COMMUNIQUE
First Nations Health Directors Association
May 31, 2012
COAST SALISH TERRITORY (Vancouver) – The First Nations Health Directors Association (FNHDA) has appointed their new Board Executive who will be responsible for continuing the mandate of the first provincial Health Directors Association of its kind in Canada.
On May 14, 2012 the FNHDA appointed former Vice-President and Osoyoos Indian Band Health Coordinator Jacki McPherson to the position of President, former Secretary and Stolo Nation Health Manager Jeanine Lynxleg as Vice-President, and Franny Alec, Health Manager/CHR of T’it’q’et Administration to the position of Secretary.
“I’m really excited about our working relationship with the [First Nations] Health Authority and this move to take charge of our own health. We need a very strong association that supports the Health Directors of BC during this transition of taking responsibility for our health programs,” said President Jacki McPherson. “I have the utmost faith in our Board, we have some amazing people that come from a wide skillset. They are connected to their communities and truly care about who they represent.”
The FNHDA also previously welcomed Carrier Sekani Family Services Health Director Mabel Louie as Treasurer in March 2012. The FNHDA now has over 100 members and provides support to Health Directors on capacity building, training, networking and implementing a variety of initiatives that benefit BC First Nations communities.
“The FNHDA provides technical input to help change not only the lives of community members, but the services we provide,” said Vice-President Jeanine Lynxleg. “We are working to improve the relationship between all Tripartite partners for the improved health of all First Nations in the province of BC. Plans for the FNHDA include increasing membership involvement and strengthening our relationship with the First Nations Health Council and interim First Nations Health Authority.”
The Board wanted to thank outgoing President Judith Gohn for her tireless work over the years as a Health Director and on the Board. Gohn was an instrumental founding member of the FNHDA and has been advocating for BC First Nations for many years.
The FNHDA Board consists of representation from each of the five health authority regions in the province and has a varied skill set mixed with diverse experiences and a passion to improve the health and wellbeing of BC First Nations. The 2012 FNHDA AGM is planned for October in Vancouver with dates and venue to be announced. We hope to see you there. Stay tuned for details!