First Nations Health Directors Association

News

FNHDA Acknowledges National Indigenous Veterans Day

November 8th, 2022

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.

These Warriors are examples for all of us, and on this day we raise our hands in gratitude to each of them. We encourage our community to take time to reflect upon the important contributions and bravery of Indigenous Veterans

Explore the BC Aboriginal Veterans Tribute List

The History of National Indigenous Veterans Day

Indigenous people have served an integral role in Canada’s military since 1812, and it is estimated that 12,000 Indigenous people served in the wars of the twentieth century. During WWII, many served in specialized reconnaissance or sniper units, and Cree speaking ‘code talkers’ played a vital role in the Allied military intelligence.

However, despite their brave and distinguished service, Indigenous soldiers returned home to renewed racism, disenfranchisement, loss of their status and treaty rights, rejection from veterans organizations and supports, and were not recognized for their service. 

Canada’s colonial legacy and racism has meant Indigenous service members and veterans have had to fight to get the acknowledgement and respect they deserve. Many Remembrance Day ceremonies did not include recognition of Indigenous veterans, and so in 1994 the first ceremony honouring the unique histories and contributions of Indigenous veterans was held on November 8.

Read PM Trudeau’s Statement on Indigenous Veterans Day 2022

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 […]

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.

Jun. 14

FNHA and HSO Release BC Cultural Safety and Humility Standard

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and the Health Standards Organization (HSO) have released the British Columbia (BC) Cultural Safety and Humility Standard, a tool that will enable organizations to address indigenous-specific racism and build a culturally safe health care environment.

May. 24

Joint Statement on the One-Year Anniversary of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Findings

​​This message contains sensitive content and could be triggering. For crisis support here in BC please contact the KUU-US Crisis Line at 1-800-588-8717 or visit the First Nations Mental Health and Wellness Support page for additional support services. A complete listing of support services is included at the end of this statement. Coast Salish Territory – Yesterday marked […]

May. 20

A Mentorship Minute – Episode #4: The Power of Stories

Spring is in the air, and you know what that means! Caucus season is here! My favourite part of caucus is listening to and learning from the stories people share. No matter what topic is being discussed, Health Directors can speak to how a particular policy, issue, program or funding stream looks on the ground, in real life, in their communities.