News Updates from the VI Region
November 15th, 2023
Greetings respected Vancouver Island First Nations Leadership;
Welcome to our VI Regional e-newsletter. This newsletter will highlight updates for the Vancouver Island region from the FNHA, Island Health, Government of BC, Government of Canada, alongside many other partners.
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In today's edition you will find:
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Please email Danielle Daigneault at her contact below to register or if you have any questions.
FNHA Contact: Danielle.Daigneault@fnha.ca
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This two-day training offers folks a framework for addressing the epidemic of suicidality in Nuu-Chah-Nulth 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. You will learn how to create safe containers for this work.
The workshop will provide a tool kit to support Nuu-Chah-Nulth Youth in resisting the spirit of suicide and self-harm through utilizing the land, Culture, breath and bodies as
tools for wellness and self-regulation.
This training is open to folks with nuučaan̓uł ancestry who are working with nuučaan̓uł youth and have support to bring this framework into their current role/organization.
To register, please email Arlene Alphonse at the contact email below.
FNHA Contact: Arlene.Alphonse@fnha.ca
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Alexis joined FNHA in August 2018 as a social worker for the Mental Health and Wellness (MHW) Team, working with Coast Salish communities. In 2021, she moved into the role of Regional Mental Health and Wellness Liaison, expanding her scope to serve all three Vancouver Island Family Groups.
Alexis was born and raised on the Traditional and Unceded Territory of the Stz’uminus First Nation and has lived in Ladysmith most of her life, outside of 10 years in the Kootenays on the traditional territories of the Ktunaxa and Okanagan. Her ancestry is Scottish/Norwegian on her father’s side and Scottish on her mother’s side. Alexis has 25 years of community-based social work practice, having worked in non-profits, schools, and the health care field. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Education in Leadership Studies, and is a registered social worker.
For health and wellness, Alexis likes to spend time with her family and out in the forest with her dog, Juno. Being in nature, exercising, cooking, and gardening fills her bucket. She thrives in relationship and three of her favorite words are Love, Collaboration, and Hope. She is grateful to work for the FNHA, honoured to walk alongside communities on Vancouver Island, and strives to be an ally through action.
FNHA Contact: Alexis.Stuart@fnha.ca
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Gilakas’la, myevery day name is Mayanidiy and my English name is Ivy Shaughnessy. I am the second child of George Shaughnessy, Verna Barker and the late Sennen Charleson, from Haxwa’mis, Gwa’yasdams, Metlakatla, Penelakut, Hesquiaht and Ahousat. I have been with FNHA – VI Region for a month as the Regional Operations Manager.
I have worked for First Nations organizations and communities throughout North America in capacity development and language revitalization. When I’m not working, I bead and spend time with teenagers.
I look forward to meeting and working with you.
FNHA Contact: Ivy.Shaughnessy@fnha.ca
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FIRST NATIONS HEALTH AUTHORITY CONTACTS
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FNHA COVID-19 Inquiries
If you have general FNHA COVID-19 questions, please email COVID19@fnha.ca
For any requests relating to COVID-19 please email: COVID19needs@fnha.ca |
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Vice President, Vancouver Island
Regional Executive Director, Engagement
Sr. Director, Regional Community Health and Wellness
Manager, Regional Operations
Manager, Community Engagement
Community Engagement Coordinators
- Coast Salish:
- Nuu-chah-nulth:
- Kwakwaka'wakw:
Urban and Away from Home Coordinator
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Nursing Manager
Community Practice Consultants:
Nurse Navigators:
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Community Relations Representative, Health Benefits
Registered Dental Therapists
- Kim Trottier, Kim.Trottier@fnha.ca (Communities: Stz’uminus, Penelakut, Dzawada’enuxw)
- Janeen Campbell, Janeen.Campbell@fnha.ca (Communities: Cowichan Tribes)
- Melanie Braker, Melanie.Braker@fnha.ca (Communities: Ka;’yu:’k’t’h’/Che;k’tles7et’h’, Mowachaht/Muchalaht, Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ, Ahousaht, Ditidaht, Huu-ay-aht, Hupacasath)
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Regional Manager, Health Emergency Management
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Mental Health, Wellness & Traditional Wellness Support
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Regional Manager, Mental Health and Wellness
Team Lead, Mental Health and Wellness
Quality and Safety Analyst
Senior Advisor Cultural Safety and Humility
Clinical Counsellor
Social Worker
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Regional Manager, Maternal Child and Family Health,
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Regional Manager, Primary Care
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Primary Care Project Manager
Traditional Wellness Specialist
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A/South Island Director, Indigenous Health
Central & North Island Director, Indigenous Health
Cultural Safety & Humility Director, Indigenous Health
Medical Director, Indigenous Health
Partnerships, Strategy & Engagement Director, Indigenous Health
Medical Health Officers, Indigenous Health
Indigenous Health Managers
- South Island, Meghan Corder, Meghan.Corder@islandhealth.ca
- Centre Island, Jennifer Jones, Jennifer.Jones6@islandhealth.ca
- Comox Valley/Stratchona, Michelle McClain, Irene.McClain@islandhealth.ca
- Mount Waddington, Dean Wilson, Dean.Wilson@islandhealth.ca
- Indigenous Health South Island Community Services, Alena Peters, Alena.Peters@islandhealth.ca
- Partnerships & Community Engagement, Trevor Day, Trevor.Day@islandhealth.ca
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West Coast General Hospital’s Newly Expanded Emergency Department is Ready for Patients
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Island Health and the West Coast General Hospital are excited to announce the grand opening of the newly expanded emergency department, a 6.25-million investment that will help relieve the congestion in a busy hospital that sees more than 25,000 patient visits annually. This new Emergency Department will help meet the growing demand for accessibility to acute care on the West Coast and provide Alberni Valley residents with the care and support they need closer to home.
Health partners gathered in front of the hospital to participate in a cedar ribbon cutting to celebrate that the completion of the expanded emergency department is now ready for patients.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Congratulations to Wilson David for receiving the National Operator of the Year Award
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Congratulations to Wilson David, Water Treatment Plant Operator, Opitsaht Slow Sand Filtration Plant, for his “National Operator of the Year” Award at the Indigenous Services Canada Water Operators Conference on October 6, 2023. Wilson is a local Champion for safe drinking water for the Tla-o-qui-aht People. He is the most respectful and humble man I have ever met, and he is always welcoming to the EPHS Team when we visit the community. Karen Larson, Regional Manager, Environmental Health Officer, has known Wilson for almost 20 years - she said Wilson is kind, generous, and 100% committed to serving his community.
Thank you, Wilson David!
FNHA Contact: Karen.Larson@fnha.ca
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BC Shakedown - FNHA Rrepresents
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Drop, cover and hold on! At 10:19 a.m. on Oct. 19, the FNHA staff took a few minutes to participate in the Great British Columbia ShakeOut, an annual and province-wide earthquake drill. The drill is an opportunity to practice the easy to remember “drop, cover and hold on" procedure and think about our emergency preparedness in the event of earthquakes and other natural disasters.
You may only have seconds to protect yourself in an earthquake before strong shaking knocks you down or drops something on you. Practicing helps you be ready to respond.
The statistics surrounding earthquakes in BC underscore the importance of our collective efforts to be ready for seismic events. While the frequency of major earthquakes may be relatively low compared to other natural disasters, the potential impact is immense.
According to the Geological Survey of Canada, BC experiences an average of over 2,000 earthquakes each year, with some reaching magnitudes of 5.0 or higher.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Celebrating Indigenous Disability Awareness Month
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November is Indigenous Disability Awareness Month and the FNHA would like to celebrate the resiliency of First Nations people who are living with a disability. Learn why visibility and accessibility are so important for people who are living with a disability and what they mean in different contexts.
Read more.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Calling all First Nations Youth on the Vancouver Island
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The Vancouver Island Region is calling for local First Nations youth between the ages of 18-29 who are interested in taking steps to become future health care leaders for their community. The Vancouver Island Regional Health Caucus invites you to apply for the Vancouver Island Youth Advisory Council. For more information about the application process, please click the link below.
For more details and learn how to apply, click here.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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UBC Indigenous Speakers Series
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Join Andrew Sniderman and Douglas Sanderson – Amo Binashii, authors of Valley of the Birdtail: An Indian Reserve, A White Town, and the Road to Reconciliation, in a discussion about what it means to be Indigenous in Canada and what reconciliation means for Canadians. This free webinar is on Thursday, Dec. 7 2023 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Register here.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Active Communities Grant Program
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Physical activity is important at every age, and it has been recognized as one of the most effective ways to decrease the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, hypertension, stroke, type-2 diabetes, and several types of cancers. Physical activity can also support positive mental health and well-being as it helps with stress management and fosters social connectedness.
Most of us know that being physically active is important to keep ourselves healthy and to move our bodies regularly, but for some it can be difficult to access affordable and inclusive physical activity opportunities.
We encourage applicants to build cross-sector relationships to improve physical activity in the community through this grant. Applications will be strengthened with collaborative partnerships between the Indigenous government or local government and the regional health authority as well as other community stakeholders such as non-governmental organizations, school districts, businesses, or community groups.
For more information about the application process, please click here.
FNHA Contact: Alexis.Stuart@fnha.ca
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Grants provided through the CFO Grant Program
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The Civil Forfeiture Grant Program provides annual, one-time funding to organizations from across B.C. for the implementation of crime prevention and remediation projects.
This year’s call for applications is open from October 11 to November 22, 2023.
Proposals are now being accepted for Crime Prevention, Indigenous Healing, Restorative Justice, and Gender-based Violence.
Application forms and the Application Guide can be found at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/crime-prevention/community-crime-prevention/grants
Please review the entire application guide, including the FAQ, before applying. The application guide provides an overview of the application process, stream criteria, and key deadlines. The guidelines also contain important parameters for applying, which if not taken into consideration, may adversely affect the success of your proposal.
FNHA Contact: Alexis.Stuart@fnha.ca
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Kwakwaka'wakw Family Trauma Healing Programs available for Registration
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November and December programs available for registration. Open to all Indigenous people who live in the Vancouver Island region. Meals, accommodation and travel reimbursements provided within FNHA Guidelines.
If you need assistance, please email Melissa at intake@lkthealth.com or
call (250) 287-0215.
For more information and how to apply, please click here.
FNHA Contact: Alexis.Stuart@fnha.ca
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The First Nations Well Being Fund supports First Nations in their efforts to promote well being, increase quality of life for all community members (both on and off-reserve) and reduce poverty at the community and/or Nation level.
The First Nations Well Being Fund offers funding to First Nations and Tribal Councils to support projects related to community well being and poverty reduction. Areas of particular focus for funding will include, but are not limited to, food security, social and cultural supports, employment, education and training, families, children and youth, mental health, and transportation.
For more information and to learn how to apply, click here.
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It’s time to give your health a boost! Island Health is encouraging everyone aged six months and older to get their updated COVID-19 and flu immunizations. Like last year, you can get one vaccine or both at the same time. Watch your email or check your texts, depending on how you registered, for an invite from the Get Vaccinated system to book your appointment. Indigenous People are included in the groups most at risk of severe illness and complications should they get the flu, including seniors 65 and older, pregnant people, those with chronic health conditions (e.g., cancer, HIV, hepatitis C, diabetes), and health-care workers.
You can also help protect yourself and those around you from illnesses by:
• Clean your hands often using soap and warm water. Scrub for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand rub
• Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing. Sneeze or cough into your elbow instead of your hands
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The application window for road safety micro-grants is now open. The British Columbia Vision Zero in Road Safety Grant Program, a partnership between the B.C. Government, British Columbia Injury Research and Prevention Unit and health authorities, provides grants to solve a local road safety issue impacting road users like pedestrians, cyclists, or roadside workers. Grants up to $20,000 can be used to make infrastructural improvements to roadways, enact policies or enforcement measures, launch educational campaigns, or carry out other innovative projects that make traveling safer and more equitable.
Eligible applicants include non-profit groups, Indigenous communities/governments, Indigenous friendship centres, school districts, parent advisory councils and road safety advocacy groups.
Last year, for example, the Songhees Nation built new speed, stop and traffic calming signs, including in the Lekwungen language; one project helped residents in Ditidaht, Huu-ay-aht, Tseshaht, Ucluelet, Tla-o-qui-aht, Ahousaht and Kyuquot/Checklesaht First Nations to access drivers testing; and the Uchucklesaht Tribe's traditional village of Ehthlateese installed lighted directional signage run by solar power.
For more information and to apply online, visit www.visionzerobc.ca. The deadline to apply is January 15 at 3 p.m. For questions related to the application process and how to maximize the value of your proposed project idea, please contact the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit at bcinjury@bcchr.ca.
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