Partners in Community
Our History
The Naut'sa mawt Oceanside Wellness Network (NOW Network) was formed in 2023 through the merger of two community-driven initiatives: the Oceanside Health & Wellness Network, established in 2013 by the grassroots "Perfect Storm" group to bring a health centre to Parksville, and the Nanaimo Community Wellness Network, created in 2020 with a focus on decolonization, equity, diversity, and inclusion. In 2022, the Nanaimo network was gifted the name Naut'sa mawt—meaning “journeying together as one”—by Snuneymuxw Elders, reflecting our commitment to walking alongside Indigenous partners and was inclusive all all areas and First Nation communities throughout the region. The NOW Network welcomed the participation of the Gabriola Health and Wellness Collaborative in 2023, a rural and remote table serving Gabriola since 2016. The merger aimed to strengthen regional collaboration and resilience post-pandemic, while continuing to support geographically focused Action Tables. The United Way Central Vancouver Island manages the network, with coordination funded by Island Health.
NOW Network Meetings
The Naut'sa mawt Oceanside Wellness Network members meet once per month on the second Tuesday of the month from 5pm to 7pm. Meetings are held in-person with a hybrid option for those who can't attend in person. Meetings are held in Oceanside and Greater Nanaimo to ensure we have equity and allow for broader participation representation from across the region.
Monthly meetings focus on sharing data and stories on community identified priorities, with a focus on upstream prevention, as well as modifiable risk factors.
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NOW Network members are welcome to present the work of their organization on programs and services that address our priorities.
To learn more about our monthly meetings please contact our coordinator.
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Our Vision
Naut’sa mawt - Journeying together as one, we strive to improve health equity and wellbeing for all community members in the Regional District of Nanaimo.
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The Naut'sa mawt logo depicting our "Journeying together as one" was designed by Snaw-Naw-As First Nation artist and knowledge keeper, Ćum'qwa:tun, (Lawrence Mitchell ) of the Snaw-naw-as First Nation
Our Values
Collaboration – Building relationships and partnerships with integrity, honesty, transparency and having a willingness for open dialogue and sharing.
Belonging – Creating an inclusive and culturally safe space for all. All are welcome.
Respect – Honouring each other’s strengths and celebrating different voices
Courage – Taking a leadership role when appropriate, staying strong when faced with adversity, speaking up when others cannot, and being willing to listen to ideas other than our own.
Compassion -Meeting people where they are at and taking action to build equity and resilience.
Love - It equals the passion that gets us up in the morning. It drives the change that needs to happen in the world. It can move us from the status quo to making systems-level changes.
Enjoyment - Connects us. Anchors us in the community and helps us stay the course.