Whether it's a sudden health crisis, wildfire evacuation, or urgent support during mental health episodes, NHSS is building emergency services that reflect the real and rising needs of the Nlaka’pamux Nation.
Emergency Services Through a Community Lens
Emergencies don’t wait for the right time, and they don’t always come with clear instructions. These services are not just reactive – they’re rooted in care, culture, and the relationships that hold our communities together. Through mobile support, strategic partnerships, and infrastructure planning, we are stepping into emergency roles that haven’t always been filled, and doing it in ways that make sense for our people and our land.
Understanding What “Emergency” Really Means
For many remote and rural Indigenous communities, the word “emergency” doesn’t just mean a 911 call. It can mean a flooded road cutting off access to care, a community member in distress with no nearby support, or a wildfire evacuation where medicines and mobility devices are left behind. NHSS is responding by building flexible, community-informed systems that reflect the unique realities of the Nation.
As outlined in our Strategic Plan and Annual Report, NHSS is prioritizing:
- Strengthening Relations and Community Resilience
- Building Capacity
- Regional Collaboration
- Responding to the Need – By Nlaka’pamux for By Nlaka’pamux
While we are not a replacement for BC Emergency Health Services, we are increasingly the first or only response available in key moments. That’s why our expansion efforts are so critical and why we are investing in the systems and staff to meet that demand.