Happy New Year from the FNHDA! Wishing you all the best in 2012.
FNHDA Provincial Regional Training Session Save the date! March 7-9, 2012
The FNHDA Board has decided to host one FNHDA training session in a region due to the many caucus and regional meetings planned before March. In the spirit of unity we look forward to bringing all of the Health Directors together for training, networking, and fun! The location is to be confirmed and we will be in touch with registration information soon.
FNHDA Board Vice President
After Laurette Bloomquist’s retirement in September 2011, the Board voted at their November 18, 2011 meeting to elect a new vice president. Congratulations to Jacki McPherson for being selected as the new vice president of the FNHDA Board.
As one of the Association’s founding members, Jacki McPherson’s First Nations health experience and knowledge is an asset to the continued connection of the FNHDA to the communities that Health Directors serve. Jacki is from the Okanagan Nation and she manages health services for the Osoyoos Indian Band – a progressive community where the leadership supports the health and well-being of the community.
FNHDA Board Welcome
Welcome to three new FNHDA Board Members: Kim Brooks (Vancouver Coastal Region), Lauren Brown (Northwest Region) and Keith Marshall (Vancouver Coastal Region).
Kim Brooks is a member of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation. She was born on the lower mainland and was raised in Vancouver, Whitehorse and Atlin, BC. She completed her post-secondary education at Simon Fraser University. Kim has worked within Federal, Provincial and First Nations government and is honoured to currently be serving as the Department Head of Yúustway Health Services of Squamish Nation.
Lauren Brown is from the Haida Nation and graduated with a BSN in 1998 from UBC. She has been working towards improving Aboriginal Health and has held positions which have helped her towards achieving this goal. Working in various provincial based organizations in Vancouver (Chiefs Health Committee, Healing Our Spirit, Patient Advocacy in Women’s and Children’s Hospital & St. Paul’s Hospital); Lauren gained experience in policy and program development, teaching, and liaising with government. Lauren decided to move to her northern, remote and isolated community where she is realizing that the greatest impact is working with her own people in her own community as the Health Director. Although very challenging, working at the community level has been fulfilling.
Keith is an experienced professional with over 30 years of experience working with federal, provincial and private organizations in managerial and senior administrative positions with these organizations. Keith possesses a Bachelors of Education, Bachelors and Masters of Social Work and a Masters in Public Administration from Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Currently Keith is the Director of Community Health Programs for the Hailika’as Heiltsuk Health Centre in Bella Bella, BC.
FNHDA Board Farewell
Doreen L’Hirondelle has accepted a position in Edmonton, Alberta and has therefore resigned from the First Nations Health Directors Association board as the Northeast representative. As one of the Association’s trail blazers, Doreen’s experience and wisdom will be missed. Congratulations to Doreen on her new position. We wish you much success, health and happiness on this new journey.
The FNHDA Board will hold nominations to fill the position for the Northeast. Stay tuned.