Fraser Salish Graduates from the FNHA and Red Cross First Responders Training on July 9.
The First Nations Health Authority, Red Cross and First Nations communities in BC are collaborating to establish training and infrastructure for First Responder services in rural and remote communities. Community staff or volunteers are being trained and licensed to provide pre-hospital emergency care, enhancing capacity directly in the community to save lives.
On July 9th at Tzeachten Community Hall in Chilliwack, nine Fraser Salish First Nations individuals graduated from the intensive 9-day First Responder training program. These individuals, both men and women, represent six different First Nation communities in the Fraser Salish Region. On Wednesday, July 17th, at Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge in Cape Mudge, on Quadra Island, twenty Vancouver Coastal First Nations individuals representing ten different First Nation communities in the region graduated from the same training.
In order to the complete this challenging training, they were away from their families, homes and communities for nine days, many of which included 12-hour days of learning and practicing new skills. Throughout the ceremonies representatives from FNHA and Red Cross, the graduates, as well as their families and other representatives from their communities shared their thoughts on the importance of this training opportunity.
FNHA and Red Cross are building partnerships with other emergency service organizations such as First Nations Emergency Services, BC Ambulance, RCMP, and AANDC to ensure services are integrated and will continue to partner with communities to ensure the First Responder services are integrated with the health and emergency programs.
Graduates included:
Fraser Salish: Samantha Bisaillon (Tzeachten First Nation), Maria Campbell (Boston Bar First Nation), Emilio Charlie (Chawathil First Nation), Pam Mc Cotter (Katzie First Nation), Dana St. Denis (Soowahlie First Nation), Randy Giesbrecht (Kwikwetlem First Nation), Fred Hulbert Sr. (Kwikwetlem First Nation), Landon John (Chawathil First Nation) and Francis Pierre (Katzie First Nation).
Island: Huuyaaht First Nation: Amelia Vos, Kristen Young, Don Prevost; Quatsino: Ryan Nelson, Henrietta Charlie, George Nelson jr, Arthur Nelson, Ditidaht, Leslie Cook, Penelakut, Glenda Charlie, Mike Charlie, Stacy Crocker, Eleanor Edwards, Ehattesaht, Charles John; Pauquachin: Addie Horn; Dzawada’enuxw: Peter Coon; Tla-o-qui-aht Nation: Daniel Audet, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’, Leroy Jack, Ravyne Cox, Tsartlip, Chase, Bartleman; Ucluelet: Lance Williams.