[Document] Vancouver Island Regional Health and Wellness Plan

NOTE: This document focuses on the healthy system but many of the information will be helpful to those interested in learning more about the 50 First Nations located on Vancouver Island.

After 18 months of engagement, review and collaboration, FNHA’s Vancouver Island Region has released its updated Regional Health and Wellness Plan (RHWP), a five-year roadmap that reflects the shared vision, priorities and aspiration of 50 First Nations communities.

The updated plan was shaped by extensive input from Elders, Chiefs, council members, Health Directors, health leads, community health staff and community members. Their insights helped identify regional priorities and establish a shared direction for improving health and wellness outcomes over the next five years.

Originally developed in 2014 and updated in 2018, the RHWP has been refreshed to respond to the changing health and wellness needs of Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth and Kwakwaka’wakw Nations.

The updated plan is organized around four foundational pillars: Governance, Partnership, Operations and Transformation. It identifies key priorities, including cultural safety and humility, mental health and wellness, traditional wellness, primary care, health emergency management, data governance, toxic drug response and supports for urban and away-from-home populations.

Together, these priorities are intended to strengthen self-determination, advance Nation-led health transformation and guide regional planning, partnerships and investments.

Engagement took place through Health Director tables, Regional Table discussions, sub-regional and regional caucus sessions, advisory committees and community planning processes. Vancouver Island First Nations leadership provided final approval through Regional Caucus governance processes in spring 2026.

As a living document, the RHWP will continue to evolve alongside community priorities, providing a shared framework for collaboration, planning and action across the region over the next five years.

For questions about the plan, contact the Vancouver Island Region Planning team at PlanningVI@fnha.ca.