The Huli’tun Health Society (HHS), which serves the Halalt and Lyackson First Nations, is taking an important step forward with the refresh of its five-year Community Health and Wellness Plan. But this is more than just a plan — it’s about listening deeply, honouring culture, and building a stronger foundation for future generations.

Led by Health Director Maureen Wilson and the dedicated Board, the process began by reflecting on past plans and asking, “What worked well? What do we need to do better?” Board member Grant shared, “We looked at what went well last time, what community members brought forward afterward, and how they suggested we improve. We wanted to make sure we truly heard them.”

Community voice has been at the heart of every step. Engagement didn’t stop at surveys or emails, it meant face-to-face gatherings, shared meals, and even plans for youth to go door-to-door to talk directly with members. As Grant described, “We heard our Nation say they wanted us to engage in cultural ways, not just quick surveys or emails, but real, in-person connection. Meeting people where they’re at.”

Culture has guided this journey from the start. Meetings included a traditional speaker to set the tone and share intentions, meals were blessed by Elders, and staff worked together behind the scenes with the same care as preparing for ceremony. Board member Kristen highlighted the importance of this approach, saying, “Our members are realizing that we’re really listening. They feel heard and valued, and that’s a powerful shift.” 

Of course, there have been challenges, including budget limitations, busy schedules, and reaching members living away from home. Board member Monica shared, “As a board, we want to do more, but we all have full-time jobs and family commitments. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it because we care so much about our community.”

Support from FNHA has played a big role in moving this work forward, from designing surveys and creating interactive tools to helping analyze feedback and providing tools and resources along the way to complete the plan. Maureen shared, “FNHA has been there every step of the way, not to write the plan for us, but to walk alongside us, support our ideas, and help bring them to life.”

Looking ahead, the team is excited to share the plan with community members and staff, and to continue building relationships rooted in trust and cultural strength. As Board member Jennifer put it, “This plan isn’t just a document. It’s about going back to our cultural roots, rebuilding connections, and making sure our people feel that their voices truly matter.”

A photo taken in front of the Huli’tun Health Society captures the Board, and staff members together, encompassing a reflection of their ongoing connection and shared commitment to health and wellness. It’s a powerful image of a community grounded in culture, working side by side to shape a healthier future for the generations to come.

On September 15, 2025, the T’Sou-ke Nation welcomed Elders, youth, leadership, and community members to celebrate the official opening of the new T’Sou-ke Community Complex and Health Centre in Sooke, BC.

The late-summer afternoon was filled with cultural ceremony, art unveilings, and heartfelt words that reflected the vision of the T’Sou-ke people. Guests gathered first at the dedication bench honouring the late Chief Jim Cooper, where his daughter Ardyth shared reflections about her father’s leadership and legacy.

A highlight of the day was the unveiling of W̱NENÍEṈES (“smiling”), a Welcome Figure envisioned by the late Linda Bristol and completed under the mentorship of Master Carver Carey Newman with support from youth artists Jordan Hill and Natassia Davies. Youth voices were also celebrated through a butterfly mosaic led by artist Shelley Davies and created by more than 20 young people, a vibrant reminder of cultural teachings and the bright future of T’Sou-ke generations.

Chief Larry Underwood spoke to the meaning of the new facility, saying, “This isn’t just a new building but a place where our services, families, and cultures come together. Standing here now, I feel that even more strongly. This is a place where our children and grandchildren will always know they belong.”

Mayor of Sooke Maya Tait reflected on the shared responsibility of community leadership: “I see a vision of hope and prosperity where all children will realize their full potential and where Elders will share their knowledge and teachings with dignity. I feel the weight of responsibility to do our very best for a shared future to walk the lands strongly together.”

FNHA Vice President of Regional Operations, Brennan MacDonald, also shared reflections on the significance of the day: “What stands before us is more than a facility, it is a home for wellness, learning, and connection. Guided by the voices of community and the teachings of those who came before, this Complex and Health Centre will nurture generations to come and carry forward the pride and strength of the T’Sou-ke people.”

The 12,352 square-foot facility will bring health, governance, culture, and connection together under one roof, offering space for gatherings, meals, language, learning, and wholistic wellness services. The event concluded with drumming, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours, and a community feast, marking a new chapter for the T’Sou-ke Nation.

Over the past year, FNHA has been honoured to host a series of ‘Uy’ Slexun (Good Medicine) Gatherings, bringing together Traditional Wellness Practitioners, Knowledge Holders, and Mentees to share teachings, experiences, and cultural practices that guide wellness in our communities. These gatherings are part of an ongoing commitment to walk alongside communities and create spaces for cultural sharing, healing, and learning.

From September 24–26, 2025, the Coast Salish Traditional Wellness Practitioners, Knowledge Holders and Mentees Gathering was held in the Stz’uminus Longhouse and Gymnasium, bringing participants together to learn and connect. The territorial welcome was offered by Councillor, Herb Seymour and Herman Seymour grounded the gathering in ceremony and respect with offering opening and closing prayers.

The event began in the Longhouse, where cultural supports were available to help participants release and process emotions that surfaced during sharing. We moved the circle into the , dining hall where we sat together and responded to the question: “What is good medicine for you?” The answers were powerful and diverse, ranging from traditional medicines and family, to language, land, and identity. What emerged was a shared understanding: we are each other’s medicine.

Day 2 featured a Sound Journey Workshop led by Hwiemtun (Fred Roland) and White Turtle Lady, offering a deeply restorative experience through sound and vibration. Participants were invited to relax and connect with their spirit, with many sharing feelings of peace, release, and clarity.

Just days after the Coast Salish gathering, FNHA hosted the Urban and Away from Home population gathering from October 1–3, 2025, at Tigh-Na-Mara Resort in Parksville, titled “Sharing Our Gifts.” This gathering created space for urban Indigenous voices to be heard and honoured, especially those who may not have the same access to cultural supports as those living on reserve.

The gathering opened with a circle led by Elder Dave Frank and JC Lucas from Uut Uustukyuu Society, where participants were invited to place their personal medicines into the center. This simple act created a sacred space, calling in spirit and ancestors, and grounding the group with shared intention.

On the second day, some participants began with a cleansing ocean bath, connecting with the land and water in a deeply personal way. The day’s intention was to nurture connection, build awareness of supports, and create a community of care. Circle sharing continued, with reflections on how sacred space can be created and sustained in urban environments and how these teachings can be passed on. Breakout discussions offered space to explore cultural needs, wholistic health, and strategies for strengthening traditional knowledge while living away from home. Throughout the day, hearts were full, and the sense of togetherness was strong. Many expressed how meaningful it was to gather in this way, to be seen, heard, and supported.

The gathering closed with a powerful Smudge and Pipe Ceremony led by Wade Smith and Michael Dumont. As the pipe was passed around the circle, the ceremony honoured the voices, teachings, and spirit of everyone present. It was a moment of deep reverence and gratitude, a beautiful way to close the gathering and carry its medicine forward.

Both gatherings followed a similar rhythm - listening, learning, and recording the wisdom shared by Elders, Knowledge Holders, and Mentees. These conversations will guide our work moving forward, ensuring that we remain community-led and nation-focused. We are here to listen, to learn, and to carry these teachings back to our Health Directors and leadership so that our work reflects the voices of those we serve.

We are deeply grateful to the communities who continue to share their time, stories, and teachings with us. It is good medicine.

Continuing the ways of our medicines: Looking ahead, the next gathering for Urban Kwakwaka’wakw families is at U’gwamalis Bighouse in Port Hardy, November 24th- 26th, 2025. Registration forms are available online

Update: The Nuu-chah-nulth nations have been working hard to develop and deliver a four-year mentorship program to ensure cultural knowledge transmission, passing on traditions, medicines, language, harvesting, and land-based learning. The model will be a pilot for other communities to emulate someday. 

The resounding feedback from community members is to have support to continue to gather and offer support and healing to our Traditional Wellness Practitioners, Knowledge Holders, Healers and Elders. The gatherings support cross community connections, networking and collaboration. The long-term vision is to respond to community needs to offer opportunities to learn healing practices, teachings, and medicines as appropriate to the communities we serve. 

Together, we continue to move forward in a good way.

On September 26, 2025, our Vancouver Island team came together at the Maht Mahs Gym in Tseshaht territory to honour and reflect on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day was filled with powerful teachings, moments of deep reflection, shared stories, and commitments to continue walking the path of truth and reconciliation in meaningful, everyday ways.

The gathering opened with a chant led by Wickaninnish (Cliff Atleo Sr.), who reminded everyone of the importance of holding space for those who are grieving. His words and song carried strength and compassion into the room, grounding the day in care for one another.

We were then welcomed to the territory by Aaron Watts, who offered a territorial welcome song on behalf of Tseshaht Hawiih and elected Council. He shared: “Our songs are one of the most precious gifts we have. They tell of a different time. They tell stories, they speak of an event. They’re treasured and they have been carried for many generations to be with us today. Because of our survivors, our residential school survivors – we’re here today. We hold our culture, we hold our songs, our language, we utilize our language when we can. We do our best to make sure when we’re singing that song, that graceful dance that goes along with it. Everything is connected.” 

Brennan MacDonald, VP of Operations, Vancouver Island Region, opened with reflections on the meaning of this day: “Today’s focus is recognizing the National Day around Truth and Reconciliation, when we wear our Orange Shirts and acknowledge what that means. It’s a time to reflect. We connect to this in many different ways. For some of us, it’s part of who we are, it’s our story, our life story, it’s the ones we love closest to us and who lived experience related to residential school and the impacts as we move through it. But I think about our work in this space and how strongly it matters in the work we do to hold space for our community voices to be raised.” Brennan also reminded us that: “That truth isn’t always to hurt. Sometimes that truth is like a real strong connection to who we are and the strengths we come from.”

Her words set the tone for a day that was as much about truth-telling as it was about collective responsibility and healing.

Participants spent time learning from Andrea Pettigrew and the ʔuuʔatumin yaqckʷiimitqin (“Doing it for our Ancestors”) team. They shared about their work supporting Survivors, gathering knowledge, and preparing the Alberni Indian Residential School (AIRS) site for ground penetrating radar scanning.

Author Evelyn Thompson-George shared stories from her recently published book “The Defiant 511 of the Alberni Indian Residential School.” Through her personal and family experiences, Evelyn spoke about the power of truth and the urgency of ensuring it is told: “For me, what truth and reconciliation means is that truth must come first. Reconciliation can’t happen within Canada until the truth comes out and we start learning about what it meant to be in those schools and what happened to our students. Because they were in fact students, they were children.”

Her words carried weight and emotion, leaving many reflecting on the importance of bearing witness, listening, and continuing to learn.

Outside, under a sudden downpour, the group gathered at the Alberni Indian Residential School Memorial Sculpture, designed by Connie Watts for the Tseshaht Nation. The sculpture, titled “Strength From Within”, is a powerful installation honouring the children who did not return home, the Survivors who carry the stories forward, and the ongoing work of healing and cultural renewal. The sculpture is dominated by three Thunderbirds. One that is black and devoid of cultural symbols, representing the darkness and shadow of the residential school era, when children were separated from their people and culture. One Thunderbird flies over the healing side of the structure, as people work to recover from their pain and sadness. The third thunderbird oversees the healthy side of the structure, designed in the historic Nuu-chah-nulth style and represents cultural renewal and intact people.

Connie shared: “The Thunderbirds’ wings collect the rain that represents millions of tears that were shed by the children and their parents.”

The rain began just as the group stepped outside to learn about the piece, a moment that was felt deeply by everyone present. 

As the day closed, staff returned to the gym to write personal pledges, commitments to how each of us will uphold truth and reconciliation beyond September 30.

Examples from our team included:

• “Learn, Unlearn and Keep Learning”
• “Be an Active Witness”
• “Use your Voice and Privilege Thoughtfully”
• “Make Reconciliation a Practice, Not a Project”
• “To continue learning my language and culture”

These pledges serve as personal and collective reminders that reconciliation is not a single day of recognition, it’s a lifelong commitment to action, relationship, and truth.

Throughout the day, Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) was acknowledged for their critical work. Since 1994, IRSSS has supported Survivors and families through culturally grounded counselling, advocacy, and community outreach - helping individuals and communities reclaim strength and resilience on their healing journeys.

We also reflected on the upcoming 50-year celebration of Haahuupayak Elementary School, a cultural cornerstone for the Nuu-chah-nulth Nations.

Watch the inspiring video here: “Haahuupayak History – Shaw TV Port Alberni”.

Founded in 1976 to uplift First Nations children and counter the impacts of residential schools, Haahuupayak continues to provide a loving and empowering education to 136 students with a strong focus on language, heritage, and community.

Support Services:

• FNHA Mental Health Supports (PDF)
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society
• Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society
• Kuu-us Crisis Line Society

Learn the History:

• TRC Mini Documentary – Senator Murray Sinclair on Reconciliation
• National Residential School Crisis Line – NCTR
• Phyllis Webstad – On Orange Shirt Day
• Tseshaht Nation announces suspected graves at former school | APTN News
• Tseshaht First Nation | AIRS Timeline
• Tseshaht Calls for Truth and Justice
• WE WERE CHILDREN | Full Documentary | NFB

Celebrating Strength and Culture:

• Orange Shirt Day 2025 marks milestone year for Truth and Reconciliation education

Reconciliation isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about showing up, consistently, respectfully, and humbly, in relationship with the lands and people whose truths shape this place.

As a region, as an organization, and as individuals, we hold this responsibility with care. May these stories, songs, and commitments guide us forward, not just today, but every day.

In working to complete her Practical Nurse training at North Island College, Ganao (Elissa) Fred-Cranmer with strong family support, has garnered a major Chief Joe Mathias Scholarship in recognition of her outstanding academic performance in addition to making the Dean’s Honor Roll for 2024-2025 at North Island College. 

The accompanying poster highlighting Ganao’s learning journey is the fifth contribution to a student poster recruitment series featuring Kwakwaka’wakw health professionals who each shared highlights of their learning journeys. These posters grace the walls of high schools, post-secondary institutions, and health departments of the various nations on Vancouver Island—wherever high school students can pause to consider words of encouragment to choose health care training after high school graduation. 

Ganao’s grandmother Ada’s words, “There is nothing you can’t do” provided deep inspiration, so in Grade 10, Ganao decided to pursue a health care training path—following in the footsteps of her beloved Ada—a retired Registered Nurse. 

While our daily news diet continually reports on long wait times, various Emergency Room shutdowns, and lack of professional staff, primarily in rural towns and villages, there are now strong infrastructural supports in place at BC’s post-secondary institutions to attract our up-and-coming Indigenous high school graduates to Nurse training departments, as well as generous scholarships for those seeking meaningful ways to contribute to community wellness as confirmed by Ganao’s experience. 

Submitted by Dr. Laura Cranmer, (‘Namgis/Haida), Professor Emerita (Vancouver Island University, Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies), one of Ganao’s many proud aunties. 

October brings pumpkins, costumes, and plenty of sweets! While our youth enjoy their Halloween treats, let’s also remind families about the importance of dental health and the coverage available through FNHA and Pacific Blue Cross (PBC).

FNHA Dental Benefits help families access the care their children and youth need — from regular checkups to emergency care. This coverage supports healthy smiles and strong futures, ensuring that a few spooky sweets don’t turn into long-term dental issues.

If you or your community members have questions about dental benefits, claims, or need help navigating coverage, we’re here to support you:

Toll-Free: 1-855-550-5454

Regional Contact: Raven Soper Paull, Vancouver Island, Community Relations Representative, Health Benefits/ Email: raven.soperpaull@fnha.ca

Phone: 236-996-0403

Your FNHA Community Relations Representative can guide you through the process, answer benefit questions, and connect families to the care they need.

Let’s work together to keep our youth smiling brightly this Halloween — cavities don’t stand a chance when we stay informed!

Wishing you a safe and happy Halloween!

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is reassessing its news content and website by gathering feedback through an online survey. As an organization guided by First Nations voices, FNHA wants to hear from First Nations people in BC and the family, friends and health care providers who support their health care decisions.

Feedback from the survey will help FNHA better understand what kind of news and information is most relevant and interesting to First Nations people, preferred communication frequency, and how we can improve our website.

The survey takes 10 to 12 minutes to complete, and responses will be kept confidential. As a thank you for providing feedback, respondents’ names will be entered into a prize draw to win one of three $250 gift cards. 

For more information, a list of frequently asked questions can be found on the survey landing page, or you can contact communications@fnha.ca

Click on the link below to start the survey or copy and paste it to share it with your friends and family! 

We’re excited to welcome new and returning members to our Mental Health and Wellness Team!

Check out the attached poster to see who’s joined us.

FNHA is proud to announce a wellness initiative aimed at protecting pregnant individuals and their babies from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). For the 2025-2026 RSV season, FNHA is providing full coverage for the Abrysvo™ RSV vaccine for eligible pregnant individuals. This initiative ensures increased protection for both parent and baby.

As the weather gets colder, people tend to gather indoors and may become less active, making it easier for respiratory viruses like the flu, COVID-19, and RSV to spread. Fortunately, there are many simple actions we can take to protect our health—and the health of our families and communities.

On Orange Shirt Day 2025, FNHA is celebrating the start of a landmark school year, one that moves us closer towards achieving the “Truth” in Truth and Reconciliation. The class of 2026 will be the first cohort in BC to complete their K–12 public education with the history of Indian Residential Schools fully integrated into the curriculum.

In July, FNHA hosted 70 delegates from New Zealand, Australia, and the U.S. to celebrate the LEGO Spirit project. A partnership between FNHA and the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health (JHCIH), the LEGO Spirit program trains local home visitors to support First Nations parents with children from birth to age six.

FNHA is pleased to offer another year of funding to support community-led winter celebrations and wellness events. Eligible First Nations communities and First Nations-run health and social organizations can apply for up to $3,000. Deadline is Friday, Oct. 17.

The Environmental Health Foundation of Canada is offering a bursary designed to support Indigenous students pursuing education in Environmental Public Health. 

Applications for the upcoming academic year (Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 start) close on Dec. 15.

In BC, Registered Dietitians (RDs) are dedicated health professionals with education, training, expertise, and accountability to provide evidence-based nutrition advice.

RDs are experts in the field of nutrition and provide dietary advice on a range of health conditions. They use a patient-centred approach to promote and deliver quality nutrition care throughout Island Health.

Clinical dietitians assist patients in hospital and residential care to improve their overall nutrition. 

• Family Physician - Coast Salish Communities (Vancouver Island)
• Family Physician - Kwakwaka'wakw Communities (Vancouver Island)
• Nurse Practitioner - Coast Salish FNPCC (South Vancouver Island)
• Nurse Practitioner - Coast Salish FNPCC (Tsartlip)
• Primary Care Registered Nurse - Snuneymuxw (Vancouver Island)
• Primary Care Registered Nurse - Tseycum (North Saanich) and Esquimalt (Victoria)
• Clinic Lead Health & Wellness Services - Slhexun Sun'ts'a' Clinic (Cowichan)
• Clinic Lead and Wellness Services (Snuneymuxw - Nanaimo)
• Clinic Lead, Maternal Child & Family Health - Kwakiutl, Quatsino and Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw - Internal Only (Port Hardy)
• Community Coordinator, Crisis Response - (Tseshaht)
• Director, Family Based Programs and Services, Nuu-Chah-Nulth Cultural Family (Vancouver Island)

• Registered Clinical Counsellor - Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society (Duncan)
• Administration & Operations Assistant - Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society (Victoria)
• Health Care Aide (HCA) - KCFN (Campbell River and Kyuquot)
• Indigenous Clinical Counsellor - Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society (Victoria)
• Manager of Teechuktl (Mental Health) Services - Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (Port Alberni)
• Clinical Counsellor - Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (Port Alberni)
• Harm Reduction Outreach Worker - Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (Port Alberni)
• Clinical Counsellor - Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (Port Alberni)
• Clinical Counsellor - Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (Tofino)
• Community Health Nurse - Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Community Health Nurse (Central Region)
• Community Health Nurse - Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Community Health Nurse (Northern Region)