News Updates
May 14th, 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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Ground blessing for the 'Namgis Wellness Centre |
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The 'Namgis First Nation held a blessing and groundbreaking ceremony for their new wellness centre. The centre will enhance access to quality, culturally safe treatment for First Nations people living on Vancouver Island and across BC who are experiencing substance use challenges.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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The FNHA Vancouver Island team welcomes Sara Daigle-Stevens as the Regional Addictions Specialist |
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Kiʔsuʔk kyukyit. Hu sukiⱡq̓ukni q̓inmaⱡit
My name is Sara Daigle-Stevens. I am of Ktunaxa, Laich-kwil-tach, and Haida descent, with a touch of European ancestry. I am fortunate to reside on my Ancestral territory of the Laich-kwil-tach people in the beautiful K’omoks Valley. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, with specializations in Mental Health & Psychiatry and First Nations Healthcare, approached through a lens of decolonization, mutual accountability, and anti-racism.
Over the past year, I had the privilege to work with the FNHA Mental Health & Wellness Clinical Services Team as a Co-op Student. This role provided significant support in both my professional growth and personal development. I am deeply grateful for the guidance and support I received from the team during this period.
I am now excited to join the FNHA Vancouver Island Team as a Regional Addictions Specialist. My primary focus will be supporting the Kwakwaka’wakw Nations and communities in northern Vancouver Island. I look forward to building strong relationships within and outside of the FNHA, and I am eager to utilize my skills and knowledge to empower First Nations communities and our community partners in navigating addiction work.
Please feel free to reach out to me regarding my role and work here at the FNHA. I am happy to support and collaborate.
Hu sukiⱡq̓ukni, Haw’aa & Gilakas’la
FNHA Contact: Sara.Daigle-Stevens@fnha.ca
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Introducing Mark Poskitt as the Regional Manager, Planning & Development for Vancouver Island
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Mark is originally from Aotearoa (New Zealand), where he grew up in the central North-island Te Arawa Lakes region, in the town of Rotorua. His ancestors are Pakeha (white) settlers, mostly from Ireland and England.
Mark has been living in Canada since 2018, and for the last four years has been based in the Northwest Territories, working as a Land Use Planner for the Tłıc̨ho Nation. Prior to that, he was living in Vancouver, working for the City of Vancouver and doing some graduate studies in community and regional planning.
Mark is excited to join our FNHA Vancouver Island Family and the opportunity to to get to know everyone here and become familiar with the many communities we serve across the Island. He is determined to have a positive impact in the work we do.
In his role as the Regional Manager of Planning and Development, Mark will be helping to update the Regional Health and Wellness Plan; supporting the implementation of the many strategic initiates and plans FNHA has produced over the years . including the 2023/2024 Summary Service Plan and the FNHA Multiyear Health Plan; providing support to the regional leadership team, and ensuring our internal planning processes align with the strategic directions provided by leadership.
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Introducing Vancouver Island Community Crisis Response Coordinators
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The Crisis Response Community Coordinator provides assistance to the communities when there is a crisis situation, and assists communities in building crisis response teams in each of the three island sub-regions. Our Community Crisis Response Team works to establish and maintain respectful relationships with community health leads and program partners to collaboratively determine culturally safe, respectful interventions and support. When possible, the Community Crisis Response Coordinators will travel to communities to assist with debriefing and mentoring community members that are part of the regional crisis response team.
FNHA Contact:
Kwak'waka'wakw - Erin Lynch at Erin.Lynch@fnha.ca;
Nuu-chah-nulth - Maeve Coakley at Maeve.Coakley@fnha.ca;
Coast Salish - Grant Bird at Grant.Bird@fnha.ca
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Improving internet access for First Nations in BC |
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The FNHA and the All Nations Trust Company (ANTCO) have signed a contribution agreement to improve internet accessibility for First Nations in BC. The FNHA and ANTCO will work together to bring affordable and reliable highspeed internet to rural and remote communities throughout the province.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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- Early Years Outreach Worker - Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (Port Alberni, BC)
- Early Years Outreach Worker - Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (Tofino/Ucluelet, BC)
- Early Childhood Educator - Esquimalt Nation (Victoria, BC)
- Community Connection Worker - Esquimalt Nation (Victoria, BC)
- Community LPN - Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government (Ucluelet, BC)
- Care Aide Support Worker - Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government (Ucluelet, BC)
- Community Health Nurse (RN) Full-Time, Temporary - Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government (hitac̓u,Ucluelet)
- Manager of Nursing Services - The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (Port Alberni, BC)
- Clinical Counsellor - The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (Zeballos, 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
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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Remembering our stolen sisters |
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May 5 is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The FNHA's Richard Jock and Dr. Nel Wieman have a message about remembering and recognizing the important roles women have in First Nations communities, as well as honouring our stolen sisters.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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The FNHA has signed a Memorandum of Partnership with the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA). This historic partnership will see the FNHA and AHMA collaborate to advance housing and health outcomes for First Nations people in BC by connecting them with services and supports.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Good mental health is a wholistic journey |
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Next week is Mental Health Week and the FNHA's Dr. Nolan Hop Wo and Duanna Johnston-Virgo have a message about how we can all support each other in maintaining our mental and wholistic health. We are all connected and our journey is together.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Every day is a new experience |
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The FNHA is honouring First Nations nurses during National Nursing Week (May 6-12). Recognizing their dedication and hard work, the FNHA spoke with six nurses to learn about a typical day in their lives. We also ask you to take a moment to extend your gratitude for the remarkable work they do to bring health and wellness into our communities.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Are you prepared for an emergency? |
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Natural disasters can happen when we least expect them, so it's always best to be prepared. Emergency Preparedness Week is an excellent time to prepare or review your emergency plan and to build a grab-and-go kit. Check the link below for more tips on how to prepare yourself and loved ones for when disaster does strike.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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2024-2025 Call for Proposals |
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The Minister's Advisory Council on Indigenous Women (MACIW) is pleased to announce the 2024-2025 Giving Voice Call for Proposals.
Funding is available for community groups and organizations who want to host or participate in community-based events that would “Give Voice” to stopping violence against Indigenous women and girls, as well as assist with community mobilization and implementation.
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May 2024 PharmaCare Newsletter
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The May 2024 PharmaCare Newsletter is now available. Articles include: Pharmacies can claim vaccinations provided by medical students, Therapeutics Letter: How useful is Paxlovid in 2024, Physician assistants not authorized to prescribe narcotics and controlled substances, Temporary addition in PharmaNet of imported colesevelam 625 mg tablets, New resources for assessing and prescribing for contraception, New guide to essential PharmaCare resources for pharmacy staff, PharmaCare 101 video series updated, LGBTQA2S+ articles series: MACS visit for contraceptives, Exchange rate update for prosthetic and orthotic components, Formulary and listing updates and more!
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Helicopters Without Borders: A Highlight from this Quarter
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Our team was honoured to receive a special gift from the Chief of Ehattesaht. These paddles were carved and painted by Vince Smith as a thank you to HWB, and now are front and centre in our office.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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