New cannabis regulations came into effect Oct. 17 that will make edibles, beverages, topicals and extracts legal for sale in Canada in mid-December. The FNHA recognizes that many First Nations in BC use a variety of cannabis products for a number of reasons, both medical and non-medical. Harm reduction is central to the FNHA’s approach to the legalization of these additional cannabis products. Read more about the new products and how they can be used and stored safely.

Members of the Nuu-chah-nulth communities gathered on Oct. 11 to celebrate the grand opening of a culturally-safe space inside West Coast General Hospital that is welcoming to Indigenous patients and their families. The All Nations Room is a space where families can gather to share traditional healing practices and ceremonies, such as prayer and ritual cleansing. The space in the hospital in Port Alberni is a result of a partnership between First Nations, the First Nations Health Authority, and Island Health.

Read the Oct. 11 news release.

The peak of the influenza season typically takes place between November and April. The flu shot –  along with good personal hygiene – is the best defense against contracting and spreading the influenza virus. All First Nations and Aboriginal peoples are eligible to receive free flu shots each influenza season. Read more.

Sober-er For October is a wellness challenge sponsored by the FNHA in order to provide an opportunity to look at the role of alcohol in our lives. Read more to find out why we’re calling it “Sober-er” for October; find some tips for having conversations about drinking; and learn about the types of supports we need when we are working to change our drinking habits.

Read more.

With the Sept. 16 transfer of health benefits administration to the Pacific Blue Cross, clients of the FNHA may now create a Member Profile and use it for convenient self-service relating to dental services, vision care, medical supplies and equipment (MS&E), and supplementary drugs not covered under PharmaCare Plan W.

To encourage FNHA clients to sign up for a Member Profile, Pacific Blue Cross is holding a contest for a chance to win one of five prizes of $100 PBC Health Cash. The contest will run until Oct. 21. Read more about the contest and steps for signing up for a Member Profile. Read more.

Traditional food sources and preservation methods are at continued risk from threats as varied as climate change and restrictive regulations. Breaking down the barriers involves ongoing work and partnerships with communities, health partners, and the federal government. In this post for World Food Day 2019, Casey Neathway – Manager of Environmental Public Health Services for the FNHA – describes how the FNHA is forging those relationships in the interest of supporting safe and sustainable food systems.

Read more here.

UBC is now accepting applications for the January 2020 UBC Certificate in Aboriginal Health and Community Administration (AHCAP). This one-year online and residency program was developed in consultation with Indigenous communities. Applications will be accepted until Dec. 6. AHCAP bursary fund applications must be received along with a program application by Nov. 15.

Read more here.

Oct. 25 – FNHA Winter Wellness Grant Application deadline. This year’s theme is: Be My Guest – Youth for Elders.

Nov. 7 – 8 - Symposium on Caring For Older Adults in Rural Canada and Northern BC. Prince George. Hosted by the British Columbia Academic Health Science Network. The FNHA is one of the sponsors.

Nov. 14, 10 a.m. – Indigenous Perspectives on Patient Safety. A webinar sponsored by Patients for Patient Safety Canada. Speakers include Gina Gaspard, a Clinical Nurse Specialist with the FHNA. Resources include Coyote’s Food Medicines, an innovative storytelling project and campaign focused on healthy medication use developed by the FNHA in collaboration with Doctors of BC and the BC provincial government's Shared Care Committee.

Dec. 13 – Registration deadline for Gathering Wisdom for a Shared Journey X – to be held Jan 14 – 16, 2020 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Planner Corporate Office
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: October 21, 2019 at 4:00 PM

Community Health Nurse, Health Center (Fort St John), Full Time Northern
Location: Fort St John
Deadline: October 22 ,2019 at 4 pm

Dental Hygienist, Vanderhoof BC and area (Term)
Location: Vanderhoof BC and area
Deadline: October 23, 2019 at 4pm

Clinical Counsellor, Mental Health and Wellness (Outreach)
Location: Vancouver Island
Deadline: October 24, 2019 at 4:00pm

Communicable Disease Control Nurse Coordinator (Casual) Corporate Office
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: October 24, 2019 at 4:00 pm

Data Entry Support, Panorama
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: October 24, 2019 at 4pm

Manager, CMO Operations
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: Oct 29, 2019 at 4pm

Environmental Health Technician Corporate Office
Location: Vancouver
Deadline: Open Until filled

Find all job postings on our website.

Mental Health and Addictions Services Clinician
Organization: Kwakiutl Health Centre
Location(s): Port Hardy
Job description

Occupational Therapist
Organization: Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre
Location(s): Duncan
Job description

Home & Community Care Nurse
Organization: Canim Lake Band
Location(s): 100 Mile House
Job description

Nurse Practitioner
Organization: Three Corners Health Services Society
Location(s): Soda Creek, Canoe Creek and Williams Lake
Job description