The First Nations Health Foundation is the fundraising entity for the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA). With the funds they raise, they transform health and health equity for more than two hundred First Nations communities across British Columbia. Working to bridge knowledge and funding gaps, First Nations Health Foundation also strives to improve access to healthcare and wellness treatments for First Nations people. We spoke with Nathania Fung, CEO of First Nations Health Foundation, to learn more.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
The First Nations Health Foundation is the first and only foundation of its kind, serving as a bold model of philanthropy and partnership that bridges funding and knowledge gaps to accelerate equitable and culturally safe health and wellness for First Nations people and communities. We are the philanthropic partner to the First Nations Health Authority, raising essential funds over and above government funding to support innovative, community-driven, and First Nations-based models of care that serve more than 200 First Nations communities across BC. Our vision is for First Nations people in BC to have self-determined health and wellness to realize their full potential. And together, with communities, the FNHA, and supporters, we are building a lasting legacy of wellness for today and the next seven generations.
What problem does it aim to solve?
First Nations people have the strength, knowledge, and vision to lead their own health and wellness, but they continue to face significant barriers created by colonial systems, underfunding, and systemic racism. These barriers result in stark health inequities. The FNHF exists to help change this. We are working to close the gaps in health outcomes by supporting community-led, culturally grounded health and wellness initiatives. Ultimately, our work is about ensuring that First Nations people in BC can access health and wellness services that respect who they are, where they are from, and in the ways they choose to heal and thrive.
When did you start/join it?
I joined in October 2024 as the FNHF’s first employee and inaugural CEO to set up our core operations and build upon the good work of consultants who established our initial governance structures.
What made you want to get involved?
This work brings together everything I’ve been an advocate for in my career: removing barriers to equity (particularly in health), destigmatizing marginalized viewpoints, and building sustainable systems through philanthropy. It’s a rare opportunity to be part of something so wholly transformational from the ground up. I am grateful and privileged to be doing this work in service of all First Nations in BC, with our office on the lands of the Coast Salish peoples, the unceded and ancestral territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
What was the situation like when you started?
The FNHF was, and still is, in its infancy. We have a strong mandate from First Nations leadership through the First Nations Health Authority. The idea of having a foundation to support the FNHA was there since they were established in 2013, and the idea came to life in the last several years, with the FNHF becoming a registered charity in 2024. In my first six months, we created powerful Vision and Mission Statements, as well as core values, all rooted in First Nations knowledge and ways of being. There are strong relationships to build upon and a lot of work ahead to deepen those relationships.
How has it changed since?
In a short time, we’ve grown from concept to action. We are now a mighty team of seven Board Members and three staff! We held our inaugural Together in Healing Gala presented by Scotiabank on June 5th, 2025, at the Vancouver Convention Centre, where a sold-out room of over 400 guests—which included First Nations leadership from over 35 nations, 22 sponsors, and many many supporters—raised over $350,000 to support the First Nations Health Foundation. In particular, the Fund-a-Need Paddle Raise portion of the evening supported an FNHA & Youth Co-Developed Program to Address the Toxic Drug Crisis. We’ve also built strong partnerships with community members, health leaders, donors, and many supporters who share our vision.
What more needs to be done?
Everything we do is in service of a much larger journey—one where First Nations people have self-determined health and wellness. While we’ve made important strides, much more is needed to truly change the tide. Generations of inequity cannot be done overnight. Achieving health equity for First Nations people requires sustained commitment, investment, and the willingness to do things differently—from how funding flows, to how systems listen and respond to community voices.
We need allies, champions, and supporters to walk alongside us. We need to close knowledge gaps and shift mindsets, not just dollars. This means leaning into cultural safety and humility, building trust and respect, and recognizing the value of First Nations leadership in shaping pathways to solutions that work. This also means securing long-term funding, supporting innovation in healing, and shaping how philanthropy works with and within First Nations communities. Healthier and stronger First Nations communities mean a healthier and stronger future for everyone.
How can our readers help?
We invite everyone to visit our website to learn about our work and support us with a donation, whether one-time or monthly. Every contribution will make a positive impact towards advancing health equity for First Nations people and communities.
Please also connect with us on Instagram and LinkedIn—sharing our posts and stories helps to create more awareness.
Do you have any events coming up?
We are hosting a Red Cedar Weaving Workshop on August 14th from 3-5 pm at the Chase Collaboration Centre in Yaletown (#380 – 1050 Homer St.). This is a hands-on cultural learning opportunity with Ali and Bella Casey from Red Cedar Woman. They are the daughters of Jessica Silvey—a First Nations artist and small business owner, and together they are keepers of traditional teachings. This weaving workshop will honour land-based practices, intergenerational knowledge, and the artistry of working with red cedar. All are welcome! Registration link here.
Our next big event will be our inaugural golf tournament in 2026. If you are interested in learning more or becoming a sponsor, a golfer, or a volunteer, reach out to us at foundation@fnha.ca.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
The Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra (VICO) is an incredibly unique professional concert orchestra with a focus on performing new intercultural music on a grand scale. This is a very special community of musicians and music lovers that is a creative force for innovation, diversity, and mutual respect and understanding. Since 2001, the VICO has developed more than 100 new Canadian works, providing a necessary framework for bringing musicians and composers together to learn together and collaborate—because VICO’s unusual and diverse instrumentation is one-of-a-kind in Canada, and one of only a handful worldwide. I’m a proud member of the VICO’s Board of Directors and encourage everyone to experience these musical masterpieces that transcend borders and break down barriers, modelling a pathway for integrating non-Western traditional instruments, sounds and techniques into contemporary Canadian classical music.
