News Updates
March 15th, 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 Amy Smith as Senior Wellness Coordinator for the Primary Care team, Vancouver Island Region |
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Tansi everyone! My name is Amy Smith (she/her) and I am Cree, Métis, & German with roots from Ermineskin Cree Nation and the Red River. I have had the absolute privilege of growing up and living on the beautiful lands of the Snuneymuxw First Nation in so-called Nanaimo. I recently graduated from the University of Victoria with my BA in psychology & Indigenous studies while working for the Native Students’ Union. Then, I began my career supporting Métis folks in BC in family supports, mental health & wellness supports, community capacity building, & creating adaptations to life promotion trainings to keep communities safe from suicide. Reconnecting to my culture and identity have been major factors in my wellness journey and I am excited to join the FNHA team!
In my free time, I enjoy getting outside on the land with my partner, Wes, and my Australian shepherd, Honey. I love camping, surfing, being active, photography, yummy coffee, and beading. I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone!
With care,
Amy
FNHA Contact: Amy.Smith@fnha.ca
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No Smoking Signs Available! |
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Check out our new FNHA sign to support smoke and vapour free environments in your community! They come in metal (for walls) and/or decal stickers (for windows)-12x12 inches.
To request signs contact the Respecting Tobacco Program Coordinator on the Island, Larissa Coser at respectingtobacco@fnha.ca
FNHA Contact: Larissa.Coser@fnha.ca
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Honouring International Women's Day |
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The FNHA's Dr. Nel Wieman and Dr. Unjali Malhotra share a message for International Women's Day. They remind us to celebrate First Nations women in our lives on March, while also taking time to remember and mourn the thousands of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. |
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Director at Large recruitment
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The FNHA is recruiting a Director at Large Board member. The 9-member Board collectively works and makes decisions for the benefit of all First Nations in BC, regardless of residence. The Board is structured to make space for regional experience and perspective. |
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Ensure you & your children are immunized for measles
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With measles circulating internationally, we are reminding everyone to ensure their routine immunizations are up to date, for yourself and your children, especially before travelling.
Measles vaccine is available for anyone:
- Born on or after January 1, 1970: eligible for two doses of measles vaccine in lifetime (routinely given at 1 year and 4-6 years old)
- Born before January 1, 1970: likely immune through prior infection as children, eligible for 1 dose if no history of measles immunizations or disease
- Infants age 6 months to 1 year can receive an early extra dose if travelling to an area with measles cases.
You can get immunized for free at a primary care provider, pharmacist or your local health unit or health centre.
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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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Cervix self-screening: What you need to know
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Now that the cervix self-screening test kits are available, the FNHA's Dr. Unjali Malhotra and Dustin Richard, BScN, RN, have the answers to any questions you may have about them. Click the link below to learn about what the test involves and if you should consider self-screening.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Sexual health is for everyone |
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This week is Sexual Health Week and this year's theme is: Sexual Health is for everyone. The FNHA supports a "Sexual Wellbeing Learning Model" incorporating traditional views. It's a perspective that views sexual health as an important part of our overall wholistic health.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Canadian Dental Care Plan |
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The federal government has launched the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to help Canadians with the cost of accessing dental care. While the CDCP does not replace your FNHB Dental Benefit Plan, some FNHA clients may also be eligible for the CDCP. Learn more about the requirements at the link below.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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More treatment beds added across BC |
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The Province of BC has announced they have added 180 publicly funded treatment and recovery beds throughout BC. Nearly 100 of these beds are already open in several communities, with the remainder to open later in the summer.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Our Stolen Sisters honoured in Alert Bay
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FNHA staff were on hand to witness the annual walk to honour murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) from Namgis territory on Feb. 14. Students from the Namgis Elementary School, local RCMP and many community members came out to support the families of the 27 women from Namgis First Nation who were murdered or are missing.
The march started at the Umista Cultural Centre and travelled to the Bighouse in Alert Bay. Mildred Price, Community Engagement Coordinator, Vancouver Island Region, provided 30 blankets from the community engagement team to wrap around family members. She said it is important culturally to stand with community members who have grief and loss related to MMIWG.
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The Nisga'a Nation celebrated Hobiyee in Vancouver last weekend at the PNE Forum. The celebrations saw more than 1,000 traditional dancers from 16 dance groups and 10,000 witnesses welcome Nisga'a new year. For the more than 1,700 Nisga'a people who live away from their traditional territory in the Nass Valley, Hobiyee is an important way to stay connected to culture.
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New pathway for information requests
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The FNHA has developed a new pathway for sharing data that has the potential to transform and improve health and wellness for First Nations in BC. The pathway is based on the concept of Two-Eye Seeing, and ensures knowledge is gathered, used, and shared ethically.
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New episode of the Addiction Practice Pod
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In this episode, journalist David P. Ball and Dr. Esther Tailfeathers speak with Maura Gowans, a counselling consultant for Indigenous people, about the role that connection to culture can play in healing and wellness. They discuss the importance of bringing together traditional Indigenous and Western approaches to substance use care in the context of the toxic drug crisis.
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Indigenous Communities Fund |
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Telus's Indigenous Communities Fund offers up to $50,000 for Indigenous-led social, health, and community programs. Projects can be focused on health, mental health and well-being, access to education and resources, community building and enhancement, language and cultural revitalization, and inter-community sharing of cultural stories.
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We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Cedar Box Experience!
This interactive and educational website offers an immersive journey into Pacific Northwest plants, foods, cultural ecosystems, and Coast Salish foodways. Learn through stories, art, photos, videos, games, and explore the sounds found in cultural ecosystems. The project is a collaborative effort between Feed Seven Generations, Tahoma Peak Solutions, GRuB’s Wild Foods and Medicines Program, and the Swinomish Community Environmental Health Program. The Cedar Box Experience will ignite your curiosity and inspire you to connect with the land, seasonal cycles, and cultural traditions! |
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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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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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Community Wellness Grant Program call for applications
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The Community Wellness Grant program is now open to applications for 2024/2025 funding.
Island Health's Community Wellness Grants provide the opportunity for not-for-profit organizations, local government organizations and Indigenous Nations and organizations to apply for one-time funding for community-led wellness projects that reduce barriers and increase supports, enabling all members of the community to enjoy health and wellness.
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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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18-year-old males can now get free HPV vaccine
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Males born between January and June 2005 can get free human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine until this summer. This is in addition to people born later who are already eligible. HPV can cause several types of cancer in different areas of the body. As many as 75% of non-vaccinated people will contract HPV at some point in their lives. To book an appointment, contact a pharmacy or health clinic. If you’re living on reserve you can contact the community health centre or nursing station to book an appointment.
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New harm reduction kiosks offer supplies 24/7
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New Care and Connection Kiosks are outside the emergency departments at North Island Hospital - Campbell River and Nanaimo Regional General Hospital providing a variety of free harm reduction supplies 24/7. The self-serve machines dispense plainly packaged items including condoms, wound care supplies, naloxone kits, take-home drug testing strips, and syringes and safe disposal containers.
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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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