May 2013
Approved the development of draft structures to establish a separate charitable foundation
The First Nations Health Foundation (FNHF) is the philanthropic partner for the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), the first and only province-wide health authority of its kind in Canada.
Established in 2022, we connect with donors to raise essential funds over and above government funding for the FNHA to deliver innovative, community-driven, and First Nations-based models of care to over 200 First Nations communities and their members in BC.
Your donation to the FNHF contributes to groundbreaking health care solutions—transforming health outcomes and achieving health equity for First Nations in BC.
Our Timeline and History
May 2015
The FNHA approves a foundation working group
July 21, 2022
Incorporated as a society
May 31, 2023
Made changes to constitution & registered as a private foundation
October 15, 2024
Inaugural Executive Director hired
November 1, 2024
New arms-length FNHF Board members appointed
Vision
First Nations people in BC have self-determined health and wellness to realize their full potential.
Mission
As the first and only foundation of its kind, the First Nations Health Foundation is a bold model of philanthropy and partnership that bridges funding and knowledge gaps to accelerate equitable and culturally safe healthcare for First Nations people in BC.
Core Values
First Nations Knowledge and Ways of Being
We honour the diverse cultures, languages, and ancestral knowledge of First Nations. Rooted in wholistic approaches that balance mind, body, heart, and spirit with community and environment, we uphold First Nations ways of knowing, being, and doing, ensuring that our approach reflects the wisdom of the communities we serve and ensures the well-being of future generations
Innovation
We embrace new ideas and approaches, valuing innovation as a way to strengthen connections, create new opportunities, and find creative solutions. Guided by First Nations knowledge and ways of being, we integrate innovation into both fundraising and project development to transform health and wellness.
Respect
Respect begins with recognizing that everyone has something valuable to offer. Grounded in integrity, we listen with intention, engage meaningfully, and meet people where they are. By acknowledging the voices and lived experiences of First Nations people, we show respect for their lands, cultures, and communities.
Reciprocity
We recognize that giving and receiving are interconnected. Through collaboration and collective responsibility, we cultivate relationships that are mutually enriching and reflect the health and wellness priorities of First Nations in BC.
Responsibility
We commit to ethical stewardship, accountability, and transparency. We are responsible to First Nations communities and people, and donors to the Foundation, ensuring that our work is impactful and sustainable.
Relationships
Building strong relationships are the heart of our work. We commit to fostering meaningful, long-term relationships rooted in trust and understanding, with a shared commitment to self-determined health and wellness for First Nations people in BC.
About the First Nations Health Authority
The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is the health and wellness partner to over 200 diverse First Nations communities across BC. Dedicated to transforming health services and improving the health and wellness of First Nations communities in BC, the FNHA is advancing the quality and cultural safety of health care delivery.
In 2013, the FNHA began a new era in First Nations health governance and health care delivery in BC by taking responsibility for the programs and services formerly delivered by Health Canada. Since then, the FNHA has been working to address service gaps through new partnerships, closer collaboration, health systems innovation and the redesign of health programs and services for First Nations individuals, families, and communities in BC.
The FNHA is a leader and a champion of culturally safe practices within the broader health care system. Taking a leadership role, the FNHA actively works with its health partners to embed cultural safety and humility into health service delivery and improve health outcomes for First Nations people.
FNHA programs and services are centered on a First Nations perspective on health and wellness. By integrating culturally safe and community-based practices into FNHA’s programs and services, they promote holistic health across physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.