Vancouver Island

The Vancouver Island Region consists of 50 First Nation communities where each community elects their own First Nations Chief based on their own selection process. The Region is centered by the ancestral teaching of respect as a guiding principle in order to ensure that the work carried out adheres to traditional knowledge, continues to guide all efforts, and sets a high standard for the future transformation of health services to communities.

About

In order to coordinate and oversee health developments in the region, Vancouver Island First Nations formed the Vancouver Island Regional Caucus, which provides a forum for the political and technical leads from the region’s First Nations to gather, collaborate and share information. Early in our history, the Caucus directed the appointed leaders to enter into an Accord with Vancouver Island Health Authority in order to establish a collaborative working relationship.

Nations

As part of recognizing and respecting the diversity of Vancouver Island First Nations, leaders have created three sub-regions including the Coast Salish, Kwakwaka’wakw (North Vancouver Island) and Nuu-chah-nulth cultural families. These sub-regional caucuses meet at regular intervals to share information and support the regional caucus process. Each sub-region appoints one representative to sit on the First Nations Health Council.

Representatives

Chief Mariah Charleson
Central Island | Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, Vancouver Island Region
Chief John Powell
North Island | Kwakwaka’wakw, Vancouver Island Region
Chief Shana Thomas
South Island, Coast Salish, Vancouver Island Region

Regional Structure

The table acts as an Executive body to the Interior Region Caucus, carrying out directions in between Caucus sessions. The following provides a description on the Interior Region Governance structure today.

50 Communities
  • Campbell River
  • Cape Mudge
  • Comox
  • Da’naxda’wx
  • Gwasala-Nakwaxda’xw
  • Gwawaenuk
  • Kwakiutl
  • Kwiakah
  • Kwicksutaineuk-ah-kwah-ah-mish
  • Mamalilikulla-Qwe’Qua’Sot-Emox
  • Namgis
  • Quatsino
  • Tlatlasikwala
  • Tlowitsis
  • Tsawataineuk
  • Ahousaht
  • Ditidaht
  • Ehattesaht
  • Hesquiaht
  • Hupacasath
  • Huu-ay-aht
  • Ka:’yu:’k’t’h/Che:k:tles7et’h
  • Mowachaht/Muchalaht
  • Nuchatlaht
  • Tla-o-qui-aht
  • Toquaht
  • Tseshaht
  • Uchucklesaht
  • Ucluelet
  • Beecher Bay
  • Chemainus
  • Cowichan Tribes
  • Esquimalt
  • Halalt
  • Homalco
  • Klahoose
  • Lake Cowichan
  • Lyackson
  • Malahat
  • Nanoose
  • Pacheedaht
  • Pauquachin
  • Penelakut
  • Qualicum
  • Snuneymuxw
  • Songhees
  • Tsartlip
  • Tsawout
  • Tseycum
  • T;Sou-ke
Three Nation Territories
  • Kwakwaka’wakw
  • Nuu-chah-nulth
  • Coast Salish
Vancouver 
Island First Nations Health Caucus

Nations

Kwakwaka’wakw

FNHC representative: Vacant

Nuu-chah-nulth

FNHC representative: Mariah Charleson

Coast Salish

FNHC representative: Chief Shana Thomas

Regional Priorities

Each region specifies its priorities aligned with the 7 Directives that guide the work of our Health Governance Structure.

  1. Traditional Wellness

  2. Mental Health and Wellness

  3. Primacy Care and Nursing

  4. Maternal, Child and Family Health and Wellness

Regional Documents

Regional documents signify major strides on the path to First Nations reconciliation and self-determination. Documents specific to the Vancouver Island Region are listed below.

Wellness Plan

Vancouver Island Regional Health and Wellness Plan (2018)

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The Regional Health and Wellness Plan outlines the Vancouver Island Region's strategic health priorities.

Partnership Accord

Vancouver Island Partnership Accord (2022)

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The Partnership Accord describes the relationship amongst the Vancouver Island Regional Health Caucus, Island Health Authority and First Nations Health Authority, and their shared commitment to improving health outcomes for Vancouver Island First Nations.