News Updates
June 3rd, 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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Chief Pahalicktun honoured for dedication and service during Vancouver Island Regional Caucus |
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The First Nations Health Authority’s (FNHA) Vancouver Island Region took time during regional spring caucus to honour a remarkable leader, whose dedication and commitment has profoundly impacted the lives of many First Nations people in British Columbia.
Chief Pahalicktun (Richard) Thomas from Lyackson Nation, unwaveringly served his people for over 30 years, announced his retirement on May 14 during the regional caucus. In recognition of his invaluable contributions, the FNHA honoured him with a blanketing ceremony. The room was quiet as the Tzinquaw Dancers from Cowichan Tribes began drumming, their thundering voices filling the hallway before they entered the room, with Pahalicktun and his family.
In humble, yet powerful, words, he said, "This isn’t just a job; it’s my duty to help my people, but not just my community, all First Nation communities in BC."
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Pahalicktun’s legacy of service and profound sense of duty will continue to inspire us all. The FNHA’s Vancouver Island regional team extends our deepest gratitude and respect for his tireless efforts and leadership. His spirit of generosity and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of First Nations communities will always be remembered and appreciated.
We raise our hands to you, Pahalicktun, for your many contributions to the care of First Nations people in BC. Your impact is immeasurable, and your legacy will live on in the hearts of all who have had the privilege to know and work with you.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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FNHA Oral Health team wins two awards for excellence |
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Members of FNHA's Oral Health team were recently granted two Circle of Excellence Awards for their exemplary work in providing oral health services to First Nations communities. The First Nations and Inuit Health Branch of Indigenous Services Canada presented the awards to the team at a virtual award ceremony which took place during April's Oral Health Month.
The first award was for Innovation and Creativity in Community Oral Health Services, recognizing members of the Oral Health team who were involved in the planning and implementation of a “hub and spoke" model of service delivery in northern BC. A hub and spoke model arranges service delivery into a network that consists of one or more central locations (the hub) which offers a full array of services, complemented by secondary locations (the spokes) which offer more limited services.
Based on community consultations and direction, the team determined where the hubs would be, hired additional dental hygienists, and contracted a fully operational dental team to visit hub locations on a regular basis. The model transformed the way services are delivered in Gitxsan and Wet'suwet'en territories by establishing two central hub communities, and extending services to an additional six spoke communities.
“The Circle of Excellence Award was very unexpected and much appreciated," said Ramona Den Boer, an FNHA Dental Hygienist and member of the Old Crow First Nation in the Yukon.
“The honour made me reflect on the journey that brought me to this positon with FNHA and how just previous to that I nearly gave up my career in dental hygiene. I am so glad I didn't leave the profession and found my place in the Oral Health team. I have been supported in countless ways by my team and have had such fun participating in bringing care to outlying communities."
The recipients of the award include: Marlene Araujo, Dental Hygienist; Melanie Braker, Dental Therapist; Terry Buhler, Dental Therapist; Ramona Den Boer, Dental Hygienist; Ashley Lessard, Program Lead, Oral Health and Dental Therapy; Evelyn Rivera, Administrative Assistant; Sakshi Sharma, Manager, Oral Health; Kim Trottier, Dental Therapist; and David Zaparinuk, Supervising Dentist, Contractor.
In addition to those named, there were many others on the Oral Health team who contributed to the implementation and success of the new service delivery model.
The second award honoured Carmen George, a community-hired Children's Oral Health Initiative (COHI) Program Aide, and member of the Penelakut First Nation. Carmen was awarded the COHI Aide/Dental Workers Circle of Excellence Award for her oral health advocacy and leadership on Penelakut Island. She is known as a pillar of strength, compassion and care for all the work she does serving her community.
Congratulations to the Oral Health team on their exceptional work and well-deserved recognition!
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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The FNHA Vancouver Island team welcomes Erin Lynch as the Community Crisis Response Coordinator, Kwak'waka'wakw Family |
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Hello, I'm reaching out to introduce myself and my new role with FNHA. My name is Erin Lynch, and I recently started as the new Community Crisis Response Coordinator for FNHA in the Kwak'waka'wakw Territories.
I am a mother to three girls, raised on the Island, and now living full-time in Campbell River. My father is Tahltan and Norwegian, and my mother is Welsh and Croatian. My father's name is Brian Mostad, my grandfather is Roy Mostad, and my grandmother is Brenda Day. My mother is Linda Perkovich, and my grandfather and grandmother are Peter Perkovich and Maureen Perkovich, respectively.
I have been working as a front-line support worker/harm reduction worker for the past 12 years, supporting street-entrenched individuals in navigating healthcare while respecting their personal values.
I started at AIDS Vancouver Island in 2012, where I received education on harm reduction, AIDS/HIV, and HEP C, and worked at an Overdose Prevention site. In January 2020, I had the opportunity to start working at Island Health on the ICM Team, which later switched to the SUIT team. This allowed me to work closely with community members and build strong relationships. I believe in providing support without stigma and promoting inclusion without discrimination. I am all about meeting people where they are at.
I am happy to answer any questions you may have for me. If you need any information, support, or help within your Nation, please do not hesitate to reach out, and I will do my best to provide support in any way FNHA can.
I am very much looking forward to meeting with you and getting to know you better in person. However, I understand that everyone is very busy with work and home, so I am also happy to say hello over Zoom or Teams. Please let me know what is easiest for you.
Thank you for taking the time to read this email. Meduh
FNHA Contact: Erin.Lynch@fnha.ca
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FNHA statement on cybersecurity incident
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The FNHA is currently investigating a cybersecurity incident. Please click the link to read more details about this unauthorized activity.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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A new phase for the Social Determinants of Health
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The Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Mental Health and Wellness is transitioning to a new phase with the implementation of the 10-Year Strategy on the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). To coincide with this transition, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) has updated its website with a SDOH webpage.
The 10-Year Strategy on the Social Determinants of Health: A Framework for the Future (the Strategy) was approved by Chiefs and leaders at Gathering Wisdom for a Shared Journey XII. The SDOH are strongly linked to and complement the First Nations Perspective on Health & Wellness and the Strategy will help to inform and influence system change and improvement in a good way.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Engaging BC First Nations Community Leadership: 2024 Evaluations of the FNHA and BC TFA
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Independent consulting from Qatalyst Research Group is conducting evaluations of the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and the BC Tripartite Framework Agreement (BC TFA). Engagement will occur during Spring and Summer 2024. Preliminary Findings to be shared Fall 2024. Evaluation reports to be shared Spring 2025.
Vancouver Island Region Virtual Information and Engagement sessions with First Nations Chiefs, Health Directors and Leads.
June 4th, 2024 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The two hour virtual information and engagement opportunity will include:
- A presentation on the two evaluations
- A presentation on the proposed methodologies including additional engagement opportunities for community leadership and community members
- 90 minute Family-based breakout discussions to gather input to inform the evaluation findings
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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
Regional Manager, Planning and Development
Manager, Community 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
Community Coordinators, Crisis Response
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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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Pharmacy Care Initiative grants now available |
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These community-based grants are intended to help build collaboration between pharmacies and First Nations communities and organizations. First Nations communities and organizations that are engaged in direct health service delivery to First Nations people in BC are eligible to apply for the grant up until Dec. 31, 2024.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Wholistic Care: Bringing care closer to home |
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The FNHA's Wholistic Integrated Continuum of Care (WICC) team has spent the past two years engaging with First Nations and communities around BC to find out what wholistic care means to them. Four themes emerged from engagement with 291 people across 139 First Nations communities.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Culturally supportive housing rooted in land-based harm reduction |
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At the First Nations Health & Wellness Summit, Fran Hunt-Jinnouchie talked about how the Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society team developed the Dual Model of Housing Care. The model incorporates culturally supportive housing, decolonized harm reduction, and land-based healing camps.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Supporting children and their caregivers |
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Over three days, a team from the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health toured several First Nations, visiting sites selected for the LEGO SPIRIT Project. The project will see the U.S.-based Family Spirit program adapted and intergenerational play spaces built across several Indigenous communities.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Do you think about our changing climate? Let us know your thoughts! |
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The FNHA is inviting community staff, leaders, knowledge holders and youth both in-community and away-from-home to join a series of engagement sessions on climate change and health. There is a province-wide focus group on June 12 but you can also submit your thoughts via survey until June 30!
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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New Relationship Trust - Funding Programs |
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Funding programs for First Nations in BC are now available through the New Relationship Trust (NRT). NRT is dedicated to administering and mobilizing a permanent pool of capital to serve and empower First Nations communities in BC and support them in building resilient and thriving communities on their own terms.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Indigenous Active Communities Grants |
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The Indigenous Active Communities Grants provides resources to First Nations, Métis Chartered Communities, and Aboriginal Friendship Centres in British Columbia to create or expand physical activity, sport, and recreation opportunities in their communities.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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2024 PlanH Healthy Community Grants open for application |
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The grants, administered by BC Healthy Communities, are offered across two funding streams: Community Connectedness and Healthy Public Policy. The Community Connectedness funding stream offers grants of up to $5,000 each for projects that foster relationship-building among community members and create long-lasting social networks. The Healthy Public Policy stream offers grants of up to $15,000 each for projects that seek to develop new or amend existing policies to improve the health and well-being of community members.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Medical Office Assistant (MOA) Webinar about the Provincial Attachment System |
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We recognize that Medical Office Assistants are highly effective clinic coordinators and essential to day-to-day operations. MOA scan also play an instrumental role in completing the work in the Provincial Attachment System.
On June 5 from 12-1pm, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with Doctors of BC (DoBC), and Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of BC (NNPBC) will be hosting informative webinars for Medical Office Assistants (MOAs) to provide information on how they can support the completion of Provincial Attachment System (PAS) tasks. Examples include how MOAs can support primary care providers to update patient panels in the Panel Registry, update clinic information in the Clinic and Provider Registry, and support local attachment efforts. Supporting MOAs to complete PAS tasks can streamline PAS use in local clinics.
Please forward information about the webinars (see links below) to the clinics in your community and encourage local MOAs to attend. A flyer about the webinar is attached to share with clinics.
What you will learn:
- Overview and goals for the PAS;
- How MOAs can request endorsement to use the PAS;
- A PAS demo of tasks to complete once they are endorsed including updating clinic registry information, panel capacity and more.
- Opportunities for MOAs to ask questions about using the PAS.
Register for the June 5, 12-1pm session here.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Giving Voice 2024-25 Call for Proposals |
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Funding is available for Indigenous community groups and organizations who want to host or participate in a community-based project that will “Give Voice” to stopping gender-based violence against Indigenous women and girls, as well as assist with community mobilization and implementation.
The Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation created the MACIW in June 2011 to provide advice to the Government of British Columbia on how to improve the quality of life of Indigenous women across BC. Additional information, including the MACIW’s Guiding Principles and the Terms of Reference is available here.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Preventing child poisonings in the home |
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Island Health is raising awareness of poisoning injuries in the home and sharing actions parents and caregivers can take this Safe Kids Week, June 3 to 9. There are many potential poisons in our homes, such as medications, household cleaners, plants, and cannabis products. Most poisonings in children happen just before lunch and before dinner when children are hungry and least supervised.
Pain medication is the number one cause of poisonings in the Island Health region. While less frequent, poisonings involving cannabis can be very serious. Cannabis edibles can have a more toxic effect than other forms as they can be very potent, and when edibles resemble common snacks like brownies and gummy bears, a young child may not be able to tell the difference. Batteries, especially the small disc-shaped button variety, are also to blame for more serious poisonings, causing life-threatening internal chemical burns in as little as two hours.
For more tips and facts, click the link below.
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