Community Health

Toquaht Nation is committed to promoting the social, spiritual, and economic success of our masčim (citizens). Our Community Services department strives to ensure the well-being and personal development of all citizens across their lifespan, and we have programs to support this goal.

We offer the following health services to all Toquaht citizens:

• Advocating for access to appropriate health service providers and providing referrals.
• Providing health education, advice, and counseling to individuals and groups.
• Offering a top-up to the patient medical transportation program to cover out-of-pocket expenses.
• Providing a Toquaht non-insured health benefit program to cover extra medical costs not covered by FNHA or other service providers.

Our staff adheres to the Toquaht Nation Government Code of Conduct and Oath of Confidentiality to ensure your privacy is protected when dealing with any matter related to your health and well-being.

Non-Insured Health Benefit (NIHB)

We recognize that some citizens require additional support to maintain their health and well-being, as well as alternative health-care options that may provide significant health benefits but are not covered by other health benefit plans.

To address this, the Non-Insured Health Benefits Policy was created. It supports Toquaht citizens who lack insured health benefits, as well as those seeking to supplement existing funding from other organizations (such as FNHA, disability, social assistance) as needed.

To apply for this support, complete the Non-Insured Health Benefit Application Form and submit it to Noreen Frank at noreenf@toquaht.ca.

Health Services in Macoah

We are committed to expanding and improving the services available to Toquaht citizens in Macoah. Currently, citizens can access the following free services:

• NTC community nursing and mental health services.
• Monthly visits from Dr. Marshall.
• Regular home and safety assessments for Elders and people with disabilities.
• Foot care for residents with diabetes and/or mobility issues.
• Physiotherapy and occupational therapy through various Island Health service providers, with a referral from a medical doctor.

In addition, citizens can request physiotherapy and occupational therapy through Island Health service providers who come to the community with a referral from their medical doctor.

We are continuously collaborating with service providers to bring additional support to the community, such as Quu’asa Comfort, Culture and Wellness sessions, grief and loss counselors, and Indian residential and day school support workers.

Patient Travel Program

Toquaht citizens traveling for medical and dental appointments can access financial support to cover travel related costs. The patient travel program is partially funded by the First Nations Health Authority through Nuu-chah-Nulth Tribal Council.

To learn about eligible costs under the program, please visit The First Nations Health Authority.

Toquaht Nation has a Patient Travel Top-Up Program to provide more equitable support for citizens traveling for medical purposes so they don’t need to pay out of pocket to have their health needs met. The program increases mileage and meal rates for expenses when traveling for medical purposes. Eligible meals will depend on the length of time required for travel to your appointments. Support for unusual circumstances may also be available.

Questions and requests can be directed to the patient travel clerk Noreen Frank by email at noreenf@toquaht.ca. Please ensure that you are eligible for the program before applying, and note that it only covers travel related expenses, not medical costs.

Before your Appointment

Citizens who travel for medical and dental appointments are reminded to submit a “Confirmation of Appointment” form to Noreen Frank by email at noreenf@toquaht.ca before their appointment. This will allow you to receive travel funds before your appointment.

After your Appointment

Citizens must also submit a “Confirmation of Attendance” to Noreen Frank by email at noreenf@toquaht.ca after their appointment.

Virtual Doctor of the Day

The Virtual Doctor of the Day program is open to all First Nations people and their families living in BC. The program includes doctors of Indigenous ancestry. All doctors and allied health care professionals are trained to follow the principles and practices of cultural safety and humility.

This service is available every day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. via phone or Zoom. To get connected, simply call 1-855-344-3800.

Mental Wellness

Toquaht Nation upholds the guiding principle of ʔuuʔałuk (taking care of one another), which extends to our mental wellness.

Our Community Services department offers a range of wellness and cultural workshops to promote positive mental and spiritual well-being. We can also connect citizens with mental health services and support them in accessing NIHB mental health benefits and private residential substance treatment.

To receive support directly through Toquaht Nation Government, citizens can contact our Mental Health Outreach Coordinator, Christy Black at christyb@toquaht.ca.

SMART Recovery

Toquaht Nation Government offers a mental health support program called Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART), which is a global community of mutual-support groups. The program helps participants resolve addiction problems (to drugs or alcohol, or activities like gambling or overeating) through the SMART science-based and sensible 4-Point Program®. Participants find and develop the power within themselves to lead fulfilling and balanced lives. To join a group, please contact Christy Black at christyb@toquaht.ca. 

Mental Wellness and Substance Recovery Supports

Toquaht Nation is committed to supporting the well-being of our masčim (citizens) through the Addictions Recovery Support Policy.

To access direct support from the Toquaht Nation Government, citizens can contact Christy Black, our Mental Health Outreach Coordinator, at christyb@toquaht.ca. Christy can provide one-on-one support, help access treatment services, and create a plan for addiction recovery. Toquaht also offers limited funding for citizens on their journey to sobriety, including private residential treatment. To get a referral to this service, please contact your health and wellness provider or (the First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day)

More resources

If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, we recommend reaching out to the following support resources:

• Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate mental health counseling and crisis intervention via phone or online chat. Call toll-free 1-855-242-3310 or start a confidential chat with a counselor at hopeforwellness.ca.  
• Indian Residential School Crisis Line is a national service for those experiencing pain or distress due to their residential school experience. Call toll-free 1-866-925-4419.
• Kuu-Us Crisis Line Society provides crisis services for Indigenous people across BC. You can call the adult/Elder line at 250-723-4050, the youth line at 250-723-2040, or toll-free at 1-800-588-8717. Learn more at www.kuu-uscrisisline.com.