The First Nations-led Primary Health Care Initiative (FNPCI) is an initiative to improve access to primary health-care services, as well as the health and wellness of First Nations people across BC in a way that is culturally safe and closer to home.
The FNPCI is Nation driven and community led. In order to meet the health and wellness needs of First Nations people, it is important that primary care is culturally safe and trauma-informed, and where Indigenous ways of knowing and being are woven into health care services. This initiative intends to provide an opportunity for First Nations to lead the development of services that meet their health and wellness needs.
Below is a video of the FNHA's Dr. Terri Aldred explaining the FNPCI.
First Nations Primary Health Care Centres
One of the main objectives of the FNPCI is to develop up to 15 First Nations-led
Primary Health Care Centre (FNPCCs) in rural and urban locations across BC. Development will include net new sites, as well as the enhancement of existing health centres.
The centres will provide access to culturally safe, quality primary health care services primarily for First Nations people and their families. The aim is for clients to feel safe, welcomed, valued, respected and heard when they access care services at one of these centres.
Two centres are already operational.
The Lu'ma Medical Centre opened in October 2019 in Vancouver and is an extension of an already operating medical centre.
In October 2022, the All Nations Healing House opened in Williams Lake. This is a net new centre.
View a map of current and upcoming FNPCI locations.
Services
FNPCCs will see different types of Traditional and western care providers working together in a “team-based approach" in the same space to meet the health care needs of First Nations peoples. Elders, Sacred Knowledge Keepers and Traditional Wellness Practitioners will be key members of the primary health care team and work in close collaboration with western medicine practitioners.
Examples of some of the services that the centres may choose to offer include:
Traditional healing and wellness, mental health counseling, nursing services, family practice physicians, harm reduction support, social work, Elder support.
About
Core Aspects of FNPCI
FNPCCs are led by First Nations. The governance, decision-making, planning, implementation, health information management and ongoing operations of FNPCC services is led by First Nations.
FNPCCs provide access to culturally safe, quality primary health care services for First Nations people and their families. Clients will feel safe, welcomed, valued, respected and heard when they access care services at an FNPCC.
Indigenous ways of knowing and being are the foundation of the FNPCC service models. Elders, Sacred Knowledge Keepers and Traditional Wellness Practitioners are key members of the primary health care team and work in close collaboration with western medicine practitioners.
FNPCCs use team-based models of care. Guided by the self-determined care needs of the client, in person and virtual primary care services are provided by a team of Traditional and western caregivers in a collaborative and relational environment.
FNPCCs will help to 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 and quality primary health care services in or nearby their community.
Working With FNPCI
Work With Us
The FNHA will be seeking qualified health professionals to join these primary care teams in rural and urban location across BC.
These positions may include:
- Traditional Wellness Practitioners and Traditional Wellness Coordinators
- Family Physicians
- Registered Nurses
- Licensed Practical Nurses
- Nurse Practitioners
- Medical Office Assistants
- Dietitians
- Mental Health Professionals (Psychologists, Clinical Counsellors, Registered Psychiatric Nurses)
- Social Workers and Navigators
- Occupational Therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Clinical Services Managers
Why Work With the FNHA?
People who work at the 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 the 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 the FNHA can be found here.
