History
Brief History of the FNWACCB
The process to create the first Aboriginal Addictions Counsellor Board in Canada began in 1980.
Directors of the BC First Nations Treatment Programs, representing all the First Nations Treatment Programs in British Columbia, motivated by the need to enhance the quality of training and practice of Addictions workers in their centre, to establish practice standards based on competencies matching those of mainstream professionals and the specific needs of Aboriginal clients, and to improve Aboriginal Addictions Workers professional recognition and better career conditions, began to pave the way for the establishment of a provincial Aboriginal Wellness and Addictions Counsellors Certification Board, also able to provide certification to other workers in other parts of Canada.
The first pioneering, concrete effort at establishing these standards were undertaken in 1982 by Wayne Christian and Charles McLaughlin, with the development of a MSB-funded pilot project. At the time, although judged as an excellent process, the project could not be financially sustained.
Over the years, the Federal government, through a series of National Reports and National Strategies, has stated its recognition of the need to establish an Aboriginal certification process, relevant to First Nations and Inuit philosophys, differentiated from other mainstream addictions certification Bodies. Health Canada continues to promote excellence in individual performance of Addiction workers, so that they deliver the best quality of care possible.
This commonality of intention is fully implemented in the Vision, mission and goals of the FNWACCB since its inception, and is further supported by the FNWACCB present transition – recommended by Health Canada - to a National organisation, with standards on a par with recognized international certification boards.
In June 2004, at their AGM, members of the BC Association of First Nations Treatment Programs embarked on the planning process leading to the creation and incorporation of the First Aboriginal Counsellor Certification Board in Canada: the First Nations Wellness and Addictions Counsellor Certification Board.
FNWACCB is established as an incorporated body in 2005, and with 80K granted from the Enhanced Funds, is able to complete the initial stage of organization from September 2005 to March 2006. In October 2006, the certification process is completed and the FNWACCB starts awarding certification, for BC Treatment Centres workers. A time-limited application period is set aside to permit applications from individuals with prior experience to be eligible under the ‘grand-fathering’ guidelines.