A message from Grand Chief Doug Kelly, Chair, First Nations Health Council (FNHC) and Dr. Shannon McDonald, Acting Chief Medical Officer, First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)​

Most people in BC are aware that non-medical cannabis will be legalized later this year, and that there has been extensive public engagement, debate and discussion – including with Indigenous people in BC – to reach this point. Until now, cannabis had only been approved for medicinal purposes, for example, to relieve pain.

While the public health rationale for legalization is that overall risks associated with non-medical cannabis use are expected to decrease, there is still a lot we don't know about non-medical cannabis use, including the long-term risks and benefits. As we often hear from our Elders, it's important to go slowly and carefully when we don't know. They also remind us that it's our responsibility to respect and care for the mind and the body the Creator gave to us.

Read the full message here.

(L-R: Jackie Green, Dianne Shanoss and Krystal Jack of Gitanmaax)​​

Northern Regional Caucus was a balance of strong dialogue blended with the good medicine of laughter.

More than 175 participants attended the three-day Northern Regional Caucus from April 9-10 on Lheidli T'enneh Territory in Prince George. Forty-three of 54 Northern communities were represented by Chiefs, Hereditary Chiefs, Chief Councilors and proxies. 

Darlene McIntosh of the Lheidli T'enneh welcomed everyone to the territory and provided the opening prayer, and the Khast'an drummers provided three traditional songs from the territory.

Read the caucus overview here!

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is currently recruiting a Vancouver Island Regional Appointee Board member. The FNHA provides health and wellness programs and services to First Nations province-wide. The nine-member Board collectively works for and makes decisions for the benefit of all BC First Nations, regardless of residence; however, the Board is structured in a manner to make space for regional experience and perspective. The nine-member Board includes five Board members selected from nominations of First Nations in the five Regions (Fraser; Interior; North; Vancouver Coastal; and Vancouver Island); and, four Board members chosen at large.

Qualified First Nations individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Apply by May 11, 2018

Find out more here.

​The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is providing funding to support all First Nations communities in BC that want to organize a Medication Return-it event in their communities.

FNHA is providing $500 grants to communities to help offset the cost of hosting a Med Return-it event. Organizers can also use the funds to host a community meal to bring volunteers and community members together to raise awareness before the "big day." FNHA can also provide promotional items to volunteers, such as water bottles, for event day.

Find out more and download an application here!

(Clockwise from top L: Dr. Nel Wieman, FNHA Senior Medical Officer, Dr. Helena Swinkels, FNHA Acting Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Richard Jock, FNHA Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Brian Emerson, BC Ministry of Health)

Join the dialogue via the UBC Learning Circle on May 24, 2018 at 10-11:30 AM (PST)

The federal government will legalize non-medical cannabis use in the fall of 2018. What impacts may emerge for First Nations families, communities and individuals in British Columbia? What does this mean for issues of problematic substance use in our communities, for public safety, driving, safe access and self-determination of First Nations?

This webinar will cover:

• BC Regulatory landscape for legalization of non-medical cannabis (on and off-reserve)
• Lessons learned on legalization from other jurisdictions
• The short and long-term health impacts of Cannabis
• Reducing Harm – FNHA’s Wellness Model

Find out more and register here.

April 21-28 was National Immunization Awareness Week. NIAW is an annual event held in the last week of April to highlight and recognize the importance of immunization. Canada’s NIAW coincides with Vaccination Week in the Americas and World Immunization Week.

Hear from FNHA Medical Officers on the importance of vaccinations. 

The movie "Indian Horse,” based on the novel by Richard Wagamese, is now showing in theatres. The film deals with the traumas suffered by the main character and others while in residential school. While it is ultimately a story of resilience and survival, many scenes in the movies are disturbing and could act as triggers, prompting feelings of distress for those affected by similar trauma.

Movie-goers should be aware of this potential, and may consider preparing themselves in advance of attending a screening of the film. For example, connect with friends and family who can listen and provide support, or take part in wellness activities that help build emotional and spiritual strength.

Another important support available if you or someone you know is triggered by the content of the movie is the KUU-US crisis line. Operated in partnership with the FNHA, the KUU-US crisis line services all of British Columbia and is available 24 hours a day to help community members through challenging times and connect them with further resources. Crisis line operators listen and provide referrals to both cultural and western support systems and monitor at-risk individuals to help them get through crises, supporting them during their most painful moments.

The 24-hour KUU-US Crisis Line toll free number is 1-800-588-8717.

Representatives of the First Nations Health Authority and the Can-SOLVE CKD Network this week signed a project charter formalizing the organizations’ partnership on a new initiative to improve kidney health in First Nations communities.

The agreement will facilitate collaboration on the British Columbia implementation of Kidney Check, a program that will bring kidney, diabetes, and blood pressure checks and care to rural and remote First Nations communities in five provinces.

Read the news story here!

Registration for Gathering Wisdom IX has now closed. If you have any questions about registration or travel please contact gatheringwisdom@pacegroup.com or visit gathering-wisdom.ca.

Event highlights:

• Keynote Presentation by Terry Cross on Children and Youth Mental Health
• BC First Nations Cancer Care Journeys
• Video Presentation on the Social Determinants of Health
• Role of Leaders in Community Health and Wellness
• Holistic Approaches to Health and Wellness Planning
• The Role of Health, Resilience and Healing in Nation
• Rebuilding
• Tripartite Partnership on Mental Health and Wellness

Gathering Wisdom will also be hosting a Youth Leaders Program with presentations from 10 youth representatives--one male and one female from each region.

Student, Benefit Management
Location: Vancouver
Sunday May 6, 2018 at 4:00pm

Panorama Immunization Nurse Advisor (two Positions)
Location: Vancouver
Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Student, Shared Secretariat
Location: West Vancouver
Friday May 11, 2018 at 4:00pm

Funding Arrangements Developer
Location: West Vancouver
May 11, 2018 at 4:00pm

Administrative Assistant, Mental Health and Wellness (MHW)
Location: Campbell River
Sunday May 13, 2018 at 4:00pm

Specialist, Internal Communications
Location: West Vancouver
Monday, May 14, 2018 at 4:00pm

Event Coordinator
Location: West Vancouver
May 18, 2018 at 4:00pm

Indigenous Primary Care Access Coordinator (Two-Year Term)
Location: Terrace
Open until filled

Find all our job postings on our website here.

Program Director
Organization: Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society
Location(s): Lantzville
Deadline: May 11, 2018 by 11:55 PM
Job description

Mental Wellness Clinician
Organization: Three Corners Health Services Society
Location(s): Williams Lake
Deadline: May 10, 2018 by 11:55 PM
Job description

Community Health Nurse
Organization: Dzawada’enuxw First Nation
Location(s): Kingcome Inlet B.C.
Deadline: May 4, 2018 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Home Care Nurse
Organization: Tles'qox (Toosey Indian Band) Yunesit'in (Stone)
Location(s): Toosey and Stone, BC
Deadline:
Job description