News Updates
April 18th, 2024 |
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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.
In today's edition you will find:
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We welcome Tim Ordish to the FNHA Vancouver Island Team as the Regional Human Resources Generalist |
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Tim started his journey at FNHA in 2018, as an HR co-op, then returned to FNHA in 2021 as a Recruitment Coordinator, and has been working as a Recruiter since July 2022.
With a strong background in human resources and a passion for working with people, he is dedicated to continuous learning and driving organizational success.
Outside of work, Tim finds inspiration in his two-year-old son and loves every second they spend together. Travelling is another passion that broadens his perspectives and nurtures his adaptability and open-mindedness.
FNHA Contact: Tim.Ordish@fnha.ca
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Welcome to Cassandra George as the new Regional Partnerships Coordinator with the FNHA Vancouver Island Team |
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‘Uy' skweyul,
My hwulmuhw sne is Hulintunaat and my english name is Cassandra George, and I am Nuuchahnulth, Coast Salish, and Blackfoot. I am a member of the Cowichan Tribes and have ties to the Siksika and Ahousaht First Nation. I am reaching out to you today to introduce myself as the new Regional Partnerships Coordinator for the Vancouver Island Region at the First Nations Health Authority. Over the past eleven years, I have worked in various departments for non-profit organizations, including public administration, program coordination, climate adaptation, and emergency recovery. In this new role, I hope to provide meaningful support to the organization by developing strategic partnerships within the Vancouver Island region. I am excited to embark on this new journey and look forward to connecting with the community, NGO’s, and existing partners to help improve health outcomes for Indigenous peoples.
Huy tseep q'u (Thank you all)
FNHA Contact: Cassandra.George@fnha.ca
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3rd Annual Indigenous Nurses Day |
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Today, on National Indigenous Nurses Day, we acknowledge the wonderful nurses of our FNHA Vancouver Island Family. FNHA is a health and wellness partner to all 203 First Nations across the province, 50 of which are part of the Vancouver Island Region. We acknowledge the dedication and commitment you have as you support our First Nations communities in ways that honor First Nations philosophies, perspectives and ways of being. Each of you hold an instrumental role in supporting the community-based nursing programs, and providing leadership to nursing engagement activities between the regional team, communities, and health system partners for community primary care needs and nursing services.
On this third annual Indigenous Nurses Day, we thank you for the continued leadership you provide in advancing our efforts to achieve our vision of healthy, vibrant and self-determining BC First Nations children, families and communities.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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FNHA expresses gratitude to Karen Larson, Manager of Environmental Public Health Services ahead of her retirement
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Karen Larson, Manager Environmental Public Health Services will be retiring at the end of May. Her last day in office will be today, March 28, 2024. Karen has worked on Vancouver Island serving First Nations communities for the last 20 years and has over 45 years accumulated time working in the Environmental Health field (including work with FNHA, Natural Resources Canada, Indigenous Services Canada, Health Canada, Interior Health and Alberta Health). As Karen moves toward retirement, Melissa Joe will step into the Acting Manager Role effective April 3, 2024. |
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Updates to Mental Health Counselling Programs
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The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) works closely with funding partners and community to carefully evaluate the sustainability and cultural safety of First Nations Health B enefits and Services (FNHBS) programs for Clients. As a result of this review, there have been several updates to the Mental Health programs and services, effective April 15, 2024.
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Medical Transportation Benefit updates |
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Thanks to the feedback received from community through the Medical Transportation (MT) Transformation Project, we have gained greater insight into our Clients' needs. In response, First Nations Health Benefits and Services (FNHBS) continues to implement community informed changes to enhance the MT program. The following changes will be effective April 1, 2024.
Updates to escort coverage:
FNHBS recognizes the unique challenges that some Clients experience when accessing medical services. In response, we have updated and expanded our escort coverage policy to better support those in need.
FNHA Contact: Dianna.Smith@fnha.ca
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The VI Regional team attends Gathering Our Voices 2024 |
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The First Nations Health Authority attended this year’s Gathering Our Voices event from March 19-22nd at the Victoria Conference Centre! Thanks to the organizers for all your hard work to make this event a success!
The FNHA had four tables, where we had the opportunity to engage with our youth and offer meaningful discussions on empowering our future leaders with career opportunities, health resources, and valuable information to take back to their communities.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Tla-o-qui-aht community invites the FNHA VI Region to attend their Health Fair |
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In partnership with the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation community, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) had the opportunity to participate in their Health Fair at the Tin-Wis Hotel in Tofino, B.C. Our presence at the health fair aimed to share health and wellness information, and there was also a daily prize draw and lots of great discussions with the members who passed by our FNHA booths.
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The highlight of the event was hearing from the youth who spoke to a Warriors program where Nuu-Chah-Nulth youth come together to plan, lead and participate in land-based activities, courses and training gatherings. After dinner, the community came together to share an evening of culture. Traditional, healthy and strong Tlaoquiaht culture filled the room as children, women and youth danced while the men drummed and sang for the community.
Our gratitude extends to the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation for their hospitality and the opportunity to collaborate towards healthier, stronger futures.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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- Virtual Mental Health Nurse, FNVSUPS (All BC)
- Director, Regional Health Emergency Management (Vancouver Island, BC)
- Administrative Assistant, (Quinsam, Campbell River, BC)
- Data Collector, Regional Health Survey (All BC)
- Director, Regional Health Emergency Management (Vancouver Island, BC)
- Family Practitioner/General Practitioner (GP) – Service Contract, Virtual Doctor of the Day, (All BC)
- First Nations Student Program (All BC)
- Medical Director, FNPCI and Clinical Operations and Partnerships (All BC)
- Medical Director, Virtual Services and Special Projects (All BC)
- Psychiatrist - Service Contract, Virtual Substance Use and Psychiatry Service (All BC)
- Senior Evaluation Analyst (All BC)
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First Nations Health Authority
Regional Contacts |
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Vice President, Vancouver Island
Regional Executive Director, Engagement
Sr. Director, Regional Community Health and Wellness
Director, Regional Health Emergency Management
Manager, Regional Operations
Manager, Governance and Engagement:
Community Engagement Coordinators:
- Coast Salish:
- Nuu-chah-nulth:
- Kwakwaka'wakw:
Urban and Away from Home Coordinator
Regional Partnerships 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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Acting Regional Manager EPHS
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Regional Director, Health Emergency Management
Regional Manager, Health Emergency Management
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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:
Primary Care Project Manager:
Traditional Wellness Specialist:
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Island Health Authority Contacts |
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A/South Island Director, Indigenous Health
Central Island Director, Indigenous Health
North Island Director, Indigenous Health
Cultural Safety & Humility Director, Indigenous Health
Medical Director, Indigenous Health
Partnerships, Strategy & Engagement Director, Indigenous Health
Medical Health Offices, Indigenous Health
Indigenous Health Managers
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Oral health is important for your wholistic health! |
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April is Oral Health Month and an opportunity to promote the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. The FNHA's Health Benefits and Services offers comprehensive dental benefits for First Nations clients which will support in maintaining good oral health for you and your family.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Colleen Erickson retires as Board Chair |
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After serving 10 years as Board Chair for the FNHA, Colleen Erickson has announced her retirement. Colleen was appointed to the FNHA Board in 2014 and became Chair in 2018. She was a tireless leader, guiding the organization with grace and resilience. Former Vice-Chair Dr. Sheila Blackstock was appointed to the role of Chair on April 1, 2024.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Summary Service Plan: Paddling Together |
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The FNHA's 2024/2025 Summary Service Plan, called Paddling Together, is now available online. The document outlines the FNHA's operational plan for the next fiscal year. You can read about FNHA's goals, outcome statements, objectives, and strategies, as well as operational priorities.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Food is Medicine for life |
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Another March has come and gone meaning the FNHA's Food is Medicine campaign has come to an end. Learning about traditional foods and connecting to the lands that nourish us is a lifelong journey — read a joint message from Dr. Nel Wieman and Richard Jock as they encourage you to continue exploring traditional foods.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Demystifying Concurrent Disorders Webinar Series |
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A virtual education series created by patients and families, for patients and families, to help us understand concurrent disorders better.
The Demystifying Concurrent Disorders Webinar series is a quarterly education series to help patients and families better understand topics relating to mental health and substance use issues, or concurrent disorders. Participants will learn about things like trauma-informed practice, the Mental Health Act, the forensics system, medications and more.
Click on the link below to watch previous webinars.
Upcoming Webinar: Summer 2024, more information to come!
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Vancouver Island to be home to the first Indigenous youth detox center
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Indigenous youth on Vancouver Island struggling with drug addiction will soon benefit from a first-of-its-kind treatment centre that will offer culturally relevant detox and treatment services.
The Orca Lelum Youth Wellness Centre in Lantzville will be the first in the province to offer detox services, specifically for Indigenous youth. First Nations people in B.C. are almost six times more likely to die from illicit-drug poisoning than other people in the province. Access to culturally appropriate, Indigenous-led, mental-health and addictions treatment is something Indigenous people have been asking for, as a way to combat increased rates of relapse, overdoses and other related harms.
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Community Investment Grants
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We are now accepting applications for our 2024-2025 Community Investment Grants. This year, the UWBC Community Investment Grant is aimed towards Child and Youth Mental Health programs and projects (existing or new) for ages birth – 29 years, that promote adaptability, resiliency, communication skills, emotional regulation, problem-solving, intergenerational teachings, culture expressions, identity, a sense of belonging, life skills and prosocial behaviour.
The grant application is at United Way British Columbia Grants & Funding (uwbc.ca) (scroll down to Centraland North Vancouver Island).
The closing date for this year's CIG is April 10th at 4:00 PM
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Service Link phone line makes an impact in first year
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Service Link was implemented alongside the decriminalization of people who use drugs in B.C. This new resource line supports a public health approach and the goal of directing people who use drugs towards health and social supports. Service Link is one part of a larger strategy to reduce stigma of those who use substances, reduce injury and death from the unregulated drug supply and increase access to care and treatment for people who want support.
The Service Link number is 1-888-885-8824. This phone line is answered by an addictions and recovery worker daily 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If a call is not answered, callers may leave a message and will be contacted later that day or the next day. If someone is unable to get through the same day, HealthLinkBC 8-1-1 is available 24/7.
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Disaster Risk Reduction - Climate Adaptation
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Enhanced drug-checking service now in Port Hardy
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People who use unregulated substances in the Port Hardy area now have access to free local drug-checking services to help reduce unregulated toxic drug poisonings and save lives. A new Fourier-Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectrometer is now in place at the Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) office in Port Hardy to check substances for contaminants, so that people are aware of what is in their drugs. During business hours people receive results within 20 minutes. After business hours, people can drop off samples via a secure mail slot and receive results the next business day via an anonymous online portal.
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