First Nations Health Foundation, First Nations Health Authority, and Boehringer Ingelheim Canada
Partner to Launch Vancouver Island Diabetes Strategy

The Vancouver Island First Nations Diabetes Strategy: Where No One Gets Left Behind (the Strategy) will soon launch, thanks to a collaboration between the First Nations Health Foundation (FNHF), First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), and Boehringer Ingelheim Canada. This First Nations–led strategy is dedicated to improving lived experience, advancing diabetes care, and strengthening health outcomes across First Nations communities on Vancouver Island.

“The Vancouver Island Diabetes Strategy reflects years of listening, dialogue, and collaboration with First Nations communities,” says FNHA Vancouver Island Vice President of Regional Operations Brennan MacDonald. “This initial investment allows partners to build the right foundations—governance, systems, and processes—so that future efforts are coordinated, culturally safe, and responsive to community priorities.”

Diabetes continues to disproportionately impact First Nations communities, particularly in rural and remote areas where access to screening, diagnosis, and continuity of care can be limited. To respond to these lived realities, the Strategy was co-developed with the three cultural families, First Nations leaders, and communities across Vancouver Island to ensure a long-term, systems-based approach, grounded in First Nations leadership. On November 14, 2024—World Diabetes Day—the Strategy was unanimously approved by the Chief and Council of each First Nation on Vancouver Island. This unified approach reflects the shared belief in restoring wellness, preventing diabetes across generations, and supporting every person in a good way.

The Strategy builds on foundational learnings and community-driven innovations established through the PATHWAYS pilot projects in the Nuu-Chah-Nuth regions and also includes:

• A First Nations–led Advisory Circle, to ensure the strategy continues to be guided by community knowledge, accountability, and shared governance
• Design and implementation of a diagnostic and screening program to improve early identification, access, and consistency across Vancouver Island
• Development of digital tracking system to improve coordination, continuity, and culturally safe diabetes care across communities and providers
• Production of First Nations-led diabetes educational materials

A Shared Commitment to Health Equity

The partnership between FNHA, FNHF and Boehringer Ingelheim Canada reflects a shared commitment to health equity, respect for First Nations knowledge, and long-term collaboration. Boehringer’s contribution provides the critical first-phase investment required to launch and implement the seven-year strategy and establish initial systems, governance, and processes that will turn the shared vision into coordinated action.

“We are grateful to Boehringer Ingelheim for making this foundational investment,” says First Nations Health Foundation CEO Nathania Fung. “Equally important is recognizing the leadership of the First Nations Health Authority, who brought communities together first—creating alignment, trust, and shared direction.  This is how sustainable, community-informed strategies are built.”

Looking Ahead

With this foundational funding, the FNHA and partners are taking the first steps toward a coordinated, First Nations–informed approach to diabetes wellness that can grow and evolve thanks to the partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim and the continued relationships with First Nations Chiefs, Leaders and communities across Vancouver Island and BC.

About First Nations Health Foundation

The First Nations Health Foundation (FNHF) is the first and only foundation of its kind dedicated to supporting First Nations-led health and wellness in British Columbia. As the primary philanthropic partner to the First Nations Health Authority, the FNHF bridges funding and knowledge gaps to advance equitable and culturally safe health and wellness for First Nations people and communities across BC.

Visit fnhfoundation.ca to learn more.

About First Nations Health Authority

The FNHA is the health and wellness partner to over 200 diverse First Nations communities and citizens across BC. Since taking over responsibility for programs and services formerly delivered by Health Canada in 2013, the FNHA has been working to address service gaps through new partnerships, closer collaboration, health systems innovation, reform and redesign of health programs and services for individuals, families, communities and Nations. The FNHA is also a champion of culturally safe practices throughout 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.

Visit fnha.ca to learn more.

About Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry’s top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. More than 53,500 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable tomorrow. The Canadian headquarters of Boehringer Ingelheim was established in 1972 in Montreal, Quebec and is now located in Burlington, Ontario. Boehringer Ingelheim employs approximately 500 people across Canada.

Visit boehringer-ingelheim.com to learn more.

About Pathways Indigenous Health

The Pathways Indigenous Health Collaborations initiative focuses on addressing disparities in Indigenous Health through collaboration among communities, public and private sectors.  This indigenous-led partnership aims to close the health gap by fostering relationship building and sustainable futures for all partners.

Visit indigenoushealthpathways.ca to learn more.

Learn More

Please contact Nathania at [email protected] or download the Press Release HERE.