Description:
Dadzi Wellness Centre, governed by the Dakelh Primary Care Society in collaboration with the First Nations Health Authority, is seeking a passionate and culturally informed Family Physician to join their team. The Centre, located in Fort St. James, serves the Nak’azdli Whut’en, Binche Whut’en, and Tl’azt’en First Nations, and provides culturally safe, team-based primary care, mental health, and traditional wellness services to Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members in the region.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as the most responsible provider for a patient panel while working within a collaborative, team-based care model.
- Deliver culturally safe care that incorporates the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of clients and families.
- Practice cultural humility and uphold policies and procedures aligned with BC health and wellness regulations and standards.
- Collaborate with Western and Traditional Wellness practitioners to provide whole-person care.
- Provide services at the Dadzi Wellness Centre and travel to on-reserve communities (Binche, Nak’azdli, Tl’azt’en First Nations).
- Engage in clinical leadership if selected for the 0.2 FTE Medical Lead role.
About You:
- Active practicing license in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).
- Passion for supporting First Nations individuals and families on their health and wellness journeys.
- Training in Cultural Safety & Humility, or willingness to complete this training.
- Experience working with First Nations communities is an asset.
- Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel within the Fort St. James region.
Compensation and Incentives:
- Annual Salary: 463819 CAD (inclusive of the Rural Retention Program).
- Compensation Type: Alternative Payment Arrangement (APSA Agreement).
- Physician Overhead: None required.
- Relocation Funding: 9000-12000 CAD available.
- Retention Premium: 22.82% under the Rural Subsidiary Agreement (RSA).
- Recruitment Incentive: Variable amount based on eligibility.
- May also qualify for new-to-practice debt relief or signing bonuses.
Why Fort St. James?
Located in the heart of the Nechako region, Fort St. James offers:
- Stunning natural beauty with mountains, lakes, and forests ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, and skiing.
- Rich Indigenous culture, as home to the Carrier Dakelh First Nations, with opportunities to participate in cultural events and celebrations.
- A welcoming, small-town community with approximately 3000 residents.
- Educational options including two elementary schools, a high school, and the College of New Caledonia.
- Affordable living compared to larger cities in BC.
- A vibrant local economy with opportunities in tourism, forestry, and mining.
- Community events such as the Vanderhoof Rodeo, Tl’azt’en Cultural Days, and local sports tournaments.
- Stunning views of the Northern Lights in the auroral zone.
Cultural Safety Commitment:
Dadzi Wellness Centre is part of the First Nations Primary Care Initiative (FNPCI), aiming to improve access to culturally safe, team-based primary healthcare for First Nations people in BC. The Centre honors Indigenous ways of knowing and being, ensuring that all clients feel respected, valued, and heard.