, B.C.
Deadline: Jan 6, 2018 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Multiple Postings
Organization: Katzie Early Years Centre
Location(s): Katzie First Nation
Job description

Community Health Nurse - Multiple
Location(s): Northern BC
Job description