The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and Helicopters Without Borders (HWB) collaborated with the Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation to develop an interim heliport, recently bringing essential healthcare services to Gwa’yas’dums (Gilford Island), a remote community in British Columbia.
On February 18, 2026, HWB completed its first landing at the interim heliport, giving health service providers direct access to the community. Over the past three and a half years, FNHA has supported 24 heliport assessments in First Nations communities across British Columbia, expanding healthcare access and strengthening emergency response in a region long impacted by geographic and transportation barriers.
“From participating in the initial site assessment to witnessing the first HWB flight land in the community, this project has been especially meaningful,” says Scott Bailey, Project Lead with Colliers Project Leaders. “Seeing firsthand how this work directly benefits the community in so many ways has been inspiring and very rewarding.”
We are currently supporting FNHA on its Emergency Air Evacuation Infrastructure Program and continue to provide project management services to support the organization’s broader vision of improving healthcare delivery in remote First Nations communities.
Read more on fnha.ca
