The First Nations Health Foundation (FNHF) is honoured to announce a $67,600 contribution from TD Bank Group in support of our First Nations Youth Wellness and Harm Reduction Initiative—a First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and First Nations youth co-led, culturally grounded approach to addressing the one of the most urgent health challenges in BC and promoting wellness among First Nations youth.

The toxic drug crisis was declared a public health emergency in 2016, and nearly a decade later, its devastating effects continue to be felt by First Nations families and communities. As Dr. Nel Wieman, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at the FNHA, shares, “While we continue to lose loved ones, we’re also seeing powerful leadership emerge—especially from youth—who are shaping solutions rooted in culture, safety, and hope.” Urgent, culturally relevant, and community-driven solutions are needed now more than ever.

The First Nations Youth Wellness and Harm Reduction Initiative envisions a future where First Nations youth and young adults have the resources, confidence, and tools to lead safe, open, and stigma-free conversations about substance use. This initiative builds upon the good work of the With Open Arms resource to create a curriculum and training program that expands access to culturally safe harm reduction and wellness education.

What makes this work unique? It is:

• Led by youth, for youth: Empowering young leaders to support one another and shape the change they want to see.
• Culturally safe and grounded in First Nations knowledge: Drawing on teachings, stories, and traditional approaches to healing.
• Responsive to community needs: Guided by lived experience and First Nations perspectives on care, connection, and resilience.

“This work is about changing systems and shifting mindsets,” says Nathania Fung, CEO of the First Nations Health Foundation. “This initiative uplifts youth voices and provides them with the tools to care for one another, build resilience, and lead systemic change. We are deeply grateful to TD Bank and all of our donors for standing with us in this urgent and vital work. By supporting youth to lead culturally safe and community-driven approaches, we’re building a foundation for lasting change.

“We’re so proud to help the First Nations Health Foundation with this critical project,” says Adam Hanuman, Associate Vice President of Indigenous Banking, TD Bank Group. “Through the TD Ready Commitment, our corporate citizenship platform, we’re investing in programs that aim to address health issues of top concern to adolescents by creating safe and supportive environments.”

The First Nations Health Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to TD and to all donors and partners whose generosity is helping bring this initiative to life. Together, we are building a future where First Nations people—and especially youth—will live, lead, and thrive in wellness.

Learn more about our First Nations Youth Wellness and Harm Reduction Initiative and hear directly from FNHA CMO Dr. Nel Wiemen and members of the FNHA Youth Substance Use Advisory Committee: fnhfoundation.ca/youth-initiative

Together, we can turn the strength of youth into action—leading pathways to address the toxic drug crisis to save lives and build hope for generations to come. Click HERE to support.