News Updates
February 13th, 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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The FNHA Welcomes Rosie Holmes as Sr. Planner for Vancouver Island Region |
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I am pleased to announce the appointment of Rosie Holmes as Sr. Planner for Vancouver Island Region. This role will provide leadership to the Regions development, analysis communication, implementation, evaluation and reporting of FNHA’s strategic operational, community and regional planning work.
In this role Rosie will work within a Quality Framework to provide strategic and operational leadership to the updating of regional plans ensuring alignment with the Multi Year Health Plan, including the development of reports, presentations and plans. Rosie will work in coordination with the centralized evaluation and planning teams.
Rosie Holmes comes from the Underwood family in Tsawout and the Planes family in T’Sou-ke. She currently resides in T’Sou-ke and is the proud mom of a beautiful 18.5 year old girl named Eva. Rosie has two older sisters and a younger brother. She most recently worked in the wonderful small but mighty team of Community Development as the Senior Specialist for the past 2.5 years. She has spent the past 2.5 years in a Provincial role supporting communities in Community Health and Wellness Planning. Rosie is thankful for the opportunity to deepen her planning experience as the new Senior Planner for the Vancouver Island Region.
Rosie enjoys baking, making soap, hot yoga, biking, family time & snowboarding. She holds a Master’s degree in Leadership with a specialization in Health & has spent many years working in community, non-profit and also with the Doctors of BC. Rosie looks forward to continuing to build relationships with communities across the region. |
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The FNHA Welcomes Brin (Tth’imithiye’) Wylie as the Coast Salish Hub Social Worker for the Mental Health and Wellness Team in the VI Region |
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Uy’skweyul
My name is Brin Wylie, my traditional name is Tth’imithiye’. I am Coast Salish and a member of Stz’uminus First Nation through my maternal side. I live Urban on the unceded traditional territory of the beautiful Snuneymuxw First Nation. I have graduated with my Bachelors in Social Work with an Indigenous Community specialization from the University of Victoria. I previously completed a Diploma in Criminology from Vancouver Island University. My additional trainings include Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls, and Femmes: Gender Based Violence Intervention Support and Emotion Focused Family Therapy.
I have had the privilege of working with Urban and on-Reserve communities throughout my career, starting with my local Friendship Centre, working with Delegated Aboriginal Agency services, and now with the First Nations Health Authority. In my personal time I am typically found outdoors or drinking coffee. I am excited for this opportunity and to connect in the (hopefully near) future!
If you are looking to contact me directly, please email me at brin.wylie@fnha.ca
Huy’ch’q’a
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Watch For The Flu, Especially Around Kids |
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BC has elevated cases of influenza, particularly among children. To prevent serious illness, please get your flu shot, wash your hands, see a health care person if needed, and stay home when you are sick. If you do need to go out and are not feeling well, please wear a mask to prevent the spread. |
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FNHA Mental Health and Wellness Photography
Scavenger Hunt |
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This photography scavenger hunt is themed around nurturing wellness during this winter equinox season. Photos are intended to highlight what wholistic wellness, culture and community look and feel like to you. Photos can be submitted from now until March 1 and you will be entered to win a prize. Read the details at the link. |
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- Administrative Assistant, Mental Health & Wellness (Stz’uminus - Ladysmith, BC)
- Family Practitioner/General Practitioner (GP) – Service Contract, Virtual Doctor of the Day (All BC)
- Family Practitioner/General Practitioner (GP) – Service Contract, Virtual Substance Use and Psychiatry Service (All BC)
- Indigenous Student Program (All BC)
- Mental Health & Wellness Hub, Clinical Counsellor (Stz’uminus - Ladysmith, BC)
- Mental Health & Wellness Outreach, Clinical Counsellor (Vancouver Island, BC)
- Psychiatrist - Service Contract - Virtual Substance Use and Psychiatry Service (All BC)
- Regional Manager, Toxic Drug Response (Vancouver Island, 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, 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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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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You are Strong: Coast Salish Youth Suicide
Prevention Training |
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This two-day training program provides a comprehensive framework for addressing suicidality in Coast Salish communities through an Indigenous social justice lens. Participants will gain tools, knowledge, and confidence to implement this approach, creating safe spaces for the community. Open to individuals with Coast Salish Ancestry working with youth, the training also forms a Coast Salish Suicide Prevention team, comprising a Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher, Facilitator, Hul’q'umi'num/SENĆOŦEN Language Teacher, and an Elder.
For further questions about the training, please call Avis O’Brien at 604.839.8853
To register for the training, please contact, Arlene.Alphonse@fnha.ca
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A message for World Cancer Day |
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The FNHA's Dr. Kelsey Louie is sharing a message for World Cancer Day on Feb. 4. This year's World Cancer Day theme is "Close the Care Gap" and it aligns closely with the FNHA's goal of equitable health care that is culturally safe, free of racism and discrimination and closer to home.
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First Nations harm reduction grants |
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The toxic drug crisis is disproportionately impacting First Nations people in BC. To develop culturally appropriate and innovative programming from the grassroots to address the crisis, applications are now open for grants up to $50,000 for First Nations communities and organizations.
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Cervix self-screening kits now available |
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New cervix self-screening kits are now available. If you are eligible and due for cervix screening, you can order a kit by calling 1-877-702-6566 or visiting screeningbc.ca/cervix. You can also complete self-screening at your community health centre.
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In time for World Cancer Day, the FNHA's Dr. Nel Wieman and Dr. Nadine Caron have a frank and important chat about cancer. They talk about how to support loved ones on their cancer journey, the importance of screening, and what First Nations people should be aware of when it comes to cancer and cancer prevention.
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First Anniversary of Decriminalization |
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Jan. 31 marked the first anniversary of decriminalization for possession of small amounts of illicit substances for personal use. Decriminalization recognizes substance use is a health care issue and not a criminal matter. Decriminalization also reduces fear and stigma, with the goal of treating people who use substances with the humanity, dignity, love, and respect that they deserve.
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11 Week Kwakwaka'wakw Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative |
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In this initiative, suicidalilty is looked at as a natural human response to carrying the burdens of 500+ years of attempted and ongoing colonial genocide. Colonial pathologies are often internalized. By externalizing these traumas, Indigenous people are able centre the resiliency, wisdom, and connection to land and culture that was there prior to contact. That is always there. This anecdote aptly conveys the current repercussions Indigenous people face. In moving away from programming that looks at suicidality as an individual problem, one founded on individualized responsibility versus institutional responsibility, we aim to address Indigenous trauma as a societally collective problem. |
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Declaration Act Engagement Fund (DAEF)
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The Declaration Act Engagement Fund (DAEF) provides multi-year (4 year) non-repayable funding contributions to First Nations to support their capacity to engage with the Province of B.C. on the implementation of the Declaration Act Action Plan and alignment of Provincial laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples both of which must be done in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples in B.C. |
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Upcoming Mobile Breast Screening Gatherings - Vancouver Island Pilot
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BC Cancer and Indigenous Cancer Control are pleased to share the exciting news about an upcoming pilot program they are offering on Vancouver Island. The Mobile Breast Screening Van will offer screening services to the following communities that have not been previously serviced:
- March 11 & 12, 2024 - Pacheedaht First Nation - Port Renfrew
- March 13 & 14, 2024 - Victoria Native Friendship Centre - Victoria
- March 15, 2024 - Beecher Bay First Nation - Sooke
- March 16, 2024 - Malahat Nation - Mill Bay
- March 18 & 19, 2024 - Cowichan Tribes / Ts'ewulhtun Health Centre - Duncan
- March 20, 2024 - K'omoks First Nation - Comox, Courtney
- March 21 & 22, 2024 - Ligwilda'xw Health Society - Campbell River
The intention of the pilot is to increase access to screening by offering culturally safe care in Communities. Declaration Act Engagement Fund (DAEF) provides multi-year (4 year) non-repayable funding contributions to First Nations to support their capacity to engage with the Province of B.C. on the implementation of the Declaration Act Action Plan and alignment of Provincial laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples both of which must be done in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples in B.C. |
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Indigenous Traditional Food Gathering - Save the Date!
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A traditional food gathering hosted by Ahousaht First Nation will be held in Tseshaht on March 21 & 22, 2024!
There will be registration, travel, and accommodation stipends available for Indigenous attendees. This will be a great time to gather and share some local and traditional foods, and well as strategize around food security and sovereignty.
Please stay tuned for updates and mark the date in your calendars!
Registration details to come.
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B.C. patients, caregivers and patient groups can complete a Your Voice survey to share their experiences and opinions about the drugs and devices PharmaCare is considering covering. A survey usually takes 15-20 minutes to complete.
PharmaCare regularly reviews drugs to decide whether to cover them. In making a coverage decision, PharmaCare considers a drug’s safety, how well it works, how much it costs, and how it compares to other, similar drugs. Another consideration is feedback provided by people with experience using the product under review and/or with the condition it would treat.
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The Commission is mandated to support innovative projects and the use of new technologies in Indigenous language education and revitalization, in cooperation with Indigenous governments and other Indigenous governing bodies, Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada and provincial and territorial governments.
The Commission is currently undertaking research to measure and understand the health and vitality of, and the funding allocated to support, Indigenous languages.
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Department of National Defence Indigenous Reconciliation Program - Grants and Contributions
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Do you have an idea to improve how the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces work towards reconciliation with Indigenous communities?
The Indigenous Reconciliation Program provides funding for work that helps build and maintain relationships between Indigenous communities and the Department of National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces (DND/CAF).
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Disaster Risk Reduction - Climate Adaptation
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Applications are currently being accepted for this funding program.
Applications opened on January 1, 2024 using our new LGPS Online Application Tool. Please see the Program and Application Guide for further information on requirements and how to submit your application.
For 2024/25 the intake deadlines are scheduled for October 4, 2024 and March 28, 2025.
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Fostering equitable health care practices
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The FNHA's Dr. Nel Wieman spoke last December at the Children’s Healthcare Canada’s 2023 Annual Conference in Vancouver. Along with Dr. JC Cowden and host Dr. Katharine Smart, this podcast provides insights for health care professionals, policymakers and anyone passionate about dismantling health care disparities.
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RISE Grants for Organizations
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Grants have been developed to provide program support for not-for-profit, community-based organizations, clubs, bands, and recreation centres. These organizations will deliver programming targeted to increase participation in sport, recreation and physical activity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Children and Youth in Care (CYIC) who may face many barriers to participation.
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