Frequently Asked Questions

The Gathering Wisdom for a Shared Journey 2025 forum (GW XIII), held June 4-6, 2025, will feature discussions focusing on the BC-Specific Approach to Indigenous Health Legislation and the Evolution of the Health Governance Structure. This First Nations Health Council (FNHC) hosted gathering is an opportunity for Chiefs, leaders and Health Directors to hear updates and engage in discussions with the First Nations Health Council (FNHC), First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), the First Nations Health Directors Association (FNHDA) and other health system and government partners.

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.

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.

No. In 2025, we would like all BC First Nation Leaders (Political and Health) to come together at the Forum in-person; to foster meaningful connections, create more immersive learning experiences, provide networking opportunities and create a sense of community.

We anticipate a virtual option when there is a vote at the Gathering Wisdom Forum.

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.