By Patricia Vickers, FNHA Director of Mental Wellness - Community Health and Wellness Services

Eight years ago, I experienced one of many, out-of-the-blue awakenings that have come my way since intentionally studying the transformational aspects of ancestral teachings.

I was in my birth town of Prince Rupert, researching the transformative teachings of the Ayaawx - ancestral law, defined as law in the spiritual sense that if one is disrespectful, they will cause suffering - for every action there is a reaction.

Read the full article here! 

The Kwakiutl practiced traditional harvesting and preparation of clams (as their ancestors did) on the shores nearby Fort Rupert under the guidance of their Elders ​for their Winter Wellness Grant. Focusing on Nurturing Spirit, Eating Healthy and Being Active while attracting all ages, the day brought the community together connecting not only to each other but most of all the land. ​

Read the full story here!

The Northern Biobank Initiative Phase 2 is the first biobank of its kind in British Columbia. It will enable Northern BC to better contribute to large-scale provincial and national research by helping to understand the demographic and genetic makeup of different populations throughout the province. Initial areas of focus will likely include colorectal, breast and thyroid cancer with the capability to add other complex diseases.

Read the full release!

Over February and March, First Nations communities gathered in each of the five regions to talk data governance, discussing how data and information can support decision-making in Nation rebuilding and community development.

Speakers such as Gwen Phillips from the First Nations Health Council, the FNHA Heart Health and Wellness Chair, Dr. Jeff Reading, and FNHA Chief Information Officer, Joseph Mendez, discussed how health information better equips communities to carry out community planning and can enable access to better health services across the province.

FNHA received guidance on ethical standards for information gathering, as well as how to measure strengths-based indicators of wellness that are grounded in culture, tradition, and community life.

View slides, handouts, illustrations and more from the regional data governance forums on our website here! 

Dr. Evan Adams, FNHA Chief Medical Officer delivered a Health Talks presentation on how the BC health system can provide better care for all residents. For First Nations people, that means respecting and acknowledging cultures, beliefs, and autonomy.

"Audience members were left speechless by the power of his message."

Watch it now! 

In Quesnel, the Lhtako Dene Nation believes the community that spends time together is healthy together. They did this by hosting an event in their community hall as part of the Winter Wellness grants.

Read it here!

Welcoming First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples on the cancer journey to tell their story.

June 6-7, 2016 Prince George

Travel, accommodation, and meals are provided for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples on the cancer journey, survivors, and an accompanying family member or care-giver. Only 75 registration spots are available - complete your online registration early!

Registration Deadline: May 11, 2016

Register here.

By Fancy C. Poitras, FNHA Senior Policy Analyst

No one really wants to spend a lot of time thinking about dying, nor about the worst case scenario of illnesses or a terrible accident.  Most people, when asked, state they would prefer to die at home, surrounded by loved ones, in relative peace. With that in mind, it’s not surprising to find that many Canadians do not take part in Advance Care Planning.

Read the full story.

The Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society prioritized their youth as a focus for this year’s FNHA Winter Wellness Initiative. The event agenda was designed with a holistic scope of wellness activities in alignment with the FNHA’s four wellness streams: Being Active, Eating Healthy, Nurturing Spirit and Respecting Tobacco.

Read more!

April 29 is the application deadline for 2016 June 21 Day of Wellness event grants! 

This year the FNHA is requesting all successful applicants host their wellness activities on National Aboriginal Day - June 21, 2016 to promote BC First Nations celebrating Wellness in a unified effort on this day! 

Apply here! 

Hip-Hop artist Warren Hooley will host the “guys only” session for UBC’s Youth Learning Circle! Hooley will be live from Langley’s Cineplex Cinema, with a panel of Indigenous guys and 200 male youth, on May 5th, 2016.

The Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health’s UBC Learning Circle  and FNHA are collaborating with the Langley School District’s Aboriginal Program to provide a “guy centered” session. Warren Hooley will guide the audience and panel guests through a lively and interactive experience with Indigenous guys attending school districts across the province. 

Date: May 5th, 2016
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm (PST)
Registration is free - click here!

The New Relationship Trust Foundation has announced their Scholarships and Bursaries for 2016-2017 are now available to First Nations students in BC! FNHA is pleased to contribute to the NRT scholarship and bursary program for students in the health field. 

Find out more here. 

Read recipient stories here! 

Deadline for application submission is June 9, 2016.

Dental Therapist
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SharePoint Developer
Location(s): Vancouver
Deadline: April 22, 2016 at 4:00pm
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COHI Program Specialist 
Location(s): TBD
Deadline: April 22, 2016 at 4:00pm
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Pandemic/Emergency Nurse Coordinator
Location(s): Vancouver
Deadline: April 22, 2016 at 4:00pm
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Legal Counsel
Location(s): Vancouver
Deadline: April 25, 2016 at 4:00pm
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Data Collector (Multiple)
Location(s): Lytton & Fort St. John
Deadline: May 2, 2016 at 4:00 pm
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eHealth Project Manager
Location(s): Vancouver
Deadline: May 3, 2016 at 4:00pm
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Manager, Business Analysis
Location(s): Vancouver
Deadline: May 5, 2016 at 3:00pm
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Advisor, FNHC/FNHDA Shared Secretariat (2 positions)
Location(s): Vancouver
Deadline: May 5, 2016 at 4:00 pm
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Policy Analyst
Location(s): Vancouver
Deadline: May 6, 2016 at 4:00pm
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Manager, First Nations Health Research
Location(s): Vancouver
Deadline: May 6, 2016 at 4:00pm
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Medical Office Assistant
Organization: Musqueam Indian Band
Location(s): Vancouver, BC
Deadline: Apr 22, 2016 by 4:00 PM
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Family Outreach Worker
Organization: Musqueam Indian Band
Location(s): Vancouver, BC
Deadline: Apr 29, 2016 by 4:00 PM
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Aboriginal Health Manager & Office Supervisor
Organization: Vancouver Coastal Health
Location(s): Vancouver BC
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Home & Community Care Nurse
Organization: Canim Lake Band
Location(s): Canim Lake BC
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Community Health Registered Nurse
Organization: Kitselas First Nation
Location(s): Terrace
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