My name is Sabrina Williams. I am Quw’utsun on my father’s side and Nuu-chah-nulth on my mother’s side, with maternal ancestral ties to the Kwakwaka'wakw territories. I currently live on the Lands of the Lekwungen People in Victoria, BC. I am also a proud mother of five grown children, my eldest daughter and two sets of twins.

For more than three decades, I’ve had the privilege of working in First Nations communities, focusing on developing culturally relevant land‑based programming, project development and administration, proposal writing, event planning, and trauma‑informed counselling. In 2021, I completed my Master of Social Work in Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency at the University of Toronto, where I deepened my understanding of multigenerational trauma, community health and wellness, leadership, and trauma‑informed organizational practices.

I am deeply passionate about cultural knowledge preservation and the power of Nuts’a’maat Shqwaluwun, working together with one heart, one mind to ensure traditional medicines and wellness practices are carried forward for generations to come. In my role, I support the advancement of health and wellness for Vancouver Island Coast Salish communities by helping to strengthen Nation‑led, community‑driven traditional wellness initiatives. My work is centered on promoting and protecting Traditional Knowledge, medicines, practices, and Indigenous approaches to health and healing.

As FNHA continues to advance the First Nations‑Led Primary Care Initiative (FNPCI), I will be working alongside the Coast Salish Hubs and engaging with health professionals, community partners, Knowledge Holders, and Healers.

Together, we will continue to support the integration of traditional medicines and practices into wholistic health care, while furthering cultural continuity and safeguarding Indigenous wellness practices for future generations.

FNHA Contact: Sabrina.Williams@fnha.ca

2nd Island-wide Aboriginal Head Start On-Reserve Training

Early childhood educators, daycare workers, managers, supervisors, and daycare cooks from across Vancouver Island gathered on Snuneymuxw territory at the Coast Bastion Hotel for the Aboriginal Head Start On-Reserve (AHSOR) Regional Training, an island-wide gathering representing Coast Salish, Kwakwaka’wakw, and Nuu-chah-nulth Nations.

Over two full days, participants came together to strengthen skills, share experiences, and deepen connections that support children and families in the Aboriginal Head Start On-Reserve program. Day one opened with a territorial welcome and prayer from Snuneymuxw Elder Sandra Good, grounding the gathering in respect and gratitude.

Workshops throughout the first day focused on practical and compassionate approaches to early childhood learning and care. Participants explored strategies for supporting children with challenging behaviours, learned how to support families through grief and loss using a trauma-informed lens, strengthened emergency preparedness knowledge, and deepened their understanding of how nutrition supports learning and well-being in the early years. Day one wrapped up with a social evening for participants to relax, enjoy games, crafts, tarot card reading, tasty appetizers and each other’s company.

During her session, early childhood educator Erin Waddell emphasized the foundational role of relationships and self-regulation, reminding participants that “Every human’s greatest need is relationship. Challenging behaviour isn’t a child problem; it’s the human condition.” Her message resonated strongly with educators navigating increasingly complex needs in early learning environments.

The day closed with a joyful performance by the Snuneymuxw Children’s Performance Group, Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh. As women sang and children danced and sang together, the room filled with smiles and warmth, an uplifting reminder of the importance of culture, joy, and community in early childhood spaces.

Day two offered both shared and role-specific learning, with experiential workshops and hands-on activities for daycare workers and cooks. Qwustenuxun (Jared Williams) from Quw’utsun Nation and FNHA’s Jen Cody each made presentations to the daycare cooks, providing information on how Cooking with Culture and inspiring children to move from Picky Eaters to Curious Tasters is possible within their AHSOR programs. As Jen Cody explained, “Fear and anxiety is part of most picky eating and that’s why food play is so powerful! It gets your child interacting with food without completely freaking them out,” highlighting how emotional safety and playful interaction can support children in their relationship with food.

The gathering concluded in circle with the Rhythm of Life Society, where shared drumming and laughter brought participants together in rhythm and connection.

Overall, the training offered meaningful learning, connection, and renewed energy, reinforcing the vital role AHSOR plays in supporting children, families, and communities.

This three‑day program focuses on collective healing through connection to ceremony, land, and culture. It reframes addiction and suicidality as responses to trauma and impacts of colonial violence, and centres harm reduction as an act of resistance. Participants will engage in Kwakwaka’wakw land‑based practices, ancestral language reclamation, and breath and movement work to support wellness, co‑regulation, and community healing.

FNHA respects that there are many approaches to addressing the toxic drug public health emergency in BC, including evidence-based policy adjustments. As a health system partner to the provincial government, we are disappointed that FNHA was not engaged in a decision that will disproportionately impact First Nations people, communities and families. 

FNHA is committed to improving access to the Health Benefits program for First Nations people across the province. Recent updates to the Medical Transportation Benefit and the Medical Supplies and Equipment Benefit are designed to prevent out-of-pocket costs, improve access in rural and remote communities, and support timely service delivery.

Simon Fraser University and FNHA have signed a three year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance shared goals in First Nations health and wellness, education, and research. The MOU formalizes existing partnerships between the two organizations and reinforces their joint commitment to developing programs, policies, research, and services that support the well being of First Nations peoples in BC.

Applications for the second round of funding through the HIV Community Wellness Initiative open on Feb. 2. Eligible communities and organizations can apply for up to $20,000 to support the development of culturally grounded HIV wellness projects that reflect community strengths and priorities.

Join UBC for a virtual Indigenous Speakers Series session on Wednesday, Feb. 18, from noon – 2 PM Dr. Evan Tlesla Adams, member of the Tla’amin Nation and FNHA Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Public Health, will share his journey through storytelling, medicine, and health system transformation, and how these experiences shape his vision for thriving Indigenous futures.

Jan. 30 marked Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kelsey Louie's final day at FNHA after eight years as he moves into a new position with the Doctors of BC. We would like to take this opportunity to raise our hands in gratitude and acknowledge Dr. Kelsey's profound contributions to our organization.

The LEVEL BIPOC Grants Program invests in the leadership capacity of BIPOC-led and BIPOC youth-led and/or youth-engaging organizations operating in B.C. These grants of $150,000 offer flexible, operating funding for three years to registered charities and registered non-profit societies. This funding can be used to cover costs that will contribute to their operational sustainability and adaptability to continue supporting the changing needs of their communities over time. 

These grants aim to close the funding gap by increasing access to funding for organizations serving marginalized communities. By providing multi-year operational grants, these grants aim to support BIPOC-led, BIPOC youth-led, and/or youth-engaged organizations to strengthen and sustain their organizational capacity, allowing them to focus on their programs, services, and impact.

The Age‑friendly Communities (AFC) Program will open its next round of community grant funding on January 19, 2026. These grants support local projects that help seniors in B.C. lead active, independent, and socially connected lives. Delivered in partnership by the Province of British Columbia and BC Healthy Communities, the program encourages communities to create safer, more accessible environments for seniors.

Health Standards Organization (HSO), in partnership with FNHA is developing a new National Standard of Canada for Cultural Safety and Humility and is inviting members of the public to share their feedback before Feb. 27, 2026.

Island Health is expanding access to addiction medicine and substance use care, making it easier for people to connect to local and virtual services. 

Starting January 19, the Access Central phone line, 1-888-885-8824, open daily from 9 a.m. - 7:45 p.m., offers a virtual care team that can help people find the right service that meets their needs.  

People can talk to an addiction medicine doctor and get a personalized treatment plan, which could include bed-based or outpatient withdrawal management, virtual substance use services, and community-based supports.  
Transportation coordination will be available to support people in rural or remote areas, as well as those with lower incomes, in arranging travel to and from services. 

Are you a youth or do you know one who is passionate about harm reduction and reducing harms related to substances? The annual Island Health Youth Harm Reduction Award recognizes young people who have worked on a harm reduction project related to substances ranging from alcohol and nicotine to unregulated drugs. 

Winners receive $1,000 (total) and a framed certificate for each recipient.

Applicants must be under 19 and live in the Island Health region.

Applications will be accepted from March 1 to April 15. 

For more information and registration form, please click the link below.

The Y Mind Youth programs are delivered in person, in Victoria. Online groups are available with enough interest or through our partner sites on Vancouver Island as well as other Y’s across BC.

If stress is impacting your life and preventing you from doing what you want or need to do, this group is for you. Y Mind Youth is a free seven-week program delivered across BC. Y Mind Youth supports people ages 18-30 who are experiencing symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety/stress to learn and practice evidence-based strategies to increase coping. This group is led by trained mental health professionals and gives young adults the chance to connect with others who are experiencing similar thoughts and feelings.

Kackaamin Family Development Centre is hosting a five-day intensive training, The Secret Everybody Knows, facilitated by Jane Middleton-Moz, focused on understanding, and responding to sexual abuse within families and communities.

This training is intended for front-line workers, including justice workers, social workers, clinical counsellors, educators, and leaders. Participants will explore the dynamics of sexual abuse, the impacts on survivors and families, and approaches to healing at the individual, family and community levels. 

Training details: 

• March 9-13, 2026
• 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily
• Tigh-Na-Mara Resort and Conference Centre, Parksville
• Lunch and morning/afternoon snacks provided

• Family Physician - Kwakwaka'wakw Communities (Vancouver Island)
• Family Physician - Nuu-chah-nulth Primary Care Centre (?uuk?inkpanac)
• Mental Health Clinician, Tseycum Clinic (Saanich)
• Nurse Practitioner - Coast Salish FNPCC (Tsartlip)
• Nurse Practitioner - Kwakwaka'wakw (Northern Vancouver Island)
• Community Health & Home Care Nurse (Gilford, Vancouver Island)
• Primary Care Nurse Practice Consultant (Ladysmith/Oyster Bay)
• Clinic Lead, Esquimalt Primary Care Center (Esquimalt- Songhees, T’Sou-Ke and Scia’new)
• Clinic Lead, Maternal Child & Family Health (Kwakiutl, Quatsino and Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations, Port Hardy)
• Community Coordinator, Crisis Response (Tseshaht)
• Director, Family Based Programs and Services, Coast Salish Cultural Family (Vancouver Island)
• Director, Family Based Programs and Services (Nuu-Chah-Nulth Cultural Family)
• Environmental Health Officer (Vancouver Island)
• Regional Executive Director, (Vancouver Island)

• Early Years Outreach Worker - Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (Port Alberni)
• Home Care Nurse - Huli'tun Health Society (Chemainus)