First Nations Career Pathways

Our purpose is to increase and maintain First Nations representation within our workforce.

As a First Nations, Métis or Inuit employee at the FNHA, you will feel a sense of belonging working here. You are welcomed in First Nations ways and will witness and experience First Nations practices and cultural safety and humility in our daily work.

First Nations career support

You can work with our First Nations Career Partner to support you in your application journey at the FNHA. The First Nations Career Partner provides guidance and resources to First Nations employees and candidates to improve their experience. They are the main contact for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students and other community and educational partners to promote and create stronger connections with First Nations training and employment programs.

First Nations Student Program

The Raising the Canoe: First Nations Student Program provides First Nations, Métis and Inuit students with work experience and an opportunity to develop professional skills and exposure to First Nations care in BC. Learn more about the program here.

Firekeepers, our program for First Nations, Métis and Inuit new graduates, provides one-year work experience opportunities to prepare you for the workforce in your chosen career.

Working under close guidance from assigned mentors, Firekeepers are accountable for growing and strengthening their leadership skills and general understanding of the FNHA through a detailed one-year development plan including shadowing, hands-on learning, and more.

What the program offers

By joining Firekeepers, you can expect to:

• Gain meaningful experiences to pursue a career at the FNHA or in health care
• Learn different aspects of First Nations health care programs and services
• Receive support from a First Nations peer network
• Turn placements into jobs where possible
• Be supported by our First Nations Career Partner

About the program

You can expect to participate in:

• Orientation that incorporates cultural experiences with an Elder or Knowledge Keeper
• Professional development opportunities and planning
• Mentorship with FNHA employees, access to a peer support network and one-on-one support with a First Nations Career Partner
• An end of term cultural ceremony

Eligibility

Firekeepers is open to those who are:

• First Nations, Métis and Inuit
• Living in British Columbia during the work term
• Have completed a certificate, diploma, Bachelor or Master’s program through a post-secondary institute or training program within the last eighteen months
• Those who are committed to working full-time for one year

Hiring process

The Firekeepers hiring process is streamlined to ensure all cohorts start within the same timeframe.

1. Search for a position and apply at our current opportunities page
2. Complete the questionnaire and upload necessary documents within application
3. Interview with hiring manager or group panel
4. Criminal record check
5. Offer letter and onboarding

Applicants can apply via our current opportunities page and include a resume, cover letter and two letters of reference. A letter of reference can be from a past employer, teacher, leader or mentor, Elder or coach who has known you for at least six months.

The First Nations Career Partner provides one-on-one coaching throughout the application process. Applicants can email FirstNationsCareers@fnha.ca​ to make an appointment.

Application timelines

We maintain an open door for applications throughout the year for future cohorts at all times.

If there is no job posting, you are welcome to email FirstNationsCareers@fnha.ca with your resume, cover letter, reference letters and identification.

Stay connected

Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram to stay connected.

We meet with post-secondary schools about the Firekeepers as requested.

If you have questions please email FirstNationsCareers@fnha.ca