Together in Healing Gala: Celebrating Leadership and Advancing Health Equity
Press Release
March 13, 2025
The First Nations Health Foundation (FNHF) will host their inaugural Together in Healing Gala presented by Scotiabank at the Vancouver Convention Centre on June 5, 2025. This special gathering will bring together over 400 guests, including First Nations leaders, health professionals, and philanthropists. The gala will celebrate the strength, resilience, and unity of First Nations communities, providing a platform to share insights, highlight efforts to improve health outcomes, and showcase the achievements of those working to transform health services and programs.
“This gala will be a memorable night where we will celebrate our shared commitment to the health and wellness of First Nations people in BC. It’s an opportunity to honour our communities, our partners, and the transformative work that will lead to health equity for First Nations in BC,” says Nathania Fung, Executive Director, FNHF. “The First Nations Health Foundation is deeply grateful for the support that will accelerate innovative, community-driven, and First Nations-led models of care.”
As the philanthropic partner to the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), FNHF was established in 2022 to help raise essential funds over and above government funding for First Nations health care solutions. This gala, co-emceed by Geena Jackson and Harold Tarbell—featuring a grand gourmet feast with menu prepared by renowned First Nations Chef Andrew George Jr., First Nations inspired mocktails, and cultural experiences—aims to create a space for donors and First Nations leaders across BC to connect in the spirit of giving and receiving care.
Nominate someone for a Health and Wellness Award
As part of the evening’s program, the FNHF will recognize three exceptional individuals with the First Nations Health Foundation’s inaugural Health & Wellness Awards. These awards honour those who have shown outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing First Nations health and wellness:
- The Leader of Tomorrow Award will be presented to a First Nations youth (ages 19-29) living in British Columbia who demonstrates exceptional leadership in their community, workplace, or educational environment. This award recognizes individuals who are actively dedicated to improving health and wellness within their First Nations communities.
- The Health Champion Award will be given to a First Nations person or a First Nations ally (non-First Nations individual) who lives in BC and has made significant contributions to improving health outcomes for First Nations communities. This award celebrates individuals who have gone above and beyond in supporting the health and well-being of First Nations people.
- The Tłaḵwagila – Chief Bill Cranmer Award honours a distinguished First Nations leader who has made a lasting impact on the health and wellness of First Nations communities in British Columbia. This award recognizes individuals who have championed equitable and culturally safe health care practices, led policies and initiatives that improve health outcomes, and continue to inspire future generations.
We encourage you to nominate an individual for one of these prestigious awards. Learn more and submit your nomination here.
Early bird tickets available until April 4
The Together in Healing Gala presented by Scotiabank provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the progress made towards First Nations self-determination of health and to support the work that lies ahead. Early Bird Tickets are available until April 4 for those interested in attending.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please connect with Nathania Fung (Executive Director, FNHF) at Nathania.fung@fnha.ca.
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