Here’s to the matriarchs, mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, aunties, partners and all women. In this issue of Spirit Magazine, we feature wisdom, words and health tips from a diverse group of contributors from across the province and in all life stages - from youth to career women, mothers to Elders.

The women we were privileged to co-create this issue with shared
their stories with integrity, heart and humour, and we raise our hands to them. In this issue, we feature respected First Nations and Indigenous leaders, such as Melanie Mark, Madeleine Kētēskwew Dion Stout, Mary Teegee, Cheryl Casimer and Evelyn Harney.

Read the full issue here! 

Unceded Coast and Straits Salish Territory (Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia) - The International Journal of Indigenous Health and First Nations Health Authority are pleased to announce the collaborative publication of the Special Thematic Issue "Wellness-Based Health Research and Promising Practices" Volume 11(1).

This special edition focusses on Indigenous wellness-based health research and promising practices in First Nations and other Indigenous communities. The issue features fifteen innovative articles from academic and community-based researchers and practitioners in Indigenous health.

Read the full release online here! 

Did you go to an Aboriginal Day of Wellness event? Send us your pics!

Last week, the FNHA launched a provincial campaign to support the advancement of cultural humility and cultural safety for First Nations and Aboriginal peoples in BC. The #itstartswithme for cultural humility campaign is centered around personal and systemic change for better health services.

This campaign announcement was timed to coincide with June 21 National Aboriginal Day of Wellness and more than 100 wellness-focused, community-organized events in First Nations communities across the province, supported by the FNHA.

Read the full media release around the Cultural Humility campaign launch here!  

Do you have photos from a June 21 Day of Wellness event in your region? Send them to media@fnha.ca or tag us on social media #FNHAWellness! 

Originally published in the Globe and Mail - June 20, 2016.

The loss of a child is a devastating trauma and extremely difficult to articulate in mere words. Four years ago, my little two-month-old niece, Makara, passed away suddenly without warning. This tragedy was only the beginning of a traumatic series of events within a system that is intended to provide care.

Read the full editorial here!

By Patricia Vickers, FNHA Director of Mental Wellness

The difference between thought and action of Indigenous traditional ways and majority ways in government is something I have been thinking about lately while in meetings, listening to discussions and watching interactions as a First Nations Health Authority employee.

I have been taught that if we wait long enough without trying to understand something immediately or drawing premature conclusions, the complete thought will emerge in wholeness and in its entirety. This complete thought or understanding comes from a good place, from the place of calm that a grandparent gives in times of crisis.

Read the full article here! 

The First Nations Health Authority, Island Health, Vancouver Coastal Health and Northern Health would like to remind First Nations harvesters to be aware of shellfish closures during the upcoming shellfish harvest season. Summer is a common period for toxic forms of algae to increase in ocean water as a result of warming water temperatures.

Read more here.

As Canada Post may be in a position to strike as early as July 2, 2016, the FNHA would like to advise clients and partners of potential impacts to operations.

Read more here.

First Nations and Indigenous Elders from across BC will gather on T’exelcemc traditional territory in Williams Lake for the 40th annual BC Elders Gathering July 11-14! The FNHA is a co-presenting sponsor of the Elders Gathering and our staff look forward to the event each year as a way to connect with Elders, their families and supports, and ground their work within community.

Some highlights this year will include keynote speeches by Dr. Evan Adams and Lydia Hwitsum, and screening of the Elders-Youth Video Project - an intergenerational dialogue. The FNHA Engagement Fair will feature panel speakers and an opportunity to connect with FNHA staff on shaping our work in the areas of traditional medicines and end-of-life care. Finally be sure to visit First Nations Health Benefits staff at our FNHA info both! 

Elders are invited to stop by for an annual health check-up at the FNHA's health and wellness screening stations located at the Williams Lake Stampede Grounds July 12-13. This year the FNHA will be offering Carbon Monoxide assessments, Injury & Fall Prevention Assessments, Kidney Screening, Oral Health Screening, and Traditional/Cultural Support.

For more info on the BC Elders Gathering visit us online here! 

Taking place at UNBC in Prince George July 25.

This event is an initiative led by YouthCO HIV and Hep C Society to bring Aboriginal youth together to have discussions about health and gain knowledge to use and share with their peers.

Participants will be involved in a one day forum with a group of 20-30 youth. During the workshop the participants will receive training on HIV, sexual health, and safer sex. At the end of the workshop the participants will have knowledge to bring back and share with their communities and peers.

Find more info here! 

This 2-day workshop is designed to help you learn about the admissions process at UBC, finance your education, give you experience with team based learning, practice the MMI and interviews used in many health science admissions processes, and to get to know the UBC Vancouver campus. Meet the people that are here to support you as you pursue your education.

Learn more here. 

Want to share your work with over 950 attendees who are passionate about improving health care in BC? Submit an abstract for the BC Patient Safety & Quality Council - Quality Forum 2017! .

Now in its 6th year, Quality Forum is an annual event featuring presentations and interactive workshops on a variety of topics related to improving quality across the continuum of care. 

Find out more here. 

Facilities Project Manager
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: July 15, 2016 at 4:00 PM
Job description

Administrative Assistant
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: July 8, 2016 at 4:00 PM
Job description

Staff Writer
Location: Prince George
Deadline: July 1, 2016 at 4:00 PM
Job description

Regional Advisor – Vancouver Island
Location: Nanaimo
Deadline: July 1, 2016 at 4:00 PM
Job description

Regional Planner – Vancouver Island
Location: Nanaimo
Deadline: July 1, 2016 at 4:00 PM
Job description

Data Collector Northern
Location: Multiple Cities
Deadline: July 21, 2016 at 4:00 PM
Job description

Community Health Nurse
Location: Multiple
Deadline: Ongoing
Job description

Nurse in Charge, Nursing Station
Location: Multiple
Deadline: Ongoing
Job description

Aboriginal Justice Facilitator
Organization: Prince Rupert Aboriginal Community Services Society
Location: Prince Rupert BC
Deadline: Open until filled
Job description

Executive Director
Organization: Prince Rupert Aboriginal Community Services Society
Location: Prince Rupert BC
Deadline: Open until filled
Job description

Registered Disability Savings Plan Navigator
Organization: BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society
Location: Victoria BC
Deadline: July 22, 2016 4:00 PM
Job description

Support Worker Transformational Housing
Organization: Aboriginal Mothers Centre Society
Location: Vancouver BC
Deadline: Open until filled
Job description

Community Health Nurse
Organization: Inter Tribal Health Authority
Location: Tseycum First Nation
Deadline: Open until filled
Job description