
Environmental Contaminants and Risk Assessment
People may be exposed to many sources of naturally occurring and man-made environmental contaminants. At certain levels, exposure to contaminants in air, water, food and soil can cause or contribute to a variety of adverse health effects. FNHA works to:
• Assist communities to partner with academic institutions and organizations on community-based studies
• Provide assistance when there are (suspected or confirmed) risks from contaminants to interpret test results and offer recommendations to control exposure
• Support public education about environmental contaminants for communities
What is the BC First Nations Environmental Contaminants Program?
The First Nations Health Authority: Environmental Contaminants Program (ECP) supports First Nations projects that explore the link between human health and environmental contaminants. It is intended to:
• Help First Nation communities address their environmental health concerns and support capacity development
• Encourage community-based study of environmental health issues by integrating Indigenous ways of knowing, traditional knowledge and science
• Recognize that wellness is influenced by environmental, social, cultural and economic factors, and that Nations, family, community and land all play a part in our health
The ECP Guidelines for Proposals are available to assist communities in preparing a request for program funding. Please note that FNHA no longer holds an annual call for proposals. Requests for funding can be submitted through the Environmental Contaminants Program Coordinator.