Our Public Health Department
The Public Health team reaches out to the Nisga’a people to help keep our citizens and band members healthy. We integrate Nisga’a practices of culture and care with modern medicine. Our services use a holistic lens that includes the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual components of health.
Our programs can help you prevent injury and illness, stay physically and mentally fit, and make informed decisions about your health. We provide classes, workshops, ceremonies, and preventative health programs for all stages of life.
The department’s main phoneline is 250-633-5029.
Public Health Department Travel Schedule
Public Health Department Nurses are available for appointments in the four different communities every week on specific days.
Gingolx
Gitlaxt’aamiks
Gitwinksihlkw
Laxgalts’ap
Gitlaxt’aamiks
Community & Cultural Health Representatives Self-Referral
Book a self referral with Community & Cultural Health Representatives (CCHR).
This position will be filled soon.
This position will be filled soon.
- samantha.gurney@nisgaahealth.bc.ca
- 250-621-2232
- agnes.doolan@nisgaahealth.bc.ca
- 250-326-2345
Services & Programs
Our offerings change depending on needs and resources. The following list shows our most common programming.
Immunization
Infant immunization is a key preventative health measure. We offer vaccination at all stages of life. Infants should get immunized at two, four, six, 12 and 18 months of age. As kids grow up, they should get immunized between the ages of four of six, in sixth grade and in ninth grade.
Immunization of school-aged children is based on their informed consent (known as “mature minor consent”). We provide information and work with clients to respect their wishes. View the HealthLinkBC Mature Minor Consent information sheet HERE.
Cultural and Community Health
Cultural and Community Health Representatives (CCHRs) work alongside healthcare teams to improve and maintain the spiritual, physical, intellectual, social, and emotional well-being of individuals, families, and their communities.
CCHRs are deeply involved in public health program coordination, bringing a traditional wellness perspective that recognizes the connection between culture and health. They can act as a liaison between clients and health care providers, helping ensure spaces are culturally safe and appropriate. CCHRs are trained members of the Nisga’a Nation.
Support for individuals and families at all stages of life
- Pre-natal wellness visits
- Welcoming baby blanket ceremony
- Healthy baby programs
- Fitness programs
- Elders’ gatherings
Education
- Injury prevention
- Sexual health
- Nutrition
- Health Promotion
- Disease Prevention
Staff Directory
Public Health Nurse
Amy Nyce
amy.nyce@nisgaahealth.bc.ca
Marcia Smythe (Nisga’a Nurse)
marcia.smythe@nisgaahealth.bc.ca
Both nurses can also be reached by phone at 250-633-5069
Community & Cultural Health Representatives (CCHR)
Samantha Gurney: samantha.gurney@nisgaahealth.bc.ca
Agnes Doolan: agnes.doolar@nisgaahealth.bc.ca
Public Health Nurse Assistant
Priscilla Barton
250-633-5029 (Main Public Health Department line)
priscilla.barton@nisgaahealth.bc.ca
Public Health Nurse Manager
Nancy Woods (Nisga’a Nurse)
250-633-5029 (W)
250-601-0025 (C)
nancy.woods@nisgaahealth.bc.ca
