News Updates
September 5th, 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 Vancouver Island team is proud to welcome Casey Frenchy as the new Community Engagement Coordinator for the Coast Salish family |
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Uy’ Skweyul/ Good day,
For those I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting, my name is Casey Frenchy. I am a member of the Stz’uminus First Nation, where I currently reside with my three children. I have lived in Stz’uminus my entire life and am happy to be raising my daughter and two sons here. We are very pleased to call this our home, surrounded by our extended family. I previously joined FNHA VI Region in the summer of 2022 as the Regional Administrator at Oyster Bay. In June 2023, I accepted the position as Senior Administrative Coordinator. I am grateful for the journey and opportunity within the Administrative/Operations team and very appreciative of those who have supported and trained me. I am thrilled to announce my acceptance of the Community Engagement Coordinator position for South Island Nations.
I look forward to connecting and building strong relationships and pathways with the First Nation communities in the South Island. Outside of work, I am often busy with my children, cheering them on in the sports they play. When time allows, I enjoy playing in slo-pitch ball leagues with my parents and siblings. We also love going on trips and discovering new areas we haven’t seen before, especially when we are out of the sports season. My family and I are very excited for this new journey!
Huy’t’seep’qa/Thank you All,
Casey
FNHA Contact: Casey.Frenchy@fnha.ca
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Youth a priority on International Overdose Awareness Day |
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The ongoing crisis continues to disproportionately impact First Nations people living in BC, particularly our youth. The FNHA's Richard Jock and Dr. Nel Wieman share a message about the importance of listening to and understanding youth when it comes to supporting them during the toxic drug crisis.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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The FNHA launches harm reduction campaign |
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Three of FNHA's Youth Advisory Committee members tell us their stories about how harm reduction saves lives. To raise awareness about the importance of harm reduction, the FNHA's overdose awareness campaign includes five videos featuring Dr. Evan Adams and three youths.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Gathering Cultural Knowledge Keepers and Wellness Practitioners |
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We are thrilled to announce two upcoming events designed to unite Cultural Knowledge Keepers, Traditional Wellness Practitioners, and Healers. These gatherings will focus on the vital themes of mentorship and the sharing of knowledge and teachings.
Event 1: Coast Salish Knowledge Keepers and Traditional Wellness Practitioners Gathering
Dates: September 18th, 19th, and 20th
Location: Snuneymuxw Longhouse
Event 2: Urban and Away from Home Traditional Wellness Practitioners, Knowledge Keepers, and Healers Gathering
Dates: October 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
Location: Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa and Resort, Parksville
The second event is particularly for Urban and Away from Home Cultural Wellness Practitioners, Knowledge Keepers, and Healers who are based on Vancouver Island but come from outside the three Island families (e.g., Cree, Métis).
Mentees are encouraged to attend with their mentors. For those under 19 who require accommodation, they will be paired with their mentor. Please note that mentees will receive an honorarium at half the rate of the Traditional Knowledge Keepers, Speakers, and Healers.
We look forward to your participation and the valuable exchanges that will take place.
FNHA Contact: Sabrina.Williams@fnha.ca
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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
Regional Communication 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
Regional Manager, Toxic Drug Response
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 – 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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BC Elders' Guide Second Edition Released |
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The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and Province of BC are pleased to share the updated BC Elders’ Guide. The purpose of the Guide is to make sure that Elders, their families and caregivers have access to information about the programs, services and resources they need.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Have your say on the FNHA and BC TFA |
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Your input matters. Take the survey today. The FNHA has hired an independent consulting group to evaluate the FNHA and the BC Tripartite Framework Agreement. The results of the evaluations will support decision-making, continuous learning, improvements at the FNHA, and partner efforts to advance shared goals.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Urban and Away-from-Home Engagement Session coming up in Courtenay |
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Calling all First Nations people in BC living in urban areas and/or away from home ("off-reserve"), and staff from a health system partner, urban Indigenous organizations or BC First Nations.
We want to hear from you!
Come visit our pop-up engagement booth at the Wachiay Friendship Centre in Courtenay on September 11, 2024
From 10am - 3pm (drop-in anytime)
FNHA Contact: Becki.Nookemis@fnha.ca
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First Nations health indicators update released |
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The FNHA and BC's Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO) have released an update on health indicators for First Nations people in the province. While there were some improvements in health indicators, sadly the report highlights the continued health care gaps and inequity First Nations people in BC face.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Include vaccinations in back-to-school planning |
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Many parents are now busy getting their school-aged children ready to go back to school. The FNHA is reminding parents to include vaccinations as part of that planning. Click the link below for tips to ensure your children are fully protected.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Impacts of pandemic and climate change on food sovereignty |
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The FNHA's Environmental Public Health Services has released a report titled: Social Consequences of COVID-19 and Climate Change on Indigenous Food Security and Food Sovereignty: Stories of lived experiences in salmon country. The report from three Indigenous authors who write about the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change on Indigenous food sovereignty and security.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Services for children and youth with support needs |
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Join the UBC Learning Circle on Sept. 5 at 10 a.m. for a free webinar about services for children and youth with support needs (CYSN). This session will focus on sharing emerging themes from public engagement so far, and central concepts from research that are helping to shape the future of CYSN Services. The UBC Learning Circle is a partnership between the Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health and the FNHA. Please register at the link below.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Canada responds to WHO mpox declaration |
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The Government of Canada has issued a statement following the World Health Organization’s declaration on rising cases of mpox in 2024. Although the risk to Canadians from mpox is currently considered low, Canada is closely monitoring the situation while working with domestic and international partners to determine opportunities for support.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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Want to know more about wood smoke and lung health? |
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Wildfire Smoke and Lung Health Webinar
The BC Lung Air Quality and Health Steering Committee presents: Wildfire Smoke and Lung Health: Knowns,Unknowns and Future Directions Webinar
September 23, 2024,10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Via Zoom
A webinar featuring speaker Dr Stephanie Cleland and moderated by Dr Chris Carlsten. Register below.
FNHA Contact: Joely.Fulcher@fnha.ca
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