First Nations Health Directors Association

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Board of Directors

The FNHDA Board of Directors is made up of three regional representatives from each of the five health authority regions in BC. The Board’s key purpose is to ensure that the Association is meeting the appropriate interests of their members related to the FNHDA Constitution and Bylaws, mandate and strategic plan.

Our Board has strong representation, talent and skills – coupled with a passion and commitment to faithfully advocate for the interests of their members.

Fraser Salish - Janice George (Vice President)

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.

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VC - Keith Marshall (Central Coast) (President)

Keith Marshall

Vice-President 

Keith is of African Canadian/Caribbean decent from Cape Breton-Nova Scotia. Keith Marshall is the Director of Community Health Programs for the Hailika’as Heiltsuk Health Centre Society in Bella Bella. His primary role is to provide programs and services for the improvement of the health status of this community.

Keith holds a Master’s degree in social work, and a Masters degree in Public Administration specializing in health services. He recently completed his Graduate Diploma in Executive Coaching at Royal Roads University.

Keith is an experienced professional with over 30 years of experience working in Indigenous communities with a focus on promoting capacity building with community members, supporting them with charting their own course for being the catalyst for improving their health status. He provides the vision, managerial and administrative leadership necessary to develop and implement health care programs and services which meet the health needs of the members of the Heiltsuk community in Bella Bella BC.

In addition, he worked with federal, provincial and private organizations in senior health, managerial and administrative positions including negotiating major contracts; facilitation and mediation skills with large organization in the national and provincial arenas; management of major programs including organizational and planning requirements; clinical case management; developing and implementing organizational; policy development, interpretation and implementation. 

Keith currently serves as Vice-President of the First Nations Health Directors Association Board of Directors. The First Nations Health Directors Association is part of a unique health governance structure that includes political representation and advocacy through the First Nations Health Council, and the planning, management and delivery of health programs and services through the First Nations Health Authority. Collectively, this First Nations health governance structure works in partnership with BC First Nations to achieve our shared vision.

Keith served on the committee that was responsible for the development of the British Columbia Cultural Safety and Humility Standard.

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North Central - Crystal French (Secretary Tresurer)

Crystal French

Secretary – Treasurer

Health Director, Takla First Nation

Crystal serves as the director of operations with responsibilities for prevention and holistic health services. Takla Lake Nation is located in north-central BC, about 400 km north of Prince George. The territory is a rich environment of lakes, rivers, forests and mountains, bordered on the west by the Skeena Mountains and on the east by the Rocky Mountains. Takla Nation works closely with Carrier Sekani Family Services and First Nations Health Authority to support a healthy and healing community, and resilient, positive families.

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Barbara Blanchard

Vacant

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Terrie Davidson 2

Terrie Davidson

Terrie Davidson has worked for her community of Boothroyd since the 1990s, wearing a number of hats, from Health Director (since 2012) to Band Manager and others. Terrie has thrived as Boothroyd’s Health Director, creating many exciting wellness initiatives. Her many achievements include the development of Phillip Campbell Healing House, where community members can join healing circles and participate in arts and crafts, nurturing their mental, physical, spiritual and emotional health.

She also champions a collaborative approach to all health and wellness projects by partnering with the 32 Fraser Salish Communities as well as other community services and the Regional Health Authorities. Among this work, she notes the efforts she’s led in suicide prevention for youth, including a recent regional Youth Gathering in Chawathil to develop tools and strategies for prevention, intervention and postvention. Young people from across the region played an active role in the event’s planning and support—ensuring that it represented their needs.

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Lori Sellars

Health Director, Three Corners Health Service Society

Lori has worked at Three Corners Health Services Society (TCHSS) since 2014. The Society aims to holistically address the health care needs of Secwepemc community members by incorporating traditional and contemporary practices.

As executive director of TCHSS, Lori supervises day-to-day operations including all programming. Her work includes needs assessments, gap analyses, and planning and program creation leadership to address the organization's and community's development requirements. The Community Wellness and Protection program assists the communities served by TCHSS in maintaining the optimal health status and wellness of their members through the prevention, identification and control of communicable disease and environmental health issues within the communities it serves.

Lori is from the Secwepemc Nation and has been involved with health for 25 years. She has completed her registered nursing diploma, Baccalaureate nursing degree and a Masters’ degree in Rural Education. She is a strong advocate for the Secwepemc Nation in the areas of personal and family-centered care, health education and literacy as well as timely access to health services.

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Arlene Edwards (cropped)

Arlene Edwards

 

Arlene Edwards is the daughter of the late Cyril Spence and the late Betty Edwards, and she was raised in the heart of the Nlaka’pamux Nation, in the community of Ne’qa’min. Her father, Cyril, was from Ne’qa’min, and her mother, Betty, hailed from Boothroyd. She is a proud mother of three beautiful children who have profoundly impacted her life, and she is blessed with eight grandchildren, with one more on the way.

Her journey in the workforce began at a local grocery store, before she transitioned into the role of secretary at one of the tribal offices. It was there that she first became involved in addressing the health needs of her Nation, starting as a data collector and eventually becoming a Community Health Representative (CHR). Over the years, she witnessed both the challenges and triumphs of working in her community.

In 2011, she was promoted to the role of Executive Director for the Skeesht Health Society, a position she has held with passion ever since. While she deeply loves her job and the positive impact it brings, she has also encountered the tough realities that her community, and the surrounding Lytton area, have faced over the years.

In addition to her work in health services, Arlene is a doula and labor support person, a role she holds dear to her heart. As one of the first to hold a newborn, she cherishes the intimate moments of welcoming new life into the world, finding great joy in the "snuggles" that come with this work.

Her commitment to her community has also extended into leadership roles. She has been a member of the Community Council since the late 1990s and served as Chief for four years. After a brief break, she resumed her role as Chief in October 2023, continuing to serve with dedication and love for her people.

Arlene remains deeply connected to her heritage and her community, always working to improve the lives of those around her while honoring the values passed down through her family and culture.

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Shelley Lampreau

Bio forthcoming

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Vacant

Vacant

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Charlene Webb2 - North West

Charlene Webb

Charlene Webb is from Fort St. James, BC, lives in Kitsumkalum First Nation Tsimshian Territory. She is Dakelh Ut’soo (grandmother) from the Nak’azdli community and a member of the Lohjabou (Bear) Clan.

Charlene has been working in the health care field since 1995 working from the grassroots up and has been taught by her parents to be a strong advocate for First Nations communities and promote traditional health and wellness. Charlene started working as a Home Maker, Early Childhood Assistant, Family Support Worker, Prenatal Outreach Worker, a guard for the RCMP and then pursued education in social work. Over the years she has taken on training opportunities that support Traditional Wellness such as: Grief and Loss, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, HIV/AIDS Training, Around the Kitchen Table Training, Traditional Parenting Program, First Responder Training and Indigenous Focus Orientations Therapy.

Charlene loves to learn about her culture and bringing cultural teachings into programs. She is honoured to be serving with the FNHDA representing the Northwest. She and her husband have two daughters and one grandson.

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Jessica Frank - Southern Stl'atl'imx_Resized

Jessica Frank

Jessica Frank is a dedicated member of the Líl̓wat community and is passionate about First Nations. Jessica is from the Lil’wat Nation – Stl’atl’imx Nation, which allows her to fully understand the Líl̓wat Culture and promote the deep roots of Ntakmen (‘Our Ways’). Jessica has worked for the Líl̓wat Nation since March 2000 where she served as the Director of the Pqusnalhcw Child Care Center for 12 years. Taking a small break for herself and homelife, Jessica accepted her current position in March 2019 as the Health Director at Líl̓wat Health & Healing Center. Presently she is an active member of the First Nations Health Director Association Board and the Vancouver Coastal Health Regional Table.

As the Director at Líl̓wat Health & Healing, Jessica is known for her forward thinking, kindness, and being a dedicated community advocate. Jessica’s initiatives demonstrate her knowledge & awareness that one approach does not work for all and the need to have a variety of healers, both clinical & traditional, should always be considered. Jessica identifies that as a Nation there is a need to incorporate new and enhanced programs & services to better meet the Health and Wellness needs of the community.

Jessica brings with her a strong professional background, including 14 years of managerial experience. She holds a Diploma in Child & Youth Care, Post Basic Certificate in Early Childhood, Infant & Toddler, and Post Basic Certificate in Special Needs Education. Jessica has received her certificate in Aboriginal Health Community Administration Program and is currently working towards her Health Director Certification and Diploma in Business Administration. Jessica is a strong believer that continuous education will only better impact her colleagues and ultimately her First Nations community.

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Vacant

Vacant

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Rose Dumont - Coast Salish

Rose Dumont

Health Director, T'Sou-ke Nation Health Centre

As administrative health coordinator and Heath Director, Rose is responsible the programs that keep the T'Sou-ke Nation community well and healthy. Her focus is to provide any service regarding health for the well-being of the community.

A local doctor visits monthly along with reflexology and acupuncturists. Special clinics are held throughout the year for blood pressure management, flu shots, etc. In addition, programs assist the community with a range of needs, including nutrition workshops, baby programs and information on health benefits, among other topics.

A part of her role, Rose attends primary care, Sooke Homeless Coalition and Health Director meetings. She chairs the Niltou Child and Family Services Board the Te’Mexw Treaty Association Board.  Rose’s passion is her dedication and commitment to her community.

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Kim Roberts - Kwakwakawakw

Kim Roberts

Health Director, Ligwilda'xw Health Society

Kim Roberts is from the Wei Wai Kai First Nation (Campbell River Band). For several years Kim has worked as a Health Director, including for Kwakiutl District Council Health and the Ligwilda'xw Health Society. Her leadership and care are focused first and foremost on the community she serves, where she ensures that programs and services are delivered with respect and honour for the community and individual dignity.

Kim honours culture through traditional healing including: regalia making, cedar offering, workshops and group work (with individuals and families) and work in the Bighouse. Kim believes in being a role model, walking the talk through being out on the land, and walking with the community.

In 2017, Kim received the FNHDA Inspiration Award for “Providing Effective Health Administration" for her work at Kwakiutl District Council Health. Her goal is to provide outstanding services for community members and staff. where she lives and works. She strives to maintain and develop ongoing capacity at all levels within the organization and is inspired by her community members as she enjoys working with Elders and youth. 

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 Bella Fred

Bella Fred is a proud Tseshaht member with deep connections to the Huu-ah-aht, Hupacasath, Squamish, and Ucluelet communities. Raised in Port Alberni, Bella has dedicated much of her career to serving her community through various roles, including her work with the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council. Over the years, she has worked as a Non-Insured Health Benefits Clerk, Nursing Administrative Assistant, and in Accounts Payable, gaining invaluable experience in health and social services.

For a combined total of approximately 11 years, Bella has served the Tseshaht Nation in various capacities, including as Social Development Worker/Patient Travel Clerk, SD & Health Manager, and most recently as Health Director—a role she has held for over seven years. Her extensive background in health services and community-focused work led to her current position, where she continues to support and enhance the well-being of her community.

Encouraged by colleagues to take on a new challenge, Bella has embraced the opportunity to become a board member for the First Nations Health Directors Association (FNHDA). Though stepping outside her comfort zone, she is excited to learn new things, meet new people, and contribute to the health and success of First Nations communities.

In addition to her extensive professional experience, Bella holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, specializing in Accounting, from Malaspina University-College. She also served as an elected council member for Tseshaht for two years.

With years of experience working directly with community members in health and social programs, Bella looks forward to collaborating with fellow health directors and working towards the thriving of First Nations communities across the region.

Outside of her professional life, Bella enjoys spending time with her family, being near water, and traveling when possible. These activities help her maintain balance and well-being, ensuring she remains grounded in both her personal and professional life. Bella is proud to have a husband and have raised three children, and as they have grown up over the years, she now has more time to take on this important role as an FNHDA board member.

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LAURA MILLER

Laura Miller

Elder Advisor

Laura Miller, a proud member of Kitsumkalum First Nation, and hails from the Killer Whale clan of the Tsimshian Nation. She resides and works on her traditional territory in Kitsumkalum Village (near Terrace, BC), but also actively participates in cultural and recreational activities, showcasing her deep connection to her roots.Her professional journey includes notable positions held at Kitsumkalum First Nation as a Council member, an assistant to the Band Manager, and in the Housing and Health office(s).

Laura is looking forward to engaging with the First Nations Health Directors Association and the Board of Directors to help guide the seven directives and uphold the social determinants of Health. Laura's contributions and commitment to enhancing Indigenous communities' well-being while upholding cultural values are paramount to enhance the work of the FNHDA.

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