?Esdilagh Territory - The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) would like to congratulate the ?Esdilagh First Nation on breaking ground on its new health and community centre that took place on January 7. ?Esdilagh is located on the Fraser River 60 km north of Williams Lake in the Tsilhqot'in. The new health and community facility will address the combined health care and community services needs of the Nation.

The new building has a circular lodge entrance, empowering space for making and storing medicines, spiritual space, medical examination room, additional mental health space, and large gathering area. The community lost its band office to fire two years ago.

Read the full release here! 

The First Nations Health Directors Association and First Nations Health Authority invite you to participate in interactive webinars in the next few weeks. Register today!

WEBINAR: Health Services & Accreditation

Are you interested in the safety and quality of your health services? Do you want another reason for your health staff to feel proud about where they work? When serving your community members, do you want to go from “I think we are providing good service?” to “I know we are providing great service!” Then come join our discussion and learn how participating in accreditation and quality improvement efforts can help you achieve the successes you are looking for.

Date: January 28, 2016
Time: 10:00-11:00am
Where: Participate by videoconference or computer webinar
Registration: Email fnhda@fnha.ca to register.  Please include your name, and how you will be connecting.

WEBINAR: FNHA Introduces: First Nations Data Governance Forums

The FNHA invites Health Directors, community health leads and community leadership in BC First Nations communities to a webinar to build dialogue on First Nations Data Governance. In spring of 2016, the FNHA will be supporting data governance conversations to receive direction on the concepts of First Nations Wellness Indicators, Identity Management, and Research Ethics.

Data Governance binds all these concepts, which will enable better planning, policy development and, in the long term, more appropriate programs and service for First Nations communities in BC. 

For more information in advance of the session, read a “First Nations Data Governance Discussion Sheet” here.

Date: February 3, 2016
Time: 10:00-11:00am
Where: Participate by videoconference or computer webinar
Registration: Please click here and enter this password to register. Password: fnha

Quitting smoking can be very challenging, but it CAN be done!

The First Nations Health Authority and QuitNow are offering a new training opportunity in each of the five Regions for front-line care providers. This training is meant to help front-line care providers build the skills and confidence to have difficult conversations with people about quitting smoking or chewing tobacco.

Front-line care providers will learn about all the resources available to them and the resources available to support their community members. 

​North: February 2
Interior: February 4
Vancouver Coastal: February 17
Fraser Salish: February 23
Vancouver Island: March 31

Find all the details and how to sign up on our website here! 

The First Nations Health Council just released their 2015 Year in Review.

"As we begin a new year, the First Nations Health Council wanted to provide an update to First Nations leadership in BC on our work to make progress on the social determinants of health. With the beginning of 2016, it is an opportune time to pause and reflect on where we have been, what we have achieved, and where we seek to move next.

This past year has been full of change. We appreciate the advice and guidance First Nations leadership has provided us in our discussions on the social determinants of health. We are optimistic with the opportunities in front us and mindful of the need to engage our leadership as we take the next steps in developing a ten-year strategy on the social determinants of health."

Read the full Year in Review here! 

The Province of BC and the Aboriginal Sport Recreation and Physical Activity Partners Council (Partners Council) have collaborated to establish a new awards program to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Aboriginal youth athletes throughout the province.

Youth athletes (under 25 years of age) currently training and competing in performance sport are invited to apply for one of 12 Premier’s Awards (six male and six female), which will be awarded annually.

Recipients will be honoured at a formal ceremony conducted at the 2016 Gathering Our Voices Aboriginal Youth Conference in Victoria on March 21, 2016.  Recipients will also receive an invitation to attend a special Aboriginal Youth Sport Leadership Forum that is held annually during Gathering Our Voices.

Find out more here! 

The College of Pharmacists of BC is asking for your thoughts on pharmacy care in BC to help shape the future direction of the College. Your input will be used to help to develop the College’s next strategic plan. This is a great opportunity for you to share how important it is that First Nations individuals receive culturally appropriate care at the pharmacy.

The College is using Thoughtexchange, an online engagement tool, to capture thoughts on where the College should focus its next efforts. By participating, you have a voice in improving customer-owner experiences at pharmacies. The more people that participate, the stronger our First Nations voice becomes. Sharing your ideas only takes 5 - 10 minutes.

Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute your ideas. The Thoughtexchange will be open for idea sharing from January 8-21, 2016.

To get started visit this link. 

CATIE is Canada’s source for up-to-date, unbiased information about HIV and hepatitis C. They connect people living with HIV or hepatitis C, at-risk communities, healthcare providers and community organizations with the knowledge, resources and expertise to reduce transmission and improve quality of life.

The CATIE Ordering Centre provides resources free-of-charge to AIDS service organizations, healthcare providers and other frontline service providers across Canada.

Find Resources on: Sexual Health, Harm Reduction, Transmission, Testing and Diagnosis, Prevention Technologies, Treatment, Living with HIV and/or Hep C, Social and Legal Issues, and more. 

Visit CATIE online here.

Find their Ordering Centre here. 

The National Indian Brotherhood Trust Fund (NIB Trust Fund) has extended the deadline for applications for education programs for groups aimed at healing and reconciliation.

Group applications (available at www.nibtrust.ca) will be accepted until January 29, 2016 at 5 p.m. EST. Individual applications will be available Spring 2016.

Funds are available to First Nation and Métis individuals, governments and organizations.  Preference will be given to applicants who are former Indian residential school students.

Find out more here.

As of Jan. 1, 2016, smokers who want to quit no longer need to call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 to join the British Columbia Smoking Cessation Program. Instead, they can join the program and access free nicotine replacement therapy products just by visiting any community pharmacy in the province.

Find out more here.

If you’re thinking of a career in health care, consider Simon Fraser University's Aboriginal Pre-Health Program. Designed to prepare you for university studies in health sciences, the program offers first-year university courses that integrate health sciences with Indigenous perspectives. 

By successfully completing this two-term program, you'll gain admission to SFU and earn up to 23 university credits that count towards your undergraduate degree.  Your degree can lead to rewarding careers such as nursing, medicine, health education, and public health policy.

Applications for FALL 2016 are now being accepted. Since space is limited, please apply early. For more information, contact us by email at aboriginal_bridge@sfu.ca or by phone at 778-782-7107.

Read a story on recent graduate Sheryl Thompson here!

HELP’s Aboriginal Steering Committee (ASC) currently has vacancies for Aboriginal members. The ASC provides research guidance in contexts relevant to Aboriginal peoples, programs, and policies. The committee is made up of community members of Aboriginal ancestry who share a common interest in the early experiences of Aboriginal children.

The ASC plays a significant role in ensuring that HELP’s research has meaning for, and is consistent with, Aboriginal communities' objectives and intentions.

For more information please visit this link
or email our Aboriginal Community Liaison Coordinator at kimberley.bayer@ubc.ca.

Closing date for applicants: January 29, 2016

PlanH is now requesting expressions of interest from local governments in BC that are leading the way in creating the conditions that enable healthy people and healthy places – in partnership with regional health authorities and other key community stakeholders. There are two streams of support available. 

Grant Applications for Stream One and Stream Two will be accepted up until noon PST on February 29, 2016. Successful applicants will receive notification by March 31st, 2016.

Find out more information here. 

​​​Request for Proposals: Curriculum Writer

Closing Date/Time:​ Submissions must be received before 16:00 hours (4:00 pm) Pacific Time on: January 29, 2016​

Refer to the document for a full list of key dates

Clinical Nurse Specialist, Public Health
Location(s): Vancouver
Deadline: Jan 29, 2016 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Nursing Practice Consultant
Location(s): Vancouver BC
Deadline: Jan 29, 2016 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Senior Business Analyst, eHealth
Organization: First Nations Health Authority
Location(s): Vancouver BC
Deadline: Jan 27, 2016 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Director, Accounting Services
Location(s): West Vancouver, BC
Deadline: Jan 27, 2016 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Procurement Clerk
Location(s): Vancouver
Deadline: Jan 26, 2016 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Senior Specialist, Healthy Children and Youth
Location(s): Vancouver
Deadline: Jan 25, 2016 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Data Collector 
Location(s): All Regions
Deadline: Jan 22, 2016 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Project Manager
Location(s): Bella Bella
Deadline: Jan 22, 2016 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Manager, Community Engagement - Northern Region
Location(s): Northern Region
Deadline: Jan 18, 2016 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Regional Planner - Northern Region
Location(s): Prince George BC
Deadline: Jan 18, 2016 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Community Health Nurse - Health Centre
Location(s): Lytton & Fort St. John
Job description

Community Health Nurse – Nursing Stations
Location(s): Various
Job description

Dental Therapist
Location(s): Various
Job description

Nurse in Charge-Nursing Station
Location(s): Various
Job description

Hub Coordinator - Secwepemc
Organization: Q'wemtsin Health Society
Location(s): Kamloops BC
Deadline: Jan 22, 2016 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Community Health Licensed Practical Nurse
Organization: Kitselas First Nation
Location(s): Terrace BC
Deadline: Jan 19, 2016 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Community Health Registered Nurse
Organization: Kitselas First Nation
Location(s): Terrace BC
Deadline: Jan 19, 2016 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Organization: Kitselas First Nation
Location(s): Terrace BC
Deadline: Jan 19, 2016 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Youth Program Coordinator
Organization: Kitselas First Nation
Location(s): Terrace BC
Deadline: Jan 19, 2016 by 4:00 PM
Job description

Find more job postings on our website here!