News Updates
June 9th, 2025 |
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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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Welcoming Jasmine Fred: Our New Co-Op Student Joining the FNHA Vancouver Island Regional Team |
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My name is Jasmine Fred, I come from the Tseshaht First Nation in Port Alberni, and I am super excited to be working for FNHA. I am part of FNHA’s Raising the Canoe Program made for ongoing university Students, I recently completed my first year of post-secondary at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops and plan to return in the fall. I am enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program, majoring in English, as well I hope to take part in Indigenous studies in the future.
I am very passionate about reading and writing, and in my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, or relaxing at home and watching tv. Prior to FNHA, I had a few customer service jobs which taught me very valuable skills such as, teamwork, time-management, and working in stressful environments. I am excited to practice these skills here and help where I can! Over the summer, I will be working with the regional Planning and Development team on a range of projects and initiatives. I will also be spending some time with the Engagement team, and look forward to visiting, supporting, and learning about the many different communities across Vancouver Island.
Email: Jasmine.Fred@fnha.ca
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Welcoming Bridget Taylor: Medical Office Assistant at Hub 1 for the Coast Salish First Nation’s Primary Care Initiative (FNPCI) |
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Hello, my name is Bridget Taylor. I have worked as a Medical Office Assistant (MOA) and Clinic Manager for 17 years in a family practice in Edmonton, Alberta. Our practice was part of a Primary Care Network (PCN) with extensive support, including three Family Physicians, a Dietitian, Registered Nurse, Behavioral Health Consultant, Exercise Therapist, and Psychiatrists.
I began my career as an MOA with no prior clinic experience. Over the years, with the invaluable support of my coworkers, I acquired the knowledge and skills needed to be an integral part of an enthusiastic team dedicated to providing the best possible care to our patients.
Originally from Ladysmith, I decided to move back home to be closer to my family, enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle, and benefit from better weather. I love swimming, walking, hiking, and I am looking forward to getting back into kayaking.
Email: Bridget.Taylor@fnha.ca
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Welcoming Raven Soper Paull: Community Relations Representative, Vancouver Island Region |
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As a proud member of the Squamish Nation, Raven is passionate about supporting Indigenous communities and strengthening the relationships that help us all thrive. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Victoria, where she focused on Indigenous relations and public policy. In her final year, she was part of a mentorship program that supported incoming Indigenous students—an experience that truly grounded her in community-centered work and demonstrated the power of peer connection. When she is not working, you can find her cuddled up on the couch with a book, outside hiking with her dogs, or binge-watching the latest and greatest reality TV show.
Before this new role, Raven worked as a Health Benefits Pharmacy Assessor here at FNHA, helping First Nations clients navigate pharmacy benefits and ensuring they received timely, culturally safe support. She loved being part of a team that puts wellness at the forefront.
Prior to joining FNHA, Raven spent several years at Starbucks, where she worked her way up to Store Manager. That chapter of her career taught her a lot about leading teams with empathy, managing fast-paced operations, and showing up with consistency and care. She was also deeply involved in training and development, and she found great joy in coaching others and helping people grow in their roles.
Now, Raven is bringing all that experience with her into Community Relations—where she’ll be working to engage with Nations, build partnerships, and help bring FNHA’s vision to life.
Email: Raven.SoperPaull@fnha.ca
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Welcoming Bobbi Tatoosh: Human Resources Generalist, Vancouver Island Region |
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Bobbi Tatoosh (married name Ter-Haar) comes from huupačasatḥ first nation of Port Alberni, BC, where she was born and raised, but has lived all over Vancouver Island, and briefly in Calgary, AB. Bobbi is huupačasatḥ from her father’s side, and French Canadian from Manitoba on her mother’s side. Bobbi achieved her Bachelor of Business Administration with majors in Accounting and Human Resource Management in 2018 and is currently a CPHR Candidate with the Chartered Professionals of Human Resources of BC & Yukon.
Bobbi spent the last 9 years working for a privately owned scaffold company where she started in accounts payable and moved up to operations support lead, where she was responsible for many aspects of human resource management, policy and process development, standard operating procedures, and the creation, implementation and monitoring of new training programs for management and supervision.
Bobbi currently lives with her husband Michael, daughter Rory, corn snake Cornelius, dog GG and kitten Biscuit, in Fanny Bay. In her spare time, you can find Bobbi throwing a BBQ – rain or shine - and spending time at the gym or with close friends.
Email: Bobbi.Tatoosh@fnha.ca
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Celebrating Our Admin Professionals: Reanna August and Anna Harris |
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We are happy to highlight the dedication and hard work of our administrative professionals, Reanna August and Anna Harris, from the Vancouver Island Oyster Bay Office in Stz’uminus.
Captured during Admin Professionals Day, this photo showcases Reanna and Anna at our Ladysmith office, where they consistently provide exceptional support and contribute to the smooth operation of our team. Their commitment and enthusiasm are truly inspiring, and we are grateful for their invaluable contributions.
Join us in celebrating Reanna, Anna and all of our admins across the Vancouver Island Region for their outstanding service and dedication!
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Celebrating FNHA Team at the 36th Annual TC10K in Victoria |
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On April 27, 2025, the FNHA Vancouver Island Regional team proudly participated in the 36th annual TC10K in downtown Victoria. This year's theme, "Where Everyone Is Welcome," truly reflected the spirit of inclusivity and community.
Our team embraced wellness together, with everyone going at their own pace and some bringing along family members.
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A shoutout to our VP, Brennan MacDonald, who ran alongside her daughter, showcasing the power of family and community.
We are incredibly proud of our team for their dedication and enthusiasm. We hope to see more of you join us next year!
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NEW! Share Your Story With Us |
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We’re excited to introduce a new section in our newsletter: Community Voices. This is a space dedicated to stories from community members—celebrating wellness, resilience, culture, and connection.
Have a story to tell? Whether it’s a personal journey, a community initiative, or a moment that moved you, we want to hear it. Click into the section below to learn how you can connect with us and share your story.
Click the link below to send me an email. I’ll follow up with you directly to learn more and explore how we can help bring your story to life. Whether you’d like to write it yourself or prefer support in shaping and sharing it, I’m here to help.
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Central Nuu-chah-nulth communities celebrate grand opening of ʔuukʷinkpanac |
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Shared territories of ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht), ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht), ḥiškʷiiʔatḥ (Hesquiaht), tukʷaaʔatḥ (Toquaht), yuułuʔiłʔatḥ (Ucluelet) |
TOFINO – Nuu-chah-nulth community members and their families will now have access to traditional wellness and primary care services with the opening of the ʔuukʷinkpanač (ook-wink-panach) West Coast Primary Care Initiative.
“ʔuukʷinkpanač means (walking in togetherness) in the Nuu-chah-nulth language," said Suzanne Williams, Director of Operations, ʔuukʷinkpanač, Vancouver Island Primary Care Society. “ʔuukʷinkpanac is the result of our shared vision of providing traditional and primary care services to address both the health and social needs of First Nations peoples living in rural and remote communities, and with it we can offer new services to care for our communities and families."
The ʔuukʷinkpanac Primary Care Initiative brings health and wellness services closer to home through a modified “hub and spoke" model. This model includes a central coordination (hub) site located in Ucluelet, which will provide coordination and administration support for six new or enhanced primary care sites (spokes) in the ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht), ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht), ḥiškʷiiʔatḥ (Hesquiaht), tukʷaaʔatḥ (Toquaht), yuułuʔiłʔatḥ (Ucluelet) communities with an additional site in Opitsaht. Each community site will provide team-based, culturally safe care with the guidance of the Uut Uuštukyuu Society.
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Staying safe during wildfires and extreme heat |
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As the weather gets warmer, it’s important to prepare for potential emergency events that may occur such as wildfires and extreme heat. Taking steps to prepare for these emergencies in advance helps protect your health and supports the safety and well-being of your loved ones and community.
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Former FNHA Chief Medical Officer honoured with 2025 Indspire Award |
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FNHA former Chief Medical Office, Dr. Shannon McDonald, is one of Indspire’s 2025 laureates in celebrating Indigenous excellence. The Indspire Awards, held annually for the past 31 years, represent the highest honour the Indigenous community bestows upon its own people.
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Staying Safe on the Land During Tick Season |
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As the weather warms and outdoor adventures call, it's important to remember that ticks — small, parasitic insects that can sometimes transmit disease — are becoming increasingly common in BC. If you're spending time on the land, FNHA offers a few simple steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.
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Send us your “Summer on the Land” photos for a chance to win a gift card |
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To honour and celebrate First Nations connection to land and water, FNHA is running a summer photo initiative on social media for First Nations people living in BC. Whether you're swimming in a lake, picking berries, dancing at a powwow, or walking in your territory, we'd love to see how you connect with the land this summer.
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FNHA doctor takes academic lead at National Collaboration Centre for Indigenous Health |
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FNHA is delighted to congratulate Dr. Terri Aldred on her appointment as academic lead for the National Collaboration Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH). Dr. Aldred will guide the work of the centre in supporting public health equity for Indigenous people.
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Calling all First Nations: It’s time to get active! |
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Spring is in the air and we are inviting you to join the FNHA's annual 30x30 Active Challenge Campaign. The theme for this year’s challenge is “Time to Get Active,” because being active consistently is good for our overall wellness. To participate, all you have to do to is commit to doing at least 30 minutes of any activity for each of the 30 days of June!
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Join the 4th Annual Sobriety Walk for Cancer |
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From June 3rd to June 12th, 2025, I will walk and bike 1,000 km from Victoria to Port Hardy and back,raising funds for BC Cancer. This year will be my final SW4C as I focus on my family, having dedicated 3,000 km to this cause over four years.
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May 2025 PharmaCare Newsletter |
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The PharmaCare Newsletter is a monthly publication from the British Columbia Ministry of Health that provides information about PharmaCare programs and policies. The newsletter is intended for pharmacists and other health professionals.
- What's in the newsletter?
- Drug listings
- PharmaCare policy
- PharmaNet procedures
- Information about PharmaCare programs, plans, and coverage
- News about PharmaCare trends
- Updates on drug administration fees
- Information about scope expansions for pharmacists
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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 Communication Generalist
Regional Human Resources Generalist
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Nursing Manager:
Communicable Disease Emergency 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 Environmental Public Health Services
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Regional Director, Health Emergency Management
Regional Manager, Health Emergency Management
Community Coordinators, Crisis Response
Regional Manager, Toxic Drug 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 – Indigenous Health, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Portfolio Contacts |
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South Island
Central Island
North Island
Cultural Safety & Humility
Indigenous Recruitment & Retention
Strategy, Partnerships & Engagement
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Medical Director
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