As an Aboriginal or First Nations resident of British Columbia, you can access all the services and programs that are available to all British Columbians with your BC Care Card or the new BC Services Card. As well, there are programs and services that are specifically for Aboriginal, First Nations, and Inuit people in the province.
Sometimes finding the health resources and information you need isn't easy. You might be a teen looking for the closest peer support group or a senior looking for information about an illness. Whether you need information about the B.C. immunization schedule or healthy meal choices that reflect your traditions, we have put it all in one place for you to find.
Featured Topics
Immunization
Getting immunized is important for people of all ages, origins and ancestries. Learn more to help you make informed decisions about immunizations.
- B.C. Immunization Schedules
- A Better Immunization Experience for Your Child (HealthLinkBC File #50e)
- Childhood Vaccines are Safe (HealthLinkBC File #50c)
- Your Baby’s Immune System and Vaccines (HealthLinkBC File #50a)
- The Benefits of Immunizing Your Child (HealthLinkBC File #50b)
Prediabetes
Prediabetes is more common among people of certain population groups. Read more about the risk factors of prediabetes and what you can do to lower the risk.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
Hepatitis A vaccine is offered free to Aboriginal children between 6 months and 18 years of age, living in B.C., both on-reserve and off-reserve.
First Nations Health Authority
The B.C. First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is the first province-wide health authority of its kind in Canada. In 2013, the FNHA assumed the programs, services, and responsibilities formerly handled by Health Canada's First Nations Inuit Health Branch – Pacific Region. The FNHA seeks to transform the health and well-being of B.C.'s First Nations and Aboriginal people by dramatically changing healthcare for the better.
The FNHA does not replace the role or services of the Ministry of Health and Regional Health Authorities but works to collaborate, coordinate, and integrate our respective health programs and services to achieve better health outcomes for B.C. First Nations. The FNHA works with the province and First Nations to address planning, health and wellness promotion, environmental health, mental health programming and service gaps through new partnerships, closer collaboration, and health systems innovation.
To learn more about their services, programs and initiatives, click on the links below:
- First Nations Health Authority
- BC Elders’ Guide (PDF 1.40 MB)
- Child, Youth and Maternal Health
- First Nations Health Benefits
- Health & Wellness Daily Organizer (PDF 7.40 MB)
Aboriginal Liaisons and Programs within Your Health Authority
Along with the services and programs that health authorities provide to all residents of British Columbia, they also have Aboriginal specific programs and services. It can be difficult for patients to find what they need in the health care system. To assist Aboriginal patients, each health authority has Aboriginal patient liaisons, navigators or nurses.
Learn more below about the Aboriginal patient liaisons, navigators, or nurses in your health authority:
- Fraser Health: Aboriginal Health
- Interior Health: Aboriginal Patient Navigators (APN)
- Island Health: Aboriginal Liaison Nurse
- Northern Health: Aboriginal Patient Liaison Program
- Vancouver Coastal Health: Aboriginal Patient Navigators
To learn more about other Aboriginal specific programs and services in the health authorities click on your health authority below:
- Fraser Health: Aboriginal Health
- Interior Health: Aboriginal Health
- Island Health: Aboriginal Health Program
- Northern Health: Aboriginal Health
- Provincial Health Services Authority: Indigenous Health
- Vancouver Coastal Health: Aboriginal Health Strategic Initiatives
Useful Websites
Ministry of Health - Aboriginal Health Directorate
This B.C. Ministry of Health page provides information on key Aboriginal health initiatives and links to resources.
Health Canada - First Nations & Inuit Health
While programs and services are being transferred over to the Interim First Nations Health Authority, Health Canada through the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIH) continues to work with First Nations and Inuit people and Inuit to improve their health. Together with First Nations and Inuit organizations and communities, Health Canada carries out many activities aimed at helping people stay healthy, and prevent chronic and contagious diseases.
Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide - First Nations, Inuit and Métis
Moose stew? Char? Bannock? For the first time, a national food guide has been created which reflects the values, traditions and food choices of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. The Guide has been translated into Inuktitut, Ojibwe, Plains Cree, and Woods Cree. Visit the link below for more information.
Last updated: March 2015
