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.

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.

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Rhoda Hallgren

Vice-President

Rhoda Hallgren is from the Lake Babine Nation (LBN). She belongs to the Likh Ji Bu (bear clan); her mother was Sophie Disher and her father was Larry Disher. Her maternal grandparents were Catharine & Athanase Adam and her paternal grandparents were Patricia and Larry Disher Sr. She grew up in the LBN community, Woyenne, located within the Village of Burns Lake which is where she currently resides and chooses to live, work, and play.

She started working as the Director of Community Health with Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) in July 2020 and have been promoted to the Executive Director of Community Health role in July 2025. Prior to her transition to CSFS, she was employed as the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Carrier Lakes region with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA). While her employment with FNHA was rewarding and she truly enjoyed the comradery of the Northern Regional team, she chose to transition over to CSFS because she felt that it would align with her employment goals more definitively.

In working as the Director of Community Health, she oversees the community facing programs under health transfer as well as the Jordan’s Principle department and Dzee Ba’yugh Safehouse. She works closely with the community health directors and the community health representatives to support collaboration with CSFS and to enhance connections with FNHA and NHA. She also provides direction in the oversight of the First Nations Health Benefits (FNHB) program.

She does have familiarity with the organizational structures of the First Nations Health Authority, the First Nations Health Council, and the Northern Regional Table (NRT) through her previous employment and have built on to those existing relationships while employed with CSFS. She was recently also elected to sit as the Vice-President of the First Nations Health Directors Association (FNHDA) Board of Directors. Her role at the FNHDA Board and at the NRT is to advocate for the north central region in prioritization of programming and ensuring that the voices of the region are heard and accounted for.

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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.

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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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Thomasina Spike

Coming Soon!

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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

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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Tiffany Mason

Tiffany Mason represents Vancouver Coastal's Central Coast. She is from Kitasoo Xai'Xais. Full bio to come!

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Vacant

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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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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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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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Geraldine Edgar-Tom

Elder Advisor

Coming Soon!

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