The Pacific Blue Cross Health Foundation has committed two years of funding to the Kloshe Nanitch program, an initiative led by Chee Mamuk and supported by Pacific Public Health Foundation.

Holistic support through culturally-inclusive care

Meaning “take care” in Chinook jargon, Kloshe Nanitch bundles are thoughtfully designed to address specific health and wellness challenges such as food insecurity, unstable housing and substance use. Each bundle includes traditional and Western health and wellness resources, tailored to meet the unique needs of different age groups and genders within Indigenous communities.

“There were really good educational pieces in the bundles that opened the door for dialogue amongst the community,” said one recipient. “There was Naloxone [medication used in the event of an opioid overdose] in the bundles, and that opened up the conversation, like maybe we should start having Naloxone workshops and stuff like that… the support with donations and supplies goes a long way.”

Rebuilding trust and improving health outcomes

Due to historical and ongoing colonialism, many Indigenous People and communities harbor distrust toward the government and public institutions, including health systems. The Kloshe Nanitch program hopes to rebuild trust and improve health by creating an environment where traditional and Western medicine can work together to nurture the body, soul, and mind. Ultimately, the program seeks to foster healing for this generation and beyond.

 “Kloshe Nanitch bundles aim to meet the health, wellness, and spiritual needs of their recipients,” says Kristy Kerr, Chief Executive Officer at Pacific Public Health Foundation. “With a focus on building trust and addressing inequities with Indigenous communities across the province, gifting these medicine bundles helps to strengthen relationships, and are an example of how Western-based health models can adapt and authentically support Indigenous People and their wellbeing journeys.”

Our shared commitment to health and wellbeing

With a focus on improving mental health, wellbeing, and the prevention and management of chronic diseases, Chee Mamuk regularly engages with community leaders and program participants to better understand their needs. This open line of communication allows Chee Mamuk and Pacific Public Health Foundation to learn and adapt the bundle offerings to specific needs, improving access to care and creating a more equitable, safe and healthy future.

“We’re proud to support the Kloshe Nanitch bundles program,” says Janet Andrews, Chair of the Pacific Blue Cross Health Foundation Board. “Their commitment to improving health outcomes for Indigenous communities aligns with our vision of a healthier British Columbia.”

Learn more about Chee Mamuk

Chee Mamuk, the self-determining Indigenous-led program within the BC Centre for Disease Control, oversees the Kloshe Nanitch program, with support from Pacific Public Health Foundation (formerly the BCCDC Foundation for Public Health). Chee Mamuk works in relationship with communities, organizations and individuals in various traditional, ancestral and unceded territories across the province.

Learn more about the Chee Mamuk program.