First Nations Health Directors Association

News

FNHA, FNHC, FNHDA Issue Statement Supporting Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond’s Investigation into Systemic Racism

July 9th, 2020
FNHA-FNHDA-FNHC-Header.jpg

Coast Salish Territory – The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), the First Nations Health Council (FNHC) and the First Nations Health Directors Association (FNHDA) welcome the launch of Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond’s investigation into systemic racism in BC’s health system.

Mary-Ellen-Turpel-Lafond.jpg

“We welcome this effort to shine light on the systemic racism that still exists in our province and encourage BC Indigenous patients and health workers within the system to trust this process and come forward to tell their truth about racism,” said Charlene Belleau, Chair of the First Nations Health Council.

Turpel-Lafond, a former judge and longtime children’s advocate in BC  will produce a report on racism in the BC health system following allegations that health-care staff in emergency rooms were playing a “game” to guess the blood-alcohol level of Indigenous patients.

“Mary Ellen is doing very important work that will have great impact on the future health and wellbeing of First Nations in B.C. and across Canada.  FNHA is extremely pleased to support this work,” said M. Colleen Erickson, Chair of the First Nations Health Authority Board of Directors.

“The FNHA looks forward to the outcomes of the review as a way to accelerate the progress on cultural safety for First Nations of BC,” said Richard Jock, FNHA’s Interim Chief Executive Officer. “It is important people participate in the survey as a way to provide their experiences. FNHA will look to provide appropriate ways to support participants who may be triggered by the final report’s disclosures.”

“The First Nations Health Directors Association (FNHDA) encourages all Health Directors to come forward to share their experiences to encourage First Nation community members to share any incidents that need improvement within the healthcare system.  It is only through a clear identification of incidents that we can strengthen the health care system to ensure only positive experiences and outcomes for First Nations people,” said Keith Marshall, President of the First Nations Health Directors Association.

The FNHA, the FNHDA and the FNHC have been aware of incidents of mistreatment of First Nations people in the health system and have worked hard to embed cultural safety and humility into health care delivery by working with our health partners to raise awareness and train staff. It is clear, however, that much work is still to be done.

Cultural safety and humility are essential dimensions of quality and safety and only a sustained and genuine commitment to action from all leadership paired with concrete actions will lead to the change needed. 

Learn more:

To find out more about First Nations Health Authority, visit: http://www.fnha.ca/

Media contact: John Moody
First Nations Health Authority
604-831-4898
john.moody@fnha.ca​

​Download this news release in PDF format here​ (PDF)​

More News

May. 4

Rez Mailbox Totes

Ashcroft First Nation is implementing the use of clear easy clean “tote boxes” to deliver food (hampers/food drops) to community members living on-reserve. A tote is provided to each household, filled with food and dropped outside each home for homeowner to retrieve. This ensures the necessary physical distancing of the staff and the homeowners. These […]

May. 4

Scavenger Hunt

The Osoyoos Indian Band Scavenger Hunt is a wellness initiative designed to maintain healthy cultural activity for Youth and Elders in community while practicing physical / social distancing. It is run by our Youth Worker staff who are on a work-from-home arrangement. The program uses Facebook as the primary avenue for participation. This program promotes […]

Jun. 29

FNHDA AGM and Wellness Gathering 2023

We are excited to announce that this year’s AGM and Wellness Gathering will take place September 26 – 28, 2023 on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh in Prince George. The theme for this year’s Gathering is: Guiding our Future Leaders; Using Culture to Plan for Future Generations All FNHDA Members are invited to attend our annual […]

Apr. 28

New Job Opportunity : Sr. Admin Coordinator – Member Services (West Vancouver, BC)

The First Nations Health Authority is a diverse and transformational health organization of professional, innovative and dedicated team members and leaders. The first of its kind in Canada, FNHA works as a health-and-wellness partner with BC First Nations to support self-determination and decision-making to improve health outcomes.

Apr. 28

New Job Opportunity : Advisor, Shared Secretariat – 6-month term

The First Nations Health Authority is a diverse and transformational health organization of professional, innovative and dedicated team members and leaders. The first of its kind in Canada, FNHA works as a health-and-wellness partner with BC First Nations to support self-determination and decision-making to improve health outcomes.

Nov. 8

FNHDA Acknowledges National Indigenous Veterans Day

Today we take time to acknowledge and honour the bravery, sacrifice, and contribution of our family and community members who have fought for and served the country we call Canada. Despite being denied many rights of citizenship, including the right to vote, Indigenous people left their families to fight in far away lands.

Oct. 13

New Job Opportunity: Advisor (West Vancouver, BC)

The First Nations Health Authority is a diverse and transformational health organization of professional, innovative and dedicated team members and leaders. The first of its kind in Canada, FNHA works as a health-and-wellness partner with BC First Nations to support self-determination and decision-making to improve health outcomes.

Oct. 13

New Job Opportunity: Senior Advisor – Term to March 31, 2023 – (Vancouver, BC)

The First Nations Health Authority is a diverse and transformational health organization of professional, innovative and dedicated team members and leaders. The first of its kind in Canada, FNHA works as a health-and-wellness partner with BC First Nations to support self-determination and decision-making to improve health outcomes.