Overview
The majority of First Nations people in BC live in urban areas or away from home. However, mainstream health services are not always accessible due to systemic, institutional, clinical and individual barriers. The FNHA has multiple roles as a service provider, funder, partner and advocate to support the health and wellness of all First Nations people in BC, regardless of where they live or access their health services.
The First Nations Urban and Away-from-Home (UAH) population includes status and non-status First Nations people in BC who live in:
- a city, urban, rural, remote or isolated area that is not in a First Nations community or on a reserve
- a reserve that is away from their home community
UAH Engagement – We Want to Hear
from You!
The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is engaging with the UAH population, BC First Nations, urban Indigenous organizations and health system partners in each region. The goal of this work is to create and improve UAH engagement and communications pathways with our partners to support FNHA health and wellness planning.
UAH Engagement was launched in March 2023 and took place throughout the year in the Northern region, which is now complete.
Sessions are now underway in the Interior region. Register for a session here.
Stay tuned for upcoming engagement sessions across the province throughout 2024!
Programs, Services and Resources
First Nations people living in urban areas and away from home have access to programs, services and resources provided by the FNHA, including:
For a full list of the FNHA's programs, services and resources, visit our What We Do page.
Stay Up-to-Date!
Join the Urban and Away-From-Home contact list using our online form.
Sign up for the FNHA e-newsletter to stay informed about activities, new programs and services (scroll down to the site footer and enter your email address).
Framework
The document Urban and Away-from-Home Health and Wellness Framework outlines high-level principles and strategic directions for expanding the scope and function of FNHA support for the urban and away-from-home population.
The “Framework at a Glance" illustration provides an overview of the three streams of the Framework and the key areas of work within each stream.
Survey Report
The FNHA conducted a survey to understand how First Nations people living in urban areas and away from home access health and wellness information.
The results of the survey, described in the Urban and Away-from-Home Survey Results Report, will inform the development of communications and engagement strategies. The Summary of Survey Results document highlights key findings from the survey.
UAH Funding Initiative
The UAH Funding Initiative began in 2023, and since then, we're proud to have supported some incredible causes supporting the UAH population in BC.
The initiative offers grants of up to $25,000 to support or supplement program funding in the areas of primary care; mental health and wellness; the toxic drug response; addressing anti-Indigenous racism and promoting cultural safety in health care.
The application period for the 2024-2025 UAH Funding Initiative is now closed. For more information on the initiative, visit our UAH Funding Initiative page.
AHMA-FNHA Memorandum of Partnership
In April 2024, the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) and the FNHA signed a historic, new Memorandum of Partnership. The Memorandum of Partnership establishes the AHMA and the FNHA's shared commitment to improve the wellness of First Nations people living in BC and strengthens the partnership between the two organizations.
The AHMA and the FNHA will develop a collaborative work plan to better connect First Nations people in BC to services and supports to advance health and housing outcomes. Read the full announcement here.
