On May 1, we gathered in a good way to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Esquimalt Health Centre – a meaningful milestone for the community and surrounding Nations.

The opening marked the result of many years of community vision, leadership, and collaboration to create a space that reflects the needs, values, and culture of the people it serves. During the celebration, songs, dances, and the unveiling of welcome poles honoured family, ancestors, and future generations.

The Esquimalt Health Centre is a Nation-led, community-driven space and home to the Coast Salish First Nations Primary Care Initiative (FNPCI), Hub 3 team. It will support access to culturally safe, wholistic care, bringing services closer to home for First Nations people across the region.

As Chief Jerome Thomas shared, “Our community has supported this work from the beginning, and it’s an honour to stand here together today.”

On May 5, staff at FNHA’s Oyster Bay office came together to recognize the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+).

Team members wore red as a symbol of remembrance and solidarity, honouring the many lives lost and the families and communities impacted.

Some Oyster Bay staff also attended the Stz’uminus First Nation MMIWG2S+ walk. The Mental Health and Wellness team was invited to support, and the opportunity was extended across the office. Those who attended joined community in a meaningful day of reflection and connection.

We thank all staff for taking time to honour this important day and for continuing to stand in support of First Nations communities.

If you or someone you know needs support:

• KUU-US Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717
• National Support Line: 1-844-413-6649

The Vancouver Island Regional Spring Caucus brought together First Nations leaders, Hereditary Chiefs, Health Directors, Elders, youth, and partners from across the region for three days of collaboration, cultural sharing, and important discussions focused on the health and wellness of First Nations communities.

Hosted twice yearly by the Vancouver Island Region of FNHA, Caucus provides a forum for political and technical leaders to gather, share information, and guide health priorities across the region. This Spring’s gathering opened in a good way with a welcome to the territory from Chief Michael Recalma of Qualicum First Nation, followed by cultural sharing from the Kwakwaka’wakw family.

One of the most powerful moments of the gathering took place on day 1, when Elder Wickaninnish (Cliff Atleo Sr.) and members of the Elder and Youth Advisories stood up and honoured the Hereditary Chiefs in attendance. Each Chief was named aloud and recognized for the sacred responsibilities they carry for their people, lands, waters, and resources.

“Our leadership did not come from a career - it comes from who we are,” shared Elder Wickaninnish.

Throughout the gathering, delegates engaged in meaningful conversations about regional priorities, including the toxic drug public health emergency, culturally grounded healing approaches, regionalization, and the importance of bringing services closer to home.

A significant milestone was also reached with the approval of the first-ever Vancouver Island Regional Diabetes Strategy, an Indigenous-led initiative that will help shape diabetes prevention and wellness efforts throughout the region. Delegates also marked the final approval of the Vancouver Island Regional Health and Wellness Plan, a five-year roadmap that will guide the regional team’s work in the years ahead.

Day 2 also included a special acknowledgement ceremony honouring Tanille Johnston, Director, Family Based Programs & Services - Kwak'waka'wakw, as she prepares to leave FNHA for a new role with Island Health. Tanille was recognized for the passion, care and leadership she brought to her work, including her advocacy for culturally safe health services and her dedication to supporting First Nations communities across Vancouver Island. Delegates, colleagues and leadership lifted their hands to Tanille in gratitude and wished her all the best in her new role as she continues to serve communities in the North Island.  

The gathering also highlighted the important work happening across communities to respond to the toxic drug public health emergency. Dr. Nel Wieman acknowledged that while the number of toxic drug deaths has declined for the first time in years, “the fight is not over.”

Cultural sharing remained at the heart of the gathering, with each cultural family hosting one day of Caucus. Delegates were uplifted through songs, teachings, dances, and youth-led wellness activities that focused on grounding, anxiety management, and connection.

As the gathering came to a close, delegates left with a shared recognition of the importance of coming together to address key health priorities. The space for open dialogue between community leadership, FNHA, and Island Health continues to be essential, with collaboration and partnership seen as the path forward to improving health outcomes for First Nations communities across Vancouver Island.

A big congratulations to ƛiniiḥak (Tli-nii-hak), FNHA’s Regional Manager of Engagement and a proud member of Tseshaht First Nation, on completing the BMO Vancouver Marathon on May 3 alongside her son, Edward Johnson Jr.
This incredible achievement reflects her dedication, perseverance, and commitment throughout months of training. Running 42.2 km is no small feat, and doing so with her son makes it all the more meaningful.

We’re proud to celebrate this milestone and the inspiration she brings through her strength and determination.

Click the link below to read the full story by Ha-Shilth-Sa newspaper.

Hello! My name is Shelby and I am excited to begin working with FNHA as the new Clinic Lead for Esquimalt, Hub 3 of the Coast Salish First Nations Primary Care Initiative. I am of Scottish and German settler heritage, and originally from a small farming community in Ontario. I moved to the Island to escape the snow in January of 2020, and I currently live on the traditional lands of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.  I am a Registered Nurse by trade, and have worked mostly in hospitals, in post-operative and ICU/trauma care. I also come to you with a few years of experience managing the surgical day care and PARR units at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. I am looking forward to this new opportunity to learn about and serve the communities of SCIANEW, Esquimalt Nation and Tsou-ke Nation. When not at work, I enjoy hiking, strolls by the ocean, baking, and hanging out with my cat, Frankie.

FNHA Contact: Shelby.Zettler@fnha.ca

FNHA is supporting stronger links between health care service organizations and pharmacy services through the Pharmacy Care Initiative Grants. The grants are open to First Nations communities and First Nations organizations engaged in direct health service delivery to First Nations people. The deadline for applications is Dec. 31, 2026.

• Family Physician - Nuu-chah-nulth Primary Care Centre (?uuk?inkpanac)
• Family Physician - Pata'yi Primary Care Initiative (Kwakwaka’wakw Communities on Northern Vancouver Island)
• Mental Health Clinician, Cowichan Valley
• Nurse Practitioner - Coast Salish FNPCC (South Vancouver Island)
• Nurse Practitioner - Pata'yi Primary Care Centre (Kwakwaka’wakw Communities on Northern Vancouver Island)
• Community Health & Home Care Nurse (Gilford, Vancouver Island)
• Diabetes Nurse Leader, Oyster Bay
• Primary Care Registered Nurse (Tseycum - Saanich)
• Community Coordinator, Crisis Response (Tseshaht)
• Director, Family Based Programs and Services, Kwakwaka’wakw Cultural Family (Kwakwaka'wakw territory)
• Director, Family Based Programs and Services (Nuu-Chah-Nulth Territory)
• Health and Wellness Specialist, Kwakwaka’wakw Cultural Family Group (Port Hardy or Quinsam, BC)
• Medical Office Assistant,Vancouver Island Primary Care Centre Cowichan Tribes (Cowichan Valley)
• Regional Addictions Specialist (Stz-uminus or Sidney office)