Tag Archives: First Nations Health Authority

Indigenous Nations

Híɫzaqv leaders take RCMP to court, say police discriminate against the nation’s laws

 IndigiNews,, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Hereditary and elected leaders of Híɫzaqv Nation are taking the RCMP to court, saying the police force refuses to enforce the nation’s bylaws — including a law expelling drug dealers and sexual offenders from the community.

The lawsuit says this had led to “an atmosphere of fear and lawlessness” on reserve that put members’ safety at risk. 

It further states that the case has broader implications around whether “Canada” respects Híɫzaqv jurisdiction on their own territories.

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Food, Health, Indigenous Nations

First-ever Food is Medicine health fair coming to Port Alberni Nov. 2

By Nora O’Malley, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Connecting families to traditional foods and traditional healers is a central focus of the inaugural Food is Medicine Diabetes Gathering on Nov. 2 at the Echo Centre in Port Alberni from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This free, drop-in event is for people living with diabetes, their family members, supports and anyone who is interested in overall wellness. A healthy lunch will be served, and no pre-registration is required.

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Health, Indigenous Nations History

Dedication of the Tsakwa’luten Healing Centre

It began with sacred songs, drumming and dancers.  Executive Director Kristie Lamirande would later tell Cortes Currents that while many healing centres have Indigenous spiritual components, as far as she knows none of them possess the 50/50 blend of Indigenous and Western healing methodology that the new Tsakwa’luten Healing Centre will offer. Some will remember this property as the Tsa Kwa Luten Lodge, on the southern tip of Quadra Island. There will be 42 beds for people struggling with addiction. 20 of them should be ready when the Centre opens this Fall. Jennifer Whiteside, the province’s Minister for Health and Addictions, MLA Michele Babchuk, Councillor Susan Savoy of the K’omoks First Nation and a number of leaders from the health community joined the We Wai Kai First Nation for the dedication on Tuesday July 16, 2024.       

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Health

Chewing on Solutions to BC’s Dental Shortage

Editor’s Note: From 1995 until 2020, the Marine Dental Clinic used to serve Cortes and some of the neighbouring islands. Now Cortes residents make what is often an all day trip into Campbell River. The article below points to an additional strain, on a dental service that already has 1,550 job openings, as the National dental plan opens the doors for free service to anyone over the age of 18.

By Michelle Gamage, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Remote and rural communities in B.C. are currently facing a shortage of dentists, according to WorkBC.

This is especially true in Indigenous communities, where most people have to leave the community to access dental services, according to the First Nations Health Authority.

Medium-sized communities are also feeling the squeeze. In Powell River, a community of nearly 14,000 people with four dental offices, locals told The Tyee they’ve had to head by ferry to neighbouring communities for care after a year of trying to be seen by a local dentist.

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Health, Indigenous Nations

Indigenous People Bare the Brunt of the Toxic Drug Crisis

 The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The B.C. First Nations Health Authority opened its gathering to present a grim report on toxic drug toxic deaths in 2022 with a song, a prayer of hope and  unity for the families and friends affected by toxic drugs. 

The report found toxic  drugs have been taken a disproportionate toll on First Nations members,  who were almost five times as likely to die of drug poisoning in 2022  than non-Indigenous B.C. residents. Although representing only 3.3 per  cent of the province’s population, Indigenous people represented 16.4  per cent of toxic drug poisoning deaths in 2021.

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