Invitation: Participate in the Certified Indigenous Health Navigator Competency Focus Group Sessions

Press Release

The First Nations Health Managers Association (FNHMA) is at a pivotal moment in the development of the Certified Indigenous Health Navigator (IHN) Program.

After hearing voices from coast to coast through regional engagement sessions, FNHMA is now moving into the next phase, a deeper dive into the Competencies that will define the future certification program. These competencies represent the specific skills, knowledge, and actions required to support First Nations individuals and families as they navigate health systems while ensuring culturally safe, community-centred care.

FNHMA is inviting Indigenous Health Navigators, First Nations health professionals, and those working closely with the IHN role to participate in a 90-minute virtual focus group.

Participants will help review and refine the draft competencies outlined in Part D of the report, Bridging Worlds, Creating Safety, and support the co-creation of a new and essential competency area. Review the report and project information: https://www.fnhma.ca/certification/indigenous-health-navigators

FNHMA recognizes that strong programs are built through collaboration, shared knowledge, and respect for lived experience. These focus groups are an opportunity to directly shape the future of the Certified IHN Program and help ensure it reflects the realities, strengths, and priorities of First Nations communities across the country.

FNHMA is specifically seeking input to:

• Refine and strengthen the existing competency domains

• Co-create a new 7th Domain: Self-Care & Organizational Responsibility

• Ensure competencies reflect lived experience and community realities

• Support the development of a culturally grounded, national certification pathway

To respect participants’ time and ensure voices from across the country can participate comfortably, FNHMA will host all sessions during a “Golden Window” that avoids early mornings for western regions and late evenings for eastern regions.

Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM EST (90 minutes)

Platform: Virtual (Zoom or Teams link provided upon registration)

Incentive: An honourarium will be provided in recognition of participants’ valuable time and knowledge

To confirm participation and receive the participant package, interested individuals are asked to contact: Andrea Aiabens, Special Projects Lead, FNHMA andrea.aiabens@fnhma.ca

Participants are welcome to select the session or sessions that align with their strengths and experience:

Date	Domain	Topic
Mon, March 2	Domain 1	Indigenous Ways of Knowing & Cultural Safety
Tue, March 3	Domain 2	Health System Navigation & Knowledge
Wed, March 4	Domain 3	Advocacy, Rights & Empowerment
Thu, March 5	Domain 4	Communication & Relationship Building
Tue, March 10	Domain 5	Community Engagement & Asset Mapping
Wed, March 11	Domain 6	Professional Practice, Ethics & Accountability
Thu, March 12	NEW Domain 7	Self-Care & Organizational Responsibility (Critical Session)

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