First Nations Health Authority

B.C.’s First Nations Health Authority is the first provincewide health authority of its kind in Canada. In 2013, the First Nations Health Authority assumed the programs, services, and responsibilities formerly handled by Health Canada's First Nations Inuit Health Branch - Pacific Region.

The First Nations Health Authority is part of a unique health governance structure that includes political representation and advocacy through the First Nations Health Council, and technical support and capacity development through the First Nations Health Directors Association. Collectively, this First Nations health governing structure works in partnership with B.C. First Nations to improve the health and well-being of First Nations and Aboriginal people in British Columbia.

Responsibilities

The First Nations Health Authority plans, designs, manages, and funds the delivery of First Nations health programs and services in British Columbia. These community-based services are largely focused on health promotion and disease prevention, including:

• chronic disease prevention and management,
• mental wellness and substance use,
• health information governance,
• environmental health, and
• traditional healing.

This work does not replace the role or services of the Ministry of Health and health authorities. The First Nations Health Authority collaborates, co-ordinates, and integrates their respective health programs and services to achieve better health outcomes for B.C. First Nations and Aboriginal people.

For more information, visit: www.fnha.ca.