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.

Staying Safe on the Land During Tick Season

As the weather warms and outdoor adventures call, it's important to remember that ticks are becoming increasingly common in BC. Milder winters mean fewer ticks die off during colder months, and earlier springs and longer summers allow them to be active for more of the year. This expanded range and longer active season increase the likelihood of human and pet encounters with ticks. Read the full article to learn how to protect yourself, your family, and pets while enjoying time on the land this season.

Taking Care of Those Who Nourish Us: FNHA’s Annual Canning Champions Event

In February, 23 participants gathered on the unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nation at the University of British Columbia for FNHA’s annual Canning Champions event. Launched in 2018, this event is more than a gathering—it’s a space for learning, sharing, connection, and healing. This year’s event included workshops and discussions on food preservation, climate change impacts on food security, and systemic challenges.

From Then to Now: Community Voices on Food Access and Climate Change in BC

Join The UBC Learning Circle for a webinar on Thursday, May 22, where community members from several remote regions across BC will share personal stories about food access and reflect on how things have changed—or stayed the same—since first contributing to the Food Access and Climate Change Impact Stories Project.

Community Success: Sik-E-Dakh Doubles Vegetable Production

In Sik-E-Dakh, north of Hazelton, an expanded hydroponic vegetable growing operation has doubled the weekly farm yield, supporting approximately 1,200 people with fresh, healthy, locally grown food throughout the year. The hydroponic system uses 90 per cent less water than traditional farming methods, requires significantly less land, produces consistent yields, and has resulted in new employment opportunities.

Funding Opportunity: Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty (IFS) Grant

The IFS Grant, offered by the New Relationship Trust, provides non-repayable funding to BC First Nations, Indigenous organizations, businesses, and entrepreneurs. This grant supports the development, growth, and innovation of Indigenous food systems, agriculture, sustainability, and food sovereignty. The application period for the final year of this program is from May 13 to 20.

United Way Grant to Fund Longhouse for Food Hub and Training Centre at Tea Creek

A $1 million grant from United Way will fund the construction of a new Indigenous-led food hub and training centre at Tea Creek farm in Kitwanga. The new longhouse facility will enable Tea Creek to offer workshops on food sovereignty, preservation and economic empowerment. The centre will also strengthen area food systems by providing food storage and training for communities to establish economic opportunities in entrepreneurship and food production.

Emergency Preparedness: Staying Safe During Wildfires and Extreme Heat

As the weather gets warmer, it’s important to prepare for potential emergency events that may occur such as wildfires and extreme heat. Taking steps to prepare for these emergencies in advance helps protect your health and supports the safety and well-being of your loved ones and community.

Funding Opportunity: Disaster Resilience and Innovation Funding (DRIF) Program

The DRIF program supports First Nations and local governments in British Columbia by funding initiatives that enhance community resilience against natural and climate-driven hazards, such as drought, erosion, extreme temperatures, floods, sea level rise, seismic events, storms, and wildfires. Eligible activities include data collection, building partnerships, long-term planning, and implementing risk-reduction projects. The deadline for submitting an expression of interest is June 27.

Advancing Emergency Management with First Nations Leadership

The negotiation of a new Multilateral Emergency Management Agreement marks a significant milestone, recognizing First Nations as full and equal partners and providing self-determination and control over emergency management services in their communities. Phase I enhancements include funding for 34 new Emergency Management Coordinator positions and structural mitigation projects, co-developing a risk-based funding approach, and improving the emergency response claims process. These achievements lay the foundation for Phase II and Phase III, which will further advance the goal of recognizing full First Nations jurisdiction over emergency management services.

Funding Opportunity: Community to Community (C2C) Program

The C2C Program aims to strengthen relationships and foster cooperative action between First Nations and local governments in British Columbia. It provides funding for forums, agreements, joint plans, and policy reviews that support reconciliation efforts, climate change emergency preparation, mitigation, response, and recovery. This year's intake deadlines are on May 16 and Sept. 5.

The University of British Columbia (UBC) Launches Indigenous-Led Degree in Land Stewardship

A new degree program co-developed by Indigenous leaders and the UBC Faculty of Forestry will provide Indigenous youth with a unique opportunity to learn Indigenous science and land stewardship approaches, preparing the next generation of land protectors to restore ecosystems and take action on climate change. The Bachelor of Indigenous Land Stewardship program will integrate Indigenous science and ways of knowing with courses in ecological sciences, governance, law, economics, and business management.

Relationship Protocol Advances First Nations Climate Solutions

The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) and the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) have entered into a Relationship Protocol to strengthen First Nations climate leadership, advance climate priorities, and generate meaningful benefits for First Nations in BC. Through this protocol, FNLC and PICS will support the implementation of the BC First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan and the Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction by First Nations in BC.

Funding Opportunity: 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 FNHA Drinking Water Safety Program invites you to submit a proposal to host an educational community water awareness event or activity.

A 250-Year Plan is in the Works to Protect Okanagan-Similkameen Watersheds

Early discussions have started about a quarter-millennium-long plan to protect siwɬkw (water) in the Okanagan-Similkameen region’s watersheds. The early steps to creating a 250-year, multigenerational roadmap comes months after syilx Okanagan leaders and local government officials formally pledged to increase their water protection advocacy.

Syilx Ceremony Honours Water on World Water Day

In March, syilx knowledge holder Xwayluxalqs (Tricia Manuel) led a water ceremony along nx̌ʷaqʷaʔstn (Mission Creek) in kiʔláwnaʔ (Kelowna), marking World Water Day. Organized by the Okanagan Nation Alliance, the event gathered community members to reflect on the sacredness of siwɬkʷ (water). Xwayluxalqs emphasizes viewing water not as a resource but as a relation, urging participants to adopt a holistic perspective that considers the health of the entire ecosystem.

Webinar Recording: Introduction to Water Quality Monitoring

With a focus on the importance of water quality monitoring, this recorded presentation by Sylvia Wong of Interior Health provides an introduction for small water systems and the legislative requirements in BC, best practices, as well as operations and management.

Environmental Operators Certificate Program (EOCP) Annual Conference

The EOCP is excited to announce the 2025 Annual Education Sessions and Tradeshow, taking place from September 22 to 24 at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel in Richmond, BC. This year's theme, "Strengthening Operators: Innovating for a Sustainable Future" focuses on empowering professionals in the water and wastewater industry through innovation and collaboration. Early Bird registration is available until June 30.

Funding Opportunity: Community Energy Diesel Reduction (CEDR) Program

The CEDR Program provides non-repayable funding contributions for clean energy initiatives, supporting the early, mid, and late stages of planning and implementation of decarbonization projects. Eligible applicants are First Nations and remote, off-grid communities that rely on diesel fuel for electricity generation and are listed here.

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Rekindles Herring Tradition as Slhawt’ Make a Joyful Return

After years of quiet, the waters of Átl’ḵa7tsem (Howe Sound) are alive again with the silver flash of returning slhawt’ — and with them, the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people are rekindling traditional harvesting and food practices. In turn, these acts are reviving stories, songs, memories — and a way of being that remained dormant for generations.

Funding Opportunity: Guardians and Stewardship Training Initiative (GSTI)

The GSTI provides funding to BC First Nations for training, education, and capacity building in land and resource stewardship. This initiative supports Guardians programs, enhancing local capacity to manage, monitor, protect, and conserve natural resources according to First Nations traditions and values. The next funding stream is due to open in July 2025.

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.