This two-day trainer offers folks a framework for addressing the epidemic of suicidality in Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw communities through an Indigenous social justice lens. We see suicidality as a normal human response to carrying the burdens of attempted and ongoing colonial genocide. We aim to equip participants with the tools, knowledge and confidence to bring this work to life in their communities. Folks will learn how to create safe containers for this work. The workshop will provide a tool kit to support the community in resisting the spirit of suicide and self-harm through utilizing the land, Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw Culture, our breath and bodies as tools for wellness and self-regulation. 

This training is open to folks with Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw Ancestry who are working with youth and have support to bring this framework  to life in their current role / organization. We are also training a Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw suicide Prevention team that can go into community when the need has been identified. That team will consist of a Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher, Facilitator, Kwakwala Language Teacher and Elder.

FNHA Contact: Marilyn.Morash@fnha.ca

 FNHA has recognized Danielle Froude as one of the top water monitors in the Vancouver Island Region and the Environmental Health team has provided her with a gift! 

Danielle Froude for all her hard work in monitoring the water for Snuneymuxw First Nation!  She goes above and beyond on a weekly basis with due care and attention, congratulations Danielle.

FNHA Contact: Melissa.Joe@fnha.ca

As we approach the winter season, it's important to stay ready for challenging weather conditions, not just for your own safety but for everyone around you.

Driving safely:

1. Plan your route - Plan your route and check the weather and road conditions on the DriveBC website.
2. Ensure parking safety - Ensure that you are aware of hazards of where your vehicle is parked and take measures to protect yourself. The ground might be slippery and icy so wear appropriate footwear. The parking lot may be isolated so ensure you are aware of your surroundings and follow working alone procedures.
3. Maintain vehicle servicing - Maintain regular servicing and inspection of your vehicle (including brakes, tires, fluid levels etc.).
4. Clear your field of vision - Remove ice, snow and frost from your windshield and windows and brush off excess snow from other key surfaces such as your roof, mirrors and tail lights. Streaky and dull wiper blades should be replaced in the spring and fall and will improve vision through your windshield.
5. Fuel up - Ensure you have sufficient gas in case you encounter delays or need to take a detour route. Fill up your gas tank ahead of the trip and keep it full. When the tank gets half-empty, fill it up.
6. Check electric vehicle range - If you drive an electric vehicle, ensure that it has enough range for unplanned events as the cold affects the range of the vehicle.
7. Warm up your car - Warm up the vehicle's engine and clear the windows of snow, ice and condensation, your air-conditioning can assist with clearing condensation from the windows. Ensure you also clear your roof and hood of snow as well.
8. Give yourself extra time and distance - Go slow to ensure you can stop on slippery roads, even with winter tires your vehicles stopping distance increases by 3-5 times in severe weather conditions.
9. Match your speed to the road and weather conditions - Avoid passing another vehicle when weather and road conditions are bad.
10. Prepare for longer trips - Pack non-perishable food, bottled water, blankets, a flashlight, fully charged cellphone, cellphone charger, first-aid kit, a small shovel, jumper cables, extra jacket, boots, gloves, and your prescription drugs.

FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca

Travellers are alerted that they may have been exposed to measles if they travelled through the Vancouver International Airport on November 23. More information about the flights, terminals, and gates where the ill passenger travelled through are at the link below. Measles is a highly infectious disease transmitted by airborne spread. 

Learn more here.

FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca

A confidential and voluntary self-identification process for patients and residents who identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit.

Island Health is committed to improving access to care, and providing culturally safe services to all Indigenous Peoples living on Vancouver Island and other regions we serve.

One way we are working to improve services is by asking every person who registers at Island Health if they wish to self-identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit. If you have Indigenous ancestry, you may self-identify. This is based on how you define your identity. You do not need to provide proof.

For more details, click here.

FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca