As decision-makers, it is important that Chiefs have information to support the health and wellness work they do in community. The Gathering Wisdom forum is an important part of the health governance process. It is an opportunity to provide Chiefs with an update on progress and discuss future directions for the health governance structure that we as BC First Nations have established. 

At the end of the three-day session, Chiefs will be asked to vote on two draft resolutions.

Gathering Wisdom is hosted by the First Nations Health Council (FNHC), a provincial-level political and advocacy organization that is representative of and accountable to, BC First Nations. 

The FNHC is part of a unique health governance structure that includes the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and the First Nations Health Directors Association (FNHDA). Collectively, this First Nations health governance structure works to improve the health outcomes of First Nations people in BC. Please visit the FNHC website to learn more about us. 

Yes. There will be multiple opportunities to talk with the FNHA throughout the three-day forum. We will ensure senior representatives of the FNHA are available to meet with leaders and health leads on the specific interests of their community. More information will be made available on this in the coming month.

A registration link will be distributed in winter 2024.

Attendees are responsible for booking their own accommodations at one of the pre-selected hotels. Booking instructions will be included on the registration page.  

Yes. We encourage all attendees to bring their drums and regalia to participate in a regional procession to be held on the first day. 

Yes. The plenary sessions and regional meetings will be available virtually to the three approved attendees per community. There will be an opportunity to ask questions using a chat feature, however open dialogue will not be possible with those joining virtually due to the scale of the event. 

Travel expense reimbursement forms will be included on the registration page.

Participants must submit travel expense claims for reimbursement, no later than 30 calendar days following the end of the month in which the expenses were incurred – except for the final month of the fiscal year (March 31) when claims must be submitted within two working days of the fiscal year-end.

Claims submitted outside these time limits may result in an adjustment to the reimbursement amount, or unpaid claims will be returned to sender with a letter of explanation.

For the purposes of Gathering Wisdom for a Shared Journey 2025 and further to the above statement, travel expense claims must be submitted no later than March 31, 2026. Submit all travel claims to: sharedsecretariat@fnha.ca.

Yes. There will be a variety of wellness services open to all invited attendees to access, including traditional and cultural practices. In addition, a limited number of artisan vendors will be onsite offering products for sale.