What are Community Engagement Hubs?
Community Engagement Hubs (CeH’s) are groups of First Nations communities who agree to plan, collaborate, and communicate to meet their nation’s health priorities. CeH’s also provide a vehicle for First Nations Communities to partner with the First Nations Health Council to implement the Tripartite First Nations Health Plan. CeH’s are collaborations between First Nations communities working through one agreed upon organization. The formation of CeH’s encourages natural collaborations based on tribal and geographical factors, and provides resources to existing capacity.
Currently, there are 22 community hubs representing 150 First Nations. Hub host agencies are as follows:
Seabird Island Indian Band
Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council
Nlaka’pamux Services Society
Inter Tribal Health Authority
Okanagan Nation Alliance
Kwakiutl District Council
Treaty 8 Tribal Association
Skidegate Health Centre
Q’wemtsin Health Society
Cowichan Tribes
Ktunaxa Nation Council
Heiltsuk Tribal Council
Lower Stl’Atl’Imx Tribal Council
Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society
Carrier Sekani Family Services Society
Toosey First Nations
Kwadacha Nation
Burrard Indian Band
Iskut First Nation
Lillooet Tribal Council
Sto:lo Nation
Gitxsan Health Society
The First Nations Health Council accepts applications for the Community Hub process on an on-going basis. For more information on Community Engagement Hubs please contact Marilyn Ota at the First Nations Health Council. CeH proposal call and application | pdf download |
Why Hubs?
Collaboration and joint planning create efficiencies, and will provide better health services for BC First Nations people. For example, where it may not be feasible to have a mental health expert in every community, the hub concept would allow for planning to have one expert available to serve the member communities of the hub. In this way, collaboration and resource sharing between the nations in a hub can fill health gaps that otherwise would not be addressed.
Hubs also act as a communications vehicle, allowing the Health Council to effectively communicate in a accurate and timely manner with all 203 BC First Nations. Currently, there are thirteen community engagement hubs, representing 106 First Nations in various stages of development.
How do we get involved?
Step 1: Submit your letter of intent to become a hub, include a list of communities who will be a part of your hub.
Step 2: Attend a training session with the First Nations Health Council. Receive development dollars for your work planning process.
Step 3: Submit your work plan to the First Nations Health Council for approval.
Step 4: Receive funds to carry out work plan.
Community Engagement Hub Annual Funding
Basic Funding per hub: 75,000-100,000
Additional Funding:
5 communities or less: $12,500 per community
5-10 communities:$10,000 per community
10 communities or more: $7,500 per community
Some Hubs will be entitled to a travel allowance which will be based on distance from each community, and transportation mode (fly-in or boat access)