About the First Nations-led Primary Health Care Initiative
The First Nations-led Primary Health Care Initiative (FNPCI) is working to bring culturally safe primary health care services closer to home.
As part of FNPCI, First Nations-led Primary Health Care Centres (FNPCCs) across BC are opening their doors to welcome First Nations people and their families. These centres feature enhancements to existing health centres as well as new facilities designed to create a welcoming and trustworthy environment.
FNPCCs are Nation-driven and community-led. First Nations ways of knowing are woven into care.
The centres provide culturally safe, high-quality primary health care for First Nations people and their families. Clients are supported to feel safe, welcomed, valued, respected and heard when accessing care at an FNPCC.
Learn more about FNPCI from Dr. Terri Aldred, Executive Medical Director, Primary Care and Medical Affairs and Wellness Office at FNHA below:
First Nations-led primary care centres now serving communities
The following centres are providing primary care services to First Nations individuals and their families.
| Region | Name | Location |
|
Fraser Salish |
Fraser South First Nations Primary Care Centre | Aggasiz/Abbotsford/Fraser Canyon |
| Fraser West First Nations Primary Care Centre | Katzie/Kwikwetlem, Semiahmoo/Tsawwassen First Nations UAH – Burnaby/New Westminster |
|
| Éyameth’ Health Centre | Harrison Mills | |
| Interior | All Nations Healing House | Williams Lake |
| Northern St’át’imc Primary Care Centre | Lillooet | |
| Nlaka’pamux First Nations Primary Care Centre | Ashcroft/Merritt/Lytton | |
| Northern | Wilp D’mootxw – Nec’a Yikh (The Healing House) | Hazelton |
| Mîýomâcihêwi Kamik Northern Nations Wellness Centre | Chetwynd | |
| Dadzi Wellness Centre | Fort St. James | |
| Vancouver Coastal | es zúmin’ Primary Care Centre | Líl’wat (Mount Currie) |
| Lu’ma Medical Centre | Vancouver | |
| Nuyalctimutalsim Primary Care Centre | Nuxalk (Bella Coola) | |
| Vancouver Island | ʔuukʷinkpanač West Coast Primary Care Centre | Ucluelet/Tofino |
| Pata’yi Primary Care Centre | Port Hardy/Port McNeill | |
| Coast Salish First Nations Primary Care Centres | Victoria to Campbell River, Sooke and Saanich Peninsula |
Regional service finder
For more information on services available in your region, including FNPCCs, please see the FNHA regional service finder.
FNPCI news
Lu’ma Medical Centre opens first Indigenous traditional medicine pharmacy in BC
Transforming care in northern BC
Esquimalt Health Centre celebrates grand opening
Éyameth’ Health Centre officially opens through ceremony
Dadzi Wellness Centre brings culturally rooted care to Fort St. James
North Fraser communities celebrate grand opening of Éyameth’ Health Centre
Central Nuu-chah-nulth communities celebrate grand opening of ?uuk?inkpanac
What FNPCCs offer
Care model
FNPCCs are led by First Nations. Governance, decision-making, planning, implementation, health information management and ongoing operations are directed by First Nations.
Indigenous ways of knowing and being form the foundation of FNPCC service models. Elders, Sacred Knowledge Keepers and Traditional Wellness Practitioners are integral members of the care team and collaborate closely with western medicine practitioners.
FNPCCs use team‑based models of care. Guided by the self‑determined needs of each client, in‑person and virtual primary care services are delivered by a team of traditional and western caregivers in a collaborative, relational environment.
FNPCCs help bring primary health care services closer to home for First Nations people and their families in BC. For those living in rural and remote communities, this means addressing barriers to access and providing culturally safe, high‑quality primary health care in or near their community.
Services
Examples of services that centres may offer include:
- Traditional healing and wellness
- Family practice physicians and nurse practitioners
- Mental health counselling
- Nursing services
- Harm reduction support
- Social work
- Elder support
- Navigation supports
And more
Work with us
FNHA is seeking qualified health professionals to join these First Nations-led Primary Care Centres in rural and urban locations across BC.
Positions may include:
- Traditional wellness practitioners and traditional wellness coordinators
- Family physicians
- Nurse practitioners
- Registered nurses
- Licensed practical nurses
- Medical office assistants
- Dietitians
- Mental health professionals
- Social workers and navigators
- Occupational therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Clinical services managers
And more
Why join our team?
People who work at FNHA have a genuine interest in wellness-focused and preventative care in First Nations communities, and have cultural safety and humility embedded in their health care work.
Positions at FNHA appeal to those who are “change makers” and have an interest in addressing health inequities, social justice and walking alongside community. Positions at FNHA appeal to those who are interested in quality and safe care close to home with and for First Nations and their families.
More information about primary care careers with FNHA can be found here.