Two North Shore First Nations highlight women’s health issues at annual health fair
VCH was pleased to participate in the third annual joint Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Squamish Nation Health Fair that drew more than 250 community members and guests on March 6 at Tsleil-Waututh Community Centre.
To coincide with International Women’s Week the Health Fair brought special attention to women’s health issues and the important contributions women make to community health and well-being. A beautiful honouring ceremony to recognize 14 women from the two Nations — all nominated for their contributions in leadership, business, sport, education, and culture in their community – opened the event. The community members and guests then had opportunity to visit 34+ health exhibits and listen to a panel discussion on women’s health and presentations on various health topics.
As a result of the two Nation’s Health Departments and the work of Cain Kerehoma with the Community Engagement Hub, VCH participation continues to grow each year. Staff from the following North Shore and regional programs attended this year’s Health Fair:
- Early Years
- Child & Youth
- Chronic Disease Services
- Hope to Health (HIV)
- the OASIS Program
- Aboriginal Health Strategic Initiatives
- Population Health; and
- My Health My Community
VCH also coordinated with BCIT Nursing students who participated in the Fair as part of their community health nursing clinical experience.
The Fair was a great opportunity for staff to meet new and familiar faces in the community and initiate referrals to relevant health services. As Nurse Educator, Nancy Chow with the Hope to Health HIV team noted, “It was a great opportunity to make connections with the community as well as with other health agencies. It was a first for us to be at our local First Nations community and we were able to observe the unique tradition that is involved in their events.”
Feedback from community members was extremely positive and a number of individuals remarked how much they learned, how pleased they were to see the good work being done, and that there was strong networking that took place at the Fair. The community leaders in attendance left with spirits high and a great deal of pride in how well everyone came together for a common cause.
VCH is eager to continue work with the Nations on initiatives that help foster a stronger, healthier community and to offer programs and services that directly reflect the health needs of community members of all ages.
Clinical Dietitian, Ellen Mackay, used her experience with the North Shore Diabetes Education Centre to provide solid health advice to the more than 250 attendees of the recent third annual Squamish Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation Health Fair.