Shane Baker is a member of the Gitxsan First Nation. He’s a proud Indigenous man living in Victoria and, in light of the current opioid crisis, he has a special story to share.

In 2003 Shane sustained massive facial and skull fractures. To help manage the intense pain, he was prescribed painkillers – including opioids. This is a story about Shane’s journey into addiction and back into balance with himself and his family.

Shane credits his recovery to building a meaningful connection with his First Nations culture, speaking openly about his experience and support from his family.

Watch Shane’s story here.

The FNHA encourages destigmatizing conversations to take place among family members and friends around opioid and drug use.

• Be there for each other: Reach out to your family and Nation members who may need to hear a familiar voice
• Learn about harm reduction and how it can save lives
• Get a naloxone kit, add it to your first aid kit - it's free​

For information on where to find naloxone, harm reduction, and what you can do during this crisis, visit: www.fnha.ca/overdose.

Above: Sonia Isaac-Mann, Vice President - Programs, Services, Research & Knowledge Exchange with the FNHA. 

In recognition of the Canadian Mental Health Association's Mental Wellness Week, our team at the FNHA would like to reflect on the ongoing work that we are partnering with BC First Nations communities on in the areas of mental wellness, addictions and culturally based healing.

Mental Health and Wellness has been identified as a top priority for BC First Nations, and the FNHA continues to work with communities and our health-system partners to create a comprehensive, coordinated, culturally safe, community-driven continuum of mental health and wellness care—one that contributes to Reconciliation and Nation building.

Read more here.

Above: FNHA Nursing Services Professional Practice Leader, Leona Smith in the first of three FNHA nursing videos. 

In honour of Nursing Week and all nurses working with First Nations and Indigenous Peoples, we are pleased to share the first of three videos that feature FNHA nurses in their own words, describing the importance of nurses and their work in our communities. 

The first video features FNHA Professional Practice Leader Leona Smith as she discusses the cultural environment of nursing as a way of life.

Nurses working at nursing stations are often the only primary care providers in their communities—providing incredible opportunity and growth for nurses who have critical-thinking skills and cultural humility. Culture humility, as described by Leona, is allowing yourself to be teachable. 

Click here to learn more about this transformative experience.

On May 3, FNHA Chief Nursing Officer Becky Palmer, and nurses Inez Louis from the Sto:lo Nation and Lisa Sam from Nak'azdli presented their personal visions of cultural humlity and cultural safety within the nursing system. 

Sharing personal reflections and practical tips, this is a must-see for nurses who interact with with First Nations and Aboriginal peoples. 

Watch it here! 

SAVE THE DATE: Our next Cutlural Humilty and Cultural Safety Webinar will take place June 7 from noon to 1 p.m.! 

We are pleased to share our FNHA Summary Service Plan for 2017/2018, which articulates a specific set of key priorities
for the year, building from our ongoing long-term goals, outcome statements, objectives and strategies. This plan marks our second year into our five-year health plan.

The development and implementation of our Summary Service Plan has been, and will be, guided by our Vision, Seven Directives, Shared Values and the First Nations Perspective on Health and Wellness – supporting the FNHA to be grounded in First Nations knowledge and teachings, and aligning our work with the consensus leadership expressed by our communities.

Read it here. 
 

The Spring 2017 Regional Caucus sessions will begin next week. Registration is still open for the below dates. For more information, click below!

May 9-11: Fraser Salish
May 16-18: Interior
May 24-26: Northern
May 30-June 1: Vancouver Coastal
June 13-15: Vancouver Island

The FNHA is supporting a Youth Respecting Tobacco Video Contest with two more draws for $1,000 on June 1 and July 1. Tell us what you are doing (or plan to do) to change the impact commercial tobacco has had in your life, community, or among your friends, for the chance to win.

How do you enter?

1. Follow our Instagram account and we’ll return the favour.

2. Upload a 15-60 second video that captures what you are doing or planning to do to change the impact commercial tobacco has had in your life, community, or among your friends, by completing the following phrase:

“This is how I am/will #respectingtobacco …”

Videos should use the campaign hashtag, #respectingtobacco, and tag the FNHA Instagram account, along with three other Instagram users you want to challenge to participate in the contest.

Click here for more info! 

When a health care provider starts a conversation by asking what really matters to the person they are caring for, it helps them to build trust, develop empathy, and understand their patients. Ultimately, it improves the quality of care they provide. The key purpose of the question is to promote dialogue and deep listening between providers and the people for which they care.

In partnership with the Patient Voices Network Oversight & Advisory Committee and with health care organizations from across the province, the BC Patient Safety & Quality Council is planning "What Matters to You?" Day in British Columbia on June 6th, 2017.

Read more here. 

Community Action Initiative is building an Overdose Prevention and Education Network (OPEN) to address B.C.'s opioid epidemic crisis. The project will contribute $750,000 in grants, training, and resources to community agencies across the province.

OPEN projects will take place in 15 communities across the province, and will also work with two provincial initiatives. OPEN is based on a comprehensive funding model which includes convening grants, local action grants, training, community of practice and provincial resources.

For more information about OPEN and CAI click here.

Curriculum Implementation - FNHDA Certification Program​ RFP
Close date: May 12, 2017 16:00 hours (4:00 pm) PST
More info here

Implementation Support for Accreditation and Prior Learning Assessments and Recognition - FNHDA Certification Program​ RFP
Close date: May 12, 2017 16:00 hours (4:00 pm) PST
More info here

​Delivery of the 8 module Curriculum - FNHDA Certification Program​
Close date: May 19, 2017 16:00 hours (4:00 pm) PST
More info here

Executive Search Service
Close date: May 19, 2017 16:00 hours (4:00 pm) PST
More info here

Clinical TB Nurse Advisor
Location(s): Vancouver
Deadline: May 5, 2017 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Funding Arrangements Advisor
Location(s): Vancouver
Deadline: May 11, 2017 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Senior Coordinator, Research
Location(s): Vancouver
Deadline: May 12, 2017 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Senior Reporting Analyst (2 Year Term - 2 Vacancies)
Location(s): Vancouver
Deadline: May 12, 2017 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Analyst, Program and Claims
Location(s): Vancouver
Deadline: May 12, 2017 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Manager, Provider Relations & Audit
Location(s): Vancouver
Deadline: May 12, 2017 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Dental Therapist
Locations(s): Northern Region
Job description

Community Health Nurse, Nursing Stations
Locations(s): Multiple
Job description

Home and Community Care Nurse
Organization: Ashcroft Indian Band
Location(s): Ashcroft BC
Deadline: May 15, 2017 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Gaurdianship & Permanency Planning Social Worker
Organization: Surrounded by Cedar Child and Family Services
Location(s): Victoria, BC
Deadline: May 5, 2017 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Mental Wellness Navigator
Organization: Lillooet Tribal Council
Location(s): Lillooet BC
Deadline: May 5, 2017 by 12:00 PM
Job description

Community Health/Home Community Care Registered Nurse
Organization: Kitselas First Nations
Location(s): Terrace
Job description

Support Worker Transformational Housing
Organization: Aboriginal Mothers Centre Society
Location(s): Vancouver BC
Job description