As decision-makers, Chiefs must have information to support the health and wellness work they do in their communities. GW XIII is a vital 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 BC First Nations have established.

At the end of the three-day session, Chiefs will vote on two draft resolutions. They will include “a principles document” which could outline how BC First Nations want to be acknowledged in both federal and provincial legislation processes, and how their interests ought to be reflected in future legislative processes. The other outlines the next steps and priorities in the evolution of the FNHC’s role and structure within the First Nations Health Governance structure.

GW XIII is hosted by the First Nations Health Council (FNHC), a provincial-level political and advocacy organization 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. Multiple opportunities to talk with the FNHA throughout the GW XIII three-day forum will be available. FNHA will host a series of information sessions to ensure communities get the information they need on health programs. In addition, 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 available on engagement opportunities in the coming months.

Following Directive #7: Function at a high operational standard and making sure we are making the best and prudent use of available resources, we are pleased to invite two (2) representatives from each First Nation community in BC.

Representatives include:

1. Political (e.g. Chief or Proxy)
2. Health Lead (e.g. Health Director, Community Health Representative, or Health Portfolio Holder on Council)

Invited attendees will receive a registration link in winter 2024.

Attendees are responsible for booking accommodations at one of the GW XIII pre-selected hotels. Booking instructions will be available on the registration page.

Yes. We encourage all attendees to bring their drums and regalia to participate in the GW XIII regional procession on the first day of the conference.

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.

The registration page will include travel expense reimbursement forms.

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.

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

For GW XIII and further to the above statement, travel expense claims are due no later than July 30, 2025.

Please submit all travel claims to: sharedsecretariat@fnha.ca

Yes. GW XIII will again offer 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.