Celebrating 40 Years of Care: Honoring the Legacy of the Nisga’a Valley Health Authority
This year marks an incredible milestone for the Nisga’a Valley Health Authority (NVHA): 40 years of dedicated service to the Nisga’a Nation. Established in 1984, NVHA has grown into a cornerstone of health and wellness, providing culturally responsive, community-driven care to the Nisga’a people.
For four decades, NVHA has embodied the principles of respect, compassion, and collaboration, ensuring that health services reflect the unique needs and traditions of our communities. From the heart of the Nass Valley to our urban members, NVHA has continually expanded its offerings, integrating modern health practices with Nisga’a cultural wisdom to create a truly holistic approach to care.
A Legacy of Impact
Over the years, NVHA has:
- Advanced Health Services: From primary care to mental health, NVHA’s programs have evolved to meet the changing needs of our people, ensuring access to high-quality, equitable healthcare.
- Empowered Communities: Health promotion initiatives, such as diabetes prevention and youth wellness programs, have helped empower individuals to lead healthier lives.
- Preserved Culture: NVHA’s approach to care integrates Nisga’a language, traditions, and values, affirming cultural identity while fostering well-being.
Honoring Our Journey
To commemorate this significant anniversary, we invite everyone to join us in reflecting on our shared journey and looking ahead to an even brighter future. Over the coming months, NVHA will host a series of celebratory events, including:
- Community Gatherings: Bringing people together in each of our four Nisga’a communities to honor the achievements of NVHA and share stories from the past 40 years.
- Traditional Ceremonies: Celebrating our roots with cultural performances, songs, and blessings to give thanks for the health and unity of the Nisga’a Nation.
- Educational Workshops: Highlighting the evolution of NVHA and the innovative ways we’ve blended traditional practices with modern healthcare.
A Personal Reflection
Lisa Gosnell, who has been with NVHA for over 23 years, reflects on the incredible progress she has witnessed. “I remember when we had a small clinic where doctors came in once a month. Now, we have a dedicated staff of doctors, nurses, and specialists who provide care when emergencies arise, even traveling the dirt roads to ensure our people are supported. The journey has been remarkable—elders advocating for better services, mental health programs tapping into cultural wisdom like cedar weaving and drum making, and a team that listens and acts on the community’s needs. We have come a long way, and it’s been an honor to be part of this transformation.”
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this milestone, we also renew our commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of the Nisga’a people. Together, we will continue to build a health system that honors our culture, serves our communities, and provides a foundation for future generations to thrive.
Join the Celebration
Stay connected with NVHA to learn more about upcoming 40th-anniversary events. Visit this website for regular updates, or contact us to find out how you can get involved. Let’s come together to celebrate 40 years of resilience, growth, and healing in the Nisga’a Nation.
Here’s to 40 years of health and community – and many more to come!
“I have been with NVHA for 16 years going onto 17 in February 2025, I absolutely love it here. I have had the honour of working with the Youth when I first started, then moved to reception. And CCHR came up and I never hesitated to apply, that is my passion to work with the community. Especially the elders and the babies. My coworkers make this job just so much fun and I want to work with NVHA forever LOL. I will b the Gigi teaching everyone.” Agnes Doolan, Gingolx CCHR
“I Worked with NVHA in the 90’s for 7 years. Things have changed a lot since then. The A&D worker had to wear a lot of different hats at the time. The position has since been divided into a whole team under the umbrella of Mental health. I also worked for 2 years with one client on a pilot project for Schizophrenia client(s).
“Returning home 20 years ago, I started work with NVHA again and will be starting my 12th year this coming December 9th, 2024. The only thing that I noticed that has not changed is the $49.00 dollars per day for clients that go to treatment. I was surprised to find out that we are still paying the same amount per day in 2024.
“Back in the 90’s clients were not limited to going to NNADAP funded treatment Centre’s. We could send our clients to any treatment Center in British Columbia that were Government sanctioned. At the beginning all NNADAP workers were sent to Naramata to get trained through the University of British Columbia under Bill Muscle; this was provided every year for one month in the summer months to make sure that the NNADAP workers were up to date in Addictions training. We were given 70K per year to work with, this was used to bring in speakers like Archie Moore (Boxer), Tiger Williams (Vancouver Canucks), and Billy Mills (Native Olympic runner medalist) and other famous sports celebrities; If it ran out before the year was over, all we had to do was fill out forms and they send us more money.
“Workshops were happening all the time. The Federal Government paid for the instructors which rotated to all the Native reserves in British Columbia throughout the year. All Travel too and from treatment was through the Prince Rupert office until Nisga’a Valley Health took over the NNADAP programs in each Village.
“Today, more aftercare programs are being provided. The biggest need today is Second Stage Housing where clients returning home can live until they feel that they can manage on their own. Second Stage housing programs In British Columbia provide therapists, psychologists, counsellors, resume writing courses, medical staff, AA and NA meetings, and life skills.
“I can see in the future a Treatment Centre which will provide Cooks, Maintenance workers, Doctors, Nurses, Psychologists and Therapists, and a budget to cover the heating bills in the cold winter months of Northern British Columbia; but until then, second stage housing will provide a majority of the clients’ needs when they return home. It is a good starting point to gage what we need to do prior to building a treatment Centre.
William N Leeson, Community Care Worker for Laxgalts’ap
“I’ve been a proud member of the NVHA team since 1977, dedicating over 43 years to serving our community. Throughout this time I have witnessed significant changes—some positive, others more challenging—but my passion for the work and the people I collaborated with has never wavered. I take great pride in supporting various programs, clinics and meetings hosted at the clinic, always striving to contribute wherever I can. Over the years, the responsibilities within each department have grown alongside the needs of our community, but these challenges have only deepened my commitment to make a difference. As long as I am able, I intend to continue this meaningful work, helping to support and strengthen the services we provide.” Brenda Stevens, Receptionist, Lakalzap, B.C.
