Nauness, Janice George
President
Janice George, Nauness, has served as the Health Director for Sts’ailes Yeqwethet since 2017 and was elected to the FNHDA Board of Directors in November of the same year. Paternally, Janice is from Sts’ailes; maternally, she is from Squamish Nation. Her husband is from Tsleil-Waututh Nation, and together they have seven children and eight grandchildren. Janice lives in the pristine Sts’ailes territory, along the Harrison River in the Fraser Salish Region.
As a leader, Janice is known for her deep knowledge of Sts’ailes culture and spirituality, and emphasizes the inclusion of cultural practices in her daily work. As a Health Director, she also actively promotes Lateral Kindness and Healthy lifestyle choices for a better tomorrow for future generations.
Janice brings to the Board a strong professional background, including five years of managerial experience and eight years of supervisory experience. In addition to her work as Sts’ailes’ Health Director, Janice held a position in administrative governance and also human resources and employment counselling, among other roles.
She holds a Psychology Associate of Arts Degree, General Studies Diploma from Douglas College and an Office Technology & Administration Certificate – Finance Option from Capilano University. She is currently completing her Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrator Diploma with AFOA Canada. Janice is a lifetime learner of cultural teachings.
Barbara Blanchard
Secretary – Treasurer
Barbara Blanchard, Health Manager at the Leq’a:mel Health Center, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the First Nations Health Directors Association, representing the Fraser Region. Her term will be from December 24-2026.
Barbara is proud of her heritage from two strong and vibrant Nations: the Sto:lo and Carrier Nations. She has been happily married for 37 years and is the mother of three beautiful children and a grandmother of ten grandchildren. Barbara has dedicated much of her career to serving her community in the healthcare sector. Having lived in the Sto:lo Nation for over 26 years, she has built strong relationships with community members.
For the past seven years, Barbara has served as the Health Manager at the Leq’a:mel Health Center, where she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication in overseeing health services for the community. Her deep connection to her roots is evident in both her professional endeavors and personal life. As Health Manager, Barbara actively participates in local community events and supports various gatherings, reflecting her commitment to reclaiming and nurturing her cultural heritage.
Through her role, Barbara has been instrumental in implementing community health programs and organizing health awareness campaigns, earning her high regard and respect within her community.