On March 1, 23 health regulatory bodies in B.C. declared their commitment to making the health system more culturally safe for First Nations and Aboriginal People. In signing the Declaration of Commitment to Cultural Safety and Humility, BC health professionals are the first in Canada to make the pledge.

Increasing the level of cultural safety in the health care system through approaches such as cultural safety, cultural humility, health literacy and relationship-based care will assist in improving the quality of health services for First Nations and Aboriginal people.

Read the full release here.

Mental health and wellness is a priority for BC First Nations as our communities continue the journey of healing from the painful impacts of colonization and residential schools.

“Our people have always known that health is connected to spiritual wellness. The harmonious balance of healing through traditional and cultural practices was forcibly interrupted by colonialism, government policies and institutions – Indian Act, Residential Schools, Indian hospitals,” explains Naomi Williams (Cowichan Nation), FNHA Vancouver Coastal Regional Director.

“Now, we are redefining and redesigning health services to include our world view. Part of that work includes making sure that everybody who works with us has a foundation of understanding of that history and joins us in a shared vision moving forward. The Indigenous Cultural Safety Training is a great starting place.”

Read more here. 

The FNHA is pleased to introduce a new pilot project for northern mothers: SmartMom Canada, the first Prenatal Education Program in Canada delivered to prenatal women by text messaging. SmartMom has been developed in collaboration between Northern Health Authority, Optimal Birth BC, the Ministry of Health and First Nations Health Authority. 

SmartMom will text you information to help guide you through every week of your pregnancy. Texts are tailored to your due date and all information is free and from health sources you can trust.

For more information visit: www.smartmomcanada.ca or on the FNHA website here.

Or to enroll: Text “SmartMom” to 12323. 

What happens when over 50 young Indigenous people from Haida Gwaii to Wet’suwet’en to Tahltan gather and dive into being actors, builders, storytellers, and artists?

On February 22, 2017, youth and chaperones gathered together for the Northwest First Nations Youth Gathering and Banquet in Smithers.

Read the full scoop here!

​​With an increase in cases of mumps in BC, the FNHA would like to share some precautionary information around what the condition is and how to avoid it.

Read more here. 

Island Health has developed a facilitated, in-person six-hour workshop to deepen health-care staff’s ability to create more culturally safe health-care settings. The ultimate goal is to improve health outcomes for First Nations and Aboriginal people.

Cultural safety training for health-care staff has been identified and supported as a priority by Island Health. This in-person workshop was developed to follow the online “For the Next Seven Generations—For Our Children” workshop. 

Find out more here!

Health Screening at the All-Native Basketball Tournament in Prince Rupert was a huge success thanks to many volunteers and our partners at Northern Health. Nearly 500 visited the Raven Room and a total of 140 individuals were screened. 

“It was like going to someone’s house for a visit,” said one Elder. 

We also wanted to extend a congratulations to Gitga'at CHR Bobby Robinson on his wellness journey and losing over 90 lbs! Bobby shared that eating more vegetables is a big part of his new wellness habits and being in better physical shape is something he is proud of and committed to. Congrats, Bobby!

Please join Dr. Evan Adams, FNHA Chief Medical Officer for an exploration of cultural humility and what it means for how we teach and learn. With humour and wisdom, Dr. Adams will offer insights into the journey of cultural humility and how this ongoing process of learning and reflecting can strengthen relationships and improve outcomes.

Participants are welcomed and encouraged to engage in this interactive session to advance the dialogue on cultural humility and learn from one another’s journeys. This special session is a partnership with UBC Centre for Teaching and Learning Indigenous Initiatives as part of their Classroom Climate Series. 

Tuesday, March 21, 2017
10:00am-12:00pm
Register here!
*Registration is required to participate
 

The Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health has announced their second annual Aboriginal Health Sciences Pre-Admissions Workshop.

This three-day workshop is intended to help prospective students learn about the admissions process at UBC and how-to finance their education.

July 12-14, 2017 at the UBC Vancouver Campus. 
Registration closes May 31.

Click here for more information. 

​General Contractor for Repairs & Renovations to Wuikinuxv Health Station​​
Close Date: March 31, 2017 at 16:00 hours (4:00 PM) PST
More info here. 

Ergonomic Assessment Consultants​
Close Date: March 17, 2017 at 16:00 hours (4:00 PM) PST
More info here.

Environmental Health Officer
Locations(s): Prince Rupert
March 10, 2017 at 4:00pm
Job description

Nurse Manager, Nurs Res Team
Locations(s): Vancouver
March 10, 2017 at 4:00pm
Job description

Intern Student (CMO's Office)
Locations(s): Vancouver Coastal
March 10, 2017 at 4:00PM
Job description

Policy Analyst
Locations(s): West Vancouver
March 17, 2017 at 4:00pm
Job description

Maternal, Child & Family Health Professional Development and Practice Lead
Locations(s): Vancouver
March 17, 2017 at 4:00pm
Job description

Compensation and Benefits Analyst
Locations(s): Vancouver Coastal
March 20, 2017 at 4:00pm
Job description

COHI Program Specialist
Locations(s): Vancouver
Open Ended Posting
Job description

Director, Employee Experience
Locations(s): West Vancouver
March 24, 2017 at 4:00PM
Job description

Community Health Nurse (Multiple)
Locations(s): Multiple
Open Ended Posting
Job description

View more postings on the FNHA website.

Speech and Language Pathologist
Organization: ​Carrier Sekani Family Services
Location(s): Vanderhoof
Deadline: Mar 10, 2017 by 11:55 PM
Job description

Mental Health Clinician
Organization: Carrier Sekani Family Services
Location(s): Burns Lake/Southside
Deadline: Mar 12, 2017 by 11:55 PM
Job description

Dudes Club Program Director
Organization: ​The Dudes Club
Location(s): Vancouver
Job description

Community Health Nurse
Organization: Inter Tribal Health Authority
Location(s): Tseycum First Nation
Job description

Nurse Practitioner
Organization: Interior Health
Location(s): Alexis Creek
Job description

View more postings on the FNHA website.