The First Nations Health Authority 2023/24 Annual Report Highlights
The FNHA is the first provincial First Nations health authority in Canada.
It is the only provincial health and wellness partner dedicated to serving all 203 diverse First Nation communities and more than 230,000 First Nation citizens in urban, rural and remote locations across BC.
Download the Annual Reports
Each year, we publish the FNHA annual reports to demonstrate our progress in implementing commitments outlined in our Summary Service Plan and to share our independently audited financial statements.
Leadership Messages
Message from our Board Chair
Dr. Sheila Blackstock
I am honoured and excited to step into the role of FNHA Board Chair. As I enter this role, I hope to complement and build upon the exceptional work the FNHA is already doing in supporting First Nations peoples across the province.
Through dedicated effort, collaboration, and commitment to our shared vision, we have navigated both extraordinary accomplishments and significant challenges. Looking forward, we remain focused on deepening our partnerships and expanding our efforts to ensure that every First Nations individual and family has access to the care and resources they need to thrive. Together, we will continue to build on our successes and drive meaningful change for a healthier, more resilient future.
Message from our CEO
Richard Jock
This milestone marks a decade of commitment to improving health outcomes for First Nations in British Columbia (BC), and it offers a moment to honour those who have significantly shaped our journey.
Reflecting on the past year, we are moved by the remarkable strength and resilience demonstrated by the communities we serve. We are grateful for your continued support and guidance. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our staff, leaders, partners, and everyone working alongside us on this journey. Your passion and unwavering commitment deeply inspire and humble us. As we enter the next year, we remain committed to advancing these initiatives and continue to build partnerships that empower our communities. Together, we will strive to achieve our vision of healthy, self-determining and vibrant First Nations children, families and communities throughout BC.
Thank you for your support and dedication.
Healthy, Self-Determining and Vibrant BC First Nations Children, Families and Communities
Five goal areas, five guideposts, five regions
One health authority for First Nations health and wellness
In our Annual Report, we continue to track progress on our five goals through performance measurement of both quantitative and story-based data. Five guideposts keep us paddling together in the right direction, highlighting the wisdom and guiding principles that ground all our work. Our report contains updates from each of the five regions, highlighting progress made towards our goals and the Regional Health and Wellness Plans for the Fraser Salish, Northern, Interior, Vancouver Coastal and Vancouver Island Regions.
Our goals reflect the strategic-level aspirations of the FNHA for the duration of our multi-year health plan. In accordance with our ground-up approach to planning, the FNHA’s five goals are directly tied to the health and wellness plans of the five regions.
The 7 Directives
Through hundreds of regional and sub-regional caucus meetings, and Health Partnerships, First Nations in BC have developed the 7 Directives. These directives describe the fundamental standards and instructions for the new health governance relationship and are shared by the FNHA, the FNHC and the FNHDA.
We are leading by example to address Cultural Safety and Humility and Anti-Indigenous Racism
The FNHA’s Journey towards Cultural Safety and Humility
Our work is based on the Anti-Racism, Cultural Safety and Humility Framework and Action Plan, which promotes regional innovation, First Nations-led responses, and service excellence. This initiative aims to create a racism-free healthcare system that embodies culturally safe practices and advocates for cultural safety throughout BC.
- The FNHA’s Oral Health team presented on cultural safety at the Pacific Dental Conference in March 2024, which has helped dental providers build trust and improve oral health outcomes.
- A partnership between the First Nations Health Authority and Métis Nation British Columbia was established to host a monthly Community of Practice to facilitate knowledge exchange in BC’s health system.
- The annual Quality Improvement & Safety Network forum invites 42 organizations that serve over 85 First Nation communities across all five health regions of BC.
These efforts demonstrate the FNHA’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable health system grounded in respect for Indigenous cultures. Progress in cultural safety and humility is measured across all our goal areas.
In 2022 the FNHA, in partnership with Health Standards Organization, created the British Columbia Cultural Safety and Humility Standard to help health care providers in BC integrate cultural safety into practice with First Nations clients.
In 2023, the FNHA completed its self-assessment against the standard, with plans to implement recommended actions.
15 First Nations-Led Primary Health Care Centres
Over 100 First Nations communities are involved in the development and implementation of 15 First Nations-Led Primary Health Care Centres supported by the FHNA regional teams.
The First Nations-led Primary Health Care Initiative (FNPCI) aims to improve access to culturally safe primary health-care services for First Nations people in BC and bring services closer to home.
The FNPCI is Nation-driven and community-led. In order to meet the health and wellness needs of First Nations people, it is important that primary care is culturally safe and trauma-informed, and where Indigenous ways of knowing and being are woven into health care services.
Strengthening health and wellness by reaching First Nations patients virtually
The First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day and First Nations Substance Use and Psychiatry teams connect patients and their families living in BC with primary and allied health care providers in a culturally safe online environment.
In 2023, the FNHA Virtual Health and Wellness Services received a BC Quality Award in the category of Strengthening Health and Wellness, alongside partners in the Real Time Virtual Support Network.
Enhancing access to mental health and wellness approaches, emphasizing cultural healing and prevention
The FNHA’s annual First Nations Health & Wellness Summit unites participants from BC to tackle the toxic drug crisis and promote First Nations health. It includes keynote speakers, workshops, and discussions on community best practices, allowing attendees to share insights for positive change in their communities.
Excellence through Health and Wellness innovation
Serving remote First Nations communities through emergency evacuation infrastructure.
A Helping House for people seeking treatment for substance use
The FNHA is committed to addressing the root causes of trauma and addiction within First Nations communities.
In January 2024, Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society finished construction on its new Helping House Treatment Centre on Cowichan Lands, Vancouver Island. The newly built facility is highly utilized, operating at near full capacity on a consistent basis. Services include bed-based treatment, support for substance use, grief and loss, and trauma programs. The FNHA continues to offer partnership and support to ensure the ongoing success of the program.
The FNHA continues to advance its vision of establishing a provincial network of healing centres and modalities as part of a comprehensive continuum of care. These unique healing houses and modalities aim to complement existing services and provide communities with support for healing from trauma. This network will enhance FNHA-funded programs, ensuring a comprehensive continuum of mental wellness care for all First Nations in BC.
Thank you to all that make a difference
We would like to thank the First Nations communities, FNHA staff and our partners who are tirelessly dedicated to developing the services and infrastructure necessary to support healthy, self-determined, and vibrant First Nations communities across BC.
Downloads & Archive
The FNHA is committed to a high standard of accountability and transparency, including reciprocal accountability with First Nations in BC and our Health Governance partners.