First Nations Health Foundation raises over $350,000 during inaugural gala

Press Release

Nearly $80,000 raised specifically for First Nations youth-led response to the toxic drug crisis

The First Nations Health Foundation (FNHF), in proud partnership with Scotiabank, welcomed over 400 guests to the inaugural Together in Healing Gala this June at the Vancouver Convention Centre. With representation from over 35 First Nations and 22 generous sponsors, the event brought people together in a powerful showing of solidarity to advance health equity for First Nations people and communities in BC.

One of the evening’s highlights was a live fund-a-need session spotlighting a project co-designed by First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and First Nations youth, aimed at addressing the toxic drug crisis. Leading the way, Scotiabank pledged a $15,000 donation, igniting a wave of generosity that then saw attendees contribute nearly $80,000 toward the project’s $1 million goal. In total, the gala raised an inspiring $352,000 in support of First Nations wellness.

“The toxic drug public health emergency is now entering its tenth year,” said Dr. Nel Wieman, Chief Medical Officer at FNHA. “What we are doing in harm reduction is helping, but we also know that our youth population is particularly impacted. Some of the key goals for this project will be to build capacity among First Nations youth to continue to take on leadership roles in addressing the toxic drug emergency.”

Since its formation in 2022, FNHF has raised over $700,000 to support health and wellness initiatives for First Nations communities beyond the scope of FNHA’s programs and services. The Together in Healing Gala marks a major milestone in that ongoing journey and is a testament to the power of collective fundraising for worthy causes.

Interested in donating directly to FNHF? Click here.

Celebrating Leadership: FNHA Health and Wellness Awards

The gala also marked the launch of the FNHF Health and Wellness Awards, created to honour First Nations people in BC who are advocating for health and wellness in their communities.

The Leader of Tomorrow Award: Presented to Aiyana Twigg, a young leader of Ktunaxa heritage on her mother’s side and Blackfoot on her father’s, this award recognizes First Nations youth (ages 19–29) who demonstrate exceptional leadership in their community.
The Health Champion Award: Awarded to Shelley Lampreau, Health Director for the Simpcw First Nation, this honour highlights impacts across three or more of six key areas, including community health, cultural knowledge and integration, innovation and leadership, collaboration and partnership building, advocacy and policy influence, and resilience and perseverance.
The T̓łaḵwagila – Chief Bill Cranmer Award: The inaugural award was presented to former FNHA CEO Richard Jock, for his decades of unwavering dedication to the health and wellness of First Nations people. His heartfelt words of wisdom moved the entire room as he spoke in accepting this award.

“Congratulations to Richard, Shelley and Aiyana, such worthy winners of our inaugural FNHF Health and Wellness Awards,” said Nathania Fung, CEO of FNHF. “It is an honour to put a spotlight on the impact that all three of these community champions are having on the health and wellness of First Nations people in their communities and beyond.”

Continuing on with fundraising efforts, FNHF is hosting its first cultural learning experience: a Red Cedar Weaving Workshop sponsored by accounting firm Doane Grant Thornton LLP. The event takes place on Thursday, Aug. 14 at the Chase Collaboration Centre in Yaletown.

This hands-on session will be an opportunity to: