On a beautiful June evening under the radiant glow of the Strawberry Moon, the First Nations Health Foundation welcome over 400 guests to our inaugural Together in Healing Gala presented by Scotiabank. The event brought together communities, partners, and supporters for an unforgettable evening of celebration, unity, and shared purpose—all in support of advancing health equity for First Nations people and communities in BC.
As guests filled the ballroom, the powerful sounds of rock band Bitterly Divine set the tone for the night. Co-emcees Geena Jackson and Harold Tarbell welcomed attendees with warmth and humour. We were honoured to begin in a good way with opening words from Musqueam Councillor Alec Guerin and Squamish Senior Protocol Officer Calvin Charlie Dawson, who provided greetings on behalf the Musqueam Indian Band, Squamish Nation, and Tsleil-Waututh Nation—on whose ancestral and unceded territories the gala was held. Hesquiaht Nation Chief Mariah Charleson offered a blessing for the meal, which was a beautifully prepared family-style feast by Chef Andrew George Jr.. Guests represented more than 35 First Nations, 22 sponsors, and many many allies and partners. During dinner, FNHF Board Chair Ruth Williams and CEO Nathania Fung shared remarks about the Foundation’s bold mission and vision. Our presenting sponsor Scotiabank was represented by VP of Indigenous Financial Services Dana Martin and SVP of BC & Yukon Region Steve Gaskin who delivered an enthusiastic address and introduced the First Nations Health Foundation’s inaugural Health & Wellness Awards.
We were proud to honour:
Their awards, crafted by Spirit Works Limited were a celebration of leadership, resilience, and community care. These awards were designed to honour First Nations people in BC who exemplify the vision and mission of the Foundation and are advocating for the health and wellness of First Nations people in their communities. Hearing their inspiring stories showcased the strength and resilience of First Nations people and shone a light on the good work happening in communities every day.
Throughout the night, there was a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle draw, and a lucky cookie draw for everyone to participate in. One of the most beloved experiences was the ‘Relaxation Station’ where Registered Massage Therapists from One Caring Human Society offered restorative treatments. There were also many opportunities to take photos to remember the night, including a photobooth by Dang Good – see photobooth pictures HERE. Experience the spectacular evening through the eyes of our professional photographers John Pantherbone and Mat Lo HERE.
The energy continued to build with a live auction lead by the fantastic auctioneer Fred Lee featuring incredible experiences from from Helijet, River Rock Casino, Tweedsmuir Lodge, Nimmo Bay, Rivers Inlet Sportman’s Club, and a stunning carving of a raven by Jim Charlie. But the emotional heart of the evening came during the Fund-a-Need, spotlighting a project co-designed by the First Nations Health Authority and First Nations youth and young adults to address the toxic drug public health emergency. Scotiabank led the way with a generous $15,000 challenge gift and together we raised nearly $80,000 toward the $1.0M initiative. This project will build upon the strength of youth to create culturally grounded pathways to wellness, leadership, and life-saving change.
The evening culminated with a powerful moment of recognition: FNHA Board Chair Sheila Blackstock and CEO Monica McAlduff introduced Eli Cranmer, who offered a song in honour of his late father T̓łaḵwagila – Chief Bill Cranmer, one of FNHA’s Knowledge Keepers. Eli then presented the inaugural T̓łaḵwagila – Chief Bill Cranmer Award to Richard Jock, whose warm words of wisdom moved the entire room.
To close the evening, Gala Committee Co-Chairs Greg Louie and Miranda Huron proudly announced that the gala had raised over $352,000 and counting! The final moment of the formal program was led by youth Nora from Sq’éwqel (Seabird Island Band), who offered a powerful and grounding drum song that echoed the strength and unity of the night. Bitterly Divine then played an extraordinary second set for the After Party while guests danced and enjoyed the dessert buffet.
Together in Healing is more than a gala name, it’s a reminder that wellness is a collective journey. To everyone who attended, sponsored, volunteered, or supported the event—thank you. Your presence made the evening extraordinary and your impact will be felt across the communities we serve. May we be reminded of abundance, renewal, and the power of manifesting prosperity for our communities. And let’s carry the spirit of togetherness and hope beyond the gala—because healing is a journey we’re all on, together.
Link to see event photos: fnhf.pixieset.com/gala
Link to see photobooth photos: photos.danggoodbooths.com/fnhfgala
Link to donate: fnhfoundation.ca/donate-today