The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) Environmental Public Health Services e-newsletter is a quarterly compilation of important resources, news items and opportunities related to environmental health for First Nations individuals and communities in British Columbia. If you have been added to this list in error you may unsubscribe at the bottom of this email.

Haida Ancestral Teachings Help Support Local Fisheries Workshops in Skidegate

Food is a central pillar to the values and history of the Haida people. Deep within Haida ancestral teachings is the notion that all food made with love will be tasty and nutritious for those who receive it. Beginning in 2021, the Haida Gwaii community of Skidegate began hosting workshops designed to support and encourage more First Nations participants in local Albacore tuna subsistence fishing. Read the full story about Skidegate's community fishing workshops, Supporting Community Empowerment and Food Security with Local Fisheries Workshops.

North East Native Advancing Society (NENAS) "Our Native Land" Project Storyboard

With support from the FNHA Indigenous Climate Health Action Program, NENAS has been carrying out the "Our Native Land" project, developed to preserve and pass on traditional knowledge about culturally sensitive plants, build climate change resilience through food security, and introduce Indigenous youth and community members to potential careers in environmental sciences, land stewardship and conservation. While phase 2 and 3 of the project are still underway, a living storyboard has been created to share how the work is progressing.

Report Examines the Impacts of the Pandemic and Climate Change on Indigenous Food Sovereignty and Food Security

The past several years have been challenging for Indigenous peoples in BC who have seen the devastating dual effects of the pandemic and a changing climate. In particular, the social consequences to communities adapting to these changes have been severe, despite the resilience these communities have shown in the face of adversity.

Farming for Strong Markets and a Sustainable Future

Research shows that the agriculture sector represents one of the biggest opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through Natural Climate Solutions in Canada. There is no doubt that there are a huge number of environmental benefits in adopting agricultural practices that have ecological benefits, also known as regenerative agriculture. What is less discussed are the many social and economic benefits of transitioning to these regenerative techniques. Investing in these approaches can both support producers and secure sustainability outcomes for businesses, while also protecting the planet.

Tea Creek Growing Food Security for First Nations in BC

Tea Creek has quickly become a leader in the food security world, but despite the energy and excitement, Jacob Beaton says it’s still “fragile,” like a seed that’s just taken root. The program in northern BC has trained hundreds of Indigenous people and fed thousands more, but largely relies on private donations. To thrive, they need more reliable funding.

‘Fire is medicine’: Westbank First Nation Company Utilizes Prescribed Burns to Mitigate Wildfire Risks

As wildfire seasons in British Columbia worsen each year, cikilaxwm (prescribed fire) is gaining more traction as a way to mitigate blazes before they begin, say experts at Westbank First Nation’s forest and resource management company. For the past 10 years, Ntityix Resources has treated more than 300 hectares of land in syilx Okanagan homelands through cultural burns and other wildfire mitigation projects. 

Facing Fire: Building Resiliency to Wildfire

Wildfires are growing in intensity and size every year. Knowing how we got here, and where we are now, lays the groundwork for the innovated solutions to build resiliency to wildfires.

Funding Opportunity: Climate Internships

Does your organization need assistance with its climate-related goals? The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) Climate Internship Program helps organizations in British Columbia reach their climate goals while giving university students in climate-related fields a chance to hone their skills and acquire relevant work experience. Through an annual competitive process, the program offers up to $15,000 to eligible organizations to hire a student to assist with a climate action project in your organization/community. Applications are open until Friday, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m.

Funding Opportunity: Coastal Communities Adaptation Toolkit

The Climate-Resilient Coastal Communities program is providing funding for a new toolkit to improve access to coastal adaptation resources and tools that support informed decision-making and actions in coastal communities across Canada, including remote and Indigenous communities, and those most affected by climate change risks. Applications are open until Friday, Nov. 29 at 5 p.m. EST.

Funding Opportunity: Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) Infectious Disease and Climate Change Fund

PHAC is currently accepting Letters of Intent from interested applicants to address the impact of climate change on human health through their Infectious Disease and Climate Change Fund. If you have any questions or would like to request an application package, please contact PHAC’s Centre for Grants and Contributions by email at cgc.solicitations-csc@phac-aspc.gc.ca. Applications are open until Thursday, Nov. 28, at 3 p.m. EST.

FNHA's Our Community, Our Water Grant

Water is an integral part of life, community and wellbeing. To help protect and celebrate the importance of water, and particularly the drinking water in your community, the First Nations Health Authority, Drinking Water Safety Program invites you to submit a proposal to host an educational community water awareness event or activity. Our Community, Our Water Grant Opportunity (fnha.ca)

Assessing Risk in Groundwater Wells: When should you do Microscopic Particulate Analysis testing?

Microplastic particular analysis (MPA) is a useful test for assessing surface water impact on groundwater wells. Read what FNHA Public Health Engineer, Dave Tamblyn has to share when it comes to MPA, Groundwater Under Direct Influence and Groundwater at Risk of Pathogens. 

Community Emergency Preparedness Fund: Emergency Support Services (ESS) Equipment and Training

The Community Emergency Preparedness funding stream aims to support First Nations (Bands and Treaty Nations) in BC to build local capacity to provide emergency support services through ESS volunteer/responder recruitment, retention, and training and the purchase of emergency support equipment. Applications are open until Friday Jan. 31, 2025 (funding permitting).

Natural Resources Training Group (NRTG) Licensed Environmental Training Programs

NRTG’s Educational Partner Program offers fully licensed training courses designed for ease of instruction, enabling teachers and leaders to deliver industry-relevant, real-world knowledge to students. Courses provide hands-on learning opportunities, preparing students to excel in their careers while contributing to a sustainable future.

For after-hours emergencies, please leave a message for the Environmental Health Officer On-Call at 1-844-666-0711 and/or e-mail ephs.afterhours@fnha.ca. This phone/email is being monitored between 6 am to 10 pm. Calls/emails sent after 10 pm will be responded to the following day.