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The First Nations Health Authority 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.
Harmful phytoplankton and climate change threaten seafood safety for First Nations
For many people, summer is a time of harvesting the many varieties of shellfish from the ocean. Setting crab and prawn traps in fine weather or digging clams when the tides are low. This June, We all Take Care of the Harvest (WATCH) phytoplankton specialist Jay Pudota joined the Tla'amin Guardians for their first WATCH training day in the field. What they found was an alarmingly high concentration of Alexandrium cells, a harmful algae that can sicken and even kill.
Watershed Groups Start Using Rapid Test Kits to Monitor Cyanobacteria
New water-testing kits will make information about cyanobacteria toxins, also known as toxic blue-green algae, more readily available to members of the public. Watershed groups are using the kits to monitor for potentially toxic cyanobacteria. Kits can get results about a specific area of water in about 40 minutes.
First Nations Leading Climate-Change Readiness with Support From ICHAP
The impacts of climate change are more evident than ever this year. First Nations in BC are taking direct action to understand and address these changes occurring in their territories, including the impacts on wholistic health and wellness. Additionally, the FNHA recently called for new Expressions of Interest from communities looking to undertake climate-health action projects starting in 2024.
Natural Resources Canada Climate Change Adaptation Program
Natural Resources Canada's Climate Change Adaptation Program (2022–2027) supports the goals of Canada's National Adaptation Strategy and helps position Canada’s regions and sectors to undertake approaches and actions that will enable them to adapt to a changing climate.
I·SPARC Food Systems Program Grants Available
The Food Systems Program aims to support Indigenous communities in reaching their food security and food sovereignty goals through grants, networking, education, and capacity-building supports. Grant intake is currently OPEN, with an extended deadline of Sept. 15 2023. To learn more about the program, and to find the online application follow the link below.
New Relationship Trust Food Security & Sovereignty Grant
The Indigenous Food Security & Sovereignty Grant provides non-repayable funding contributions to First Nation communities, Indigenous organizations, businesses, and entrepreneurs in British Columbia. Funding aims to support the development, expansion, or strengthening of Indigenous food systems and innovation with the goal of enhancing sustainability and growth of the Indigenous agriculture and food sovereignty.
Women in Water Webinar Series
Today's water sector workforce is becoming increasingly diverse, with more organizations actively seeking to attract and retain women to a variety of challenging careers. On Sept. 28, this webinar will focus on the journey of three women who are making critical contributions through both operator, engineer and scientific positions. Speakers will provide a broad overview of their current jobs and address some of the challenges and opportunities they see for women wishing to make water a truly exceptional career.
Environmental Operators Certification Program (EOCP) Hybrid Conference
This September, EOCP is hosting a hybrid conference for people to attend both in-person and virtually. EOCP 2023 provides learning opportunities for water and wastewater sector professionals on innovative solutions and new insights to foster the prudent management of water and wastewater in BC and the Yukon. The conference includes two full days of industry experts presenting in three streams so that you can pick and choose the sessions you want to attend: Water, Wastewater, Leadership.
Thompson-Nicola Region 2023 Wetlands Institute Workshop
The BC Wildlife Federation's Wetlands Insitute, a 7-day environmental stewardship workshop, is coming to Clearwater, Barriere, and Kamloops this September. This course is free for those with projects related to wetlands or watersheds.
BC Hydro Indigenous Communities Conservation Program
BC Hydro’s Indigenous Communities Conservation Program (ICCP) includes two program offers to help improve the energy efficiency of homes in Indigenous communities. The ICCP is designed for Indigenous communities that are coordinating home energy upgrades in multiple homes for their community members.
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.
