Brittany McKay a recent grad from Red River College with a Certificate in Business, Accounting and Management grew up in Gimli, Manitoba and recently relocated to Vancouver, BC in August. Brittany is the Executive Assistant to Michelle DeGroot and is very excited to work with the First Nations Health Council. From a strong Métis family, Brittany is working strongly to advocate on behalf of and support BC First Nations individuals, communities, and organizations to resolve health access issues related to Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB), Medical Services Plan (MSP), and other health issues as applicable. 

Lori Sellars, is a member of the Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nation of the Interior of British Columbia. Lori has her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Victoria and a Masters degree in Rural Education from the James Cook University of Australia. Her role is to review federal and provincial legislation, policies, programs and services to ensure that interests of BC First Nations are addressed. Her other responsibility is to act as a liaison with First Nations, other organizations, federal and provincial departments for the purpose of assisting in the achievement of the First Nations Health Council goals and objectives as they relate to the Tripartite First Nations Health Plan. Lori’s work with First Nations provides the health documentation, recommendations and policy alternatives for review, approval and action for emerging critical issues by the First Nations Health Council.

Dr Georgia Kyba graduated with a Naturopathic Doctorate degree from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, OR. She received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Victoria with majors in Psychology and Biology. She holds a BC license through the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia, CNPBC, and is a member of the BC Naturopathic Association, BCNA.  Dr Kyba works in Aboriginal health with First Nations Summit as part of their Health Professionals Advisory Roster and with Squamish First Nations as the Chronic Disease Self Management Coordinator. Dr. Kyba is Northern Tuchone from the Selkirk First Nation in the Yukon. She was born in Whitehorse, Yukon, and grew up in Vancouver, BC, with her parents, two brothers and sister. Her interest in alternative medicine was instilled in her from a very young age by the compassionate and humanitarian views of her family.

Trish is a proud member of the Squiala First Nation of the Fraser River Valley, British Columbia.  She is also proud of her father’s Swedish lineage.  Trish completed her Bachelor of Science at the University of British Columbia. As part of the International Exchange Program, she attended the University of Auckland in New Zealand for one year to focus on Maori studies.  She is currently a Master of Science Candidate, whose research is based on the effects of indoor mould exposure on First Nations peoples’ health.

Jean Allbeury is Ojibway and a member of the Lac Seul Band from Northern Ontario. Jean Has worked with the First Nations Health Council (formerly known as the First Nations Chiefs’ Health Committee) sice February 2006.

Trina Carpenter is a member of the Heiltsuk First Nation of the Central Coast of British Columbia.  Trina has been working as the Executive Assistant with the First Nations Health Council since December 11, 2007.  The Executive Assistant is responsible for supporting the Senior Director, and the Director of Health Planning and Operations. Trina also provides administrative support to the Health Council Members. Her role includes the following duties: information management, schedule management, project management, meeting preparation, research and writing, taking minutes and preparing reports, and external/internal communications.

Josephine Whonnock is a proud member of the Squamish Nation. The Receptionist is responsible for supporting the Executive Assistant including the following duties: answering phones, mail, courier, ordering supplies, information management, meeting preparation, accounts payable.

Mark Matthew is from the Simpcw First Nation and grew up on the North Thompson reserve located 15 km north of Barriere, BC.  He now lives in Kamloops with his wife and young son.  Mark holds a Bachelors of Business Administration from Thompson Rivers University and has experience as a Business Development Officer (at an Aboriginal Financial Institution) and a Financial Advisor.  Most recently he was employed with Interior Health as the Aboriginal Contracts Advisor. Mark’s role within the First Nations Health Council is Acting Manager, Health Planning and Engagement.  He looks forward to getting out into the communities and assisting in the implementation of the Tripartite First Nations Health Plan (TFNHP). Mark’s position provides a wide range of community and organizational development skills to assist First Nation either independent or in a community engagement hub to plan, collaborate and communicate with FNHC. Mark also assists First Nation communities in the development of community health plans and work plans.

Davis is a member of the Sliammon First Nation. Davis holds a BA in Sociology and Anthropology from Simon Fraser University and is a BCTF certified teacher.  Davis has been working in web, print and video media for 10 years and has been working for the First Nations Health Council since March of 2008. In the role of communications coordinator, Davis provides communications support and direction in the implementation of the Tripartite First Nations Health Plan. His responsibilities include: Strategic planning for internal and external communications, website coordination and maintenance, and the development of tools and processes for maintaining regular communication with BC’s 203 First Nations communities. Davis enjoys soccer, scrabble, spending time with family.

Evan Tlesla II Adams of the Sliammon First Nation (Powell River, BC) is an actor and physician whose numerous performances include a starring role in the Emmy-winning TV-movie LOST IN THE BARRENS and, most memorably, as Thomas Builds-The-Fire in the Miramax feature SMOKE SIGNALS, which won him many awards including an Independent Spirit Award for performance in 1999. Dr. Adams completed his MD at the University of Calgary, his Aboriginal Family Practice residency at St Paul’s Hospital/UBC (as Chief Resident), and is currently the Director of the Division of Aboriginal People’s Health, UBC Faculty of Medicine, and the Aboriginal Health Physician Advisor, Office of the Provincial Health Officer, Ministry of Health.

My paternal ancestry is Squamish Nation and my maternal ancestry is Lil’wat Nation of British Columbia. I recently convocated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Social Work with an Indigenous Child Welfare Specialization. I am passionate about the health and well-being of First Nations children, families, and communities, and dedicated to social justice issues effecting First Nation peoples of Canada. I recently joined the First Nations Health Council (FNHC) team as a Policy Analyst in November 2008.

EUNICE JOE
Tla-ah-shuks is Nuu-chah-nulth from the Tseshaht First Nation.  Eunice’s lineage stems from the Tseshaht, Huu-ay-aht and Squamish Nations.  She completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Major in First Nations Studies at Vancouver Island University (formerly Malaspina Unviersity-College).  Eunice most recently worked with Inter Tribal Health Authority in the area of Health Informatics, Planning and Research and has also worked with the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council in various capacities.  She brings with her a passion for working with First Nations People and working across cultures.  Eunice approaches her work from a place of respect that is grounded in traditional teachings of “Hishuk ish Tsawalk” – everything is one and all is connected.
Eunice will be working with the First Nations of Vancouver Island, Vancouver Island Health Authority and the First Nations Health Council assisting in the implementation of the Tripartite First Nations Health Plan.

HEATHER SQUIRE
Heather Squire is the Senior Advisor, Policy and Strategic Initiatives to the CEO of the First Nations Health Society. In her role as Senior Advisor, Heather is responsible for developing strategic direction and initiatives in coordination with the CEO and other senior management and government partners. She also assists in supporting and coordinating the communication, policy, and planning initiatives with the senior management team.

Heather recently married Dallas Squire, and spent spring 2009 enduring studio lights as a participant on Slice Networks reality TV show “Bulging Brides”. 
She is an outdoors and sports enthusiast and enjoys nothing more than running her dog in the trails of her home community of Squamish, BC.

PHILIP HOGAN
Mni’gla is a member of the Heiltsuk Nation from the Central Coast of BC. He has been involved in Aboriginal rights and community development for twenty years, working for his Nation for much of that time. In addition to these position he has been a writer, traditional use researcher, administrator in health education, college instructor and land use planner. Philip received his B.A. (Anthropology) from UBC focusing on oral history and ethnography of the northwest coast. In addition he has been fortunate to learn from elders and knowledgeable people in his community and other First Nations.  Philip is the Regional Caucus Liaison for the Vancouver Coastal Region.

TAMARA RAMPANEN
Tamara is a member of the Ahousaht First Nations (Nuu-chah-nulth); her heritage also includes Lil’wat and Finnish roots, with marital ties to Kispiox (Gitxsan) .  Professionally Tamara has worked for the past ten years in initiatives that focus and support Aboriginal sustainability in the areas of Child Welfare and Health; she has worked with the Gitxsan, Nisga’a, Stό:lō and Nuu-chah-nulth Nations.  Tamara has been involved in several provincial and regional boards, including the FASD Task Force for BC and the BC Aboriginal Women’s Association initiative.  Her academic successes include a B.A. (First Nations Studies and Psychology); MSc (Cognitive Psychology), and she was recently accepted in the PhD Psychology Program at Princeton University.  She recently entered into the entertainment and talent industry and is a featured model for Mercedes Benz Int’l, Reitman’s and Shopper’s Drug Mart.  In addition she engages in traditional ceremonial practices with her family from whom she derives much wisdom, support and strength.  Tamara is a Mother and Grandmother and currently resides in Vancouver with her husband, Robert. 

Tamara is the Coordinator for the First Nations Health Directors Association. 

PAMELA HOLTE

Pamela Holte is a member of the Ulkatcho First Nation (Southern Carrier) of the Cariboo-Chilcotin in the interior of British Columbia.  Pamela has worked as the Executive Assistant with the First Nations Health Council since May 25, 2009.  Pamela is currently responsible for supporting Michelle Degroot, VP, Health Policy and Advocacy.  Her role includes, information management, schedule development, project management, meeting preparation, research and writing, preparing reports, and external/Internal communication.  She is enrolled in Simon Fraser University Bachelor of Arts program.

JAMES GEORGE

James is a member of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. Following graduation from Sardis Secondary School in 1971, James spent 17 years employed in retail sales, warehousing, manufacturing and truck driving before returning to formal studies.  James graduated from Fraser Valley College with a Diploma in Criminal Justice and went on to graduate from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of General Studies, Minor in Sociology. This course of study concentrated on Social Policy Issues, Ethic Relations and Canadian Native People.  From 1992 to 2000, James was employed with Sto:lo Nation in the Community Economic Development Department, rising to management level responsible for Employment Development and Social Development. James became involved with the INAC/First Nations Social Development Working Group in 1998.  In 2000, after living in Chilliwack for 44 years, James returned to his home community, the Tsleil-Waututh Nation to take up a position in band administration.  Most recent, James served as the FASD Change Manager with the FASD Collaboration Roundtables – Surrey and Vancouver.  Over the past 17 years, James has served on numerous community based boards, councils and committees.  James was a founding member and past president of the First Nations Social Development Society.  James currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Tale’Awtxw Aboriginal Capital Corporation, is an alternate director with the Native Courtworkers and Counseling Association of BC and is an Auxiliary Constable with the North Vancouver RCMP.  James enjoys family time, reading, golf and working on his old Jeep.

HAIKE MULLER

Haike is the Manager, Policy and Research for the First Nations Health Council.  Haike brings to her role as Manager several years of experience in policy analysis and research as well as a background in law.  She has worked for several provincial and national organizations, including the Assembly of First Nations and the First Nations Education Steering Committee, and she has also carried out policy work for her local Band.  Haike is N’lakapamux from Merritt, British Columbia.  She loves spending time with her two boys and husband and maintains a close connection to her community through traditional practices such as berrypicking, fishing and food preservation. .

Brian is descended from the Inuit of North Eastern Labrador on his mother’s side of the family, and second generation Canadian from Ireland on his father’s side. Brian has attended Douglas College, Simon Fraser University, UBC and University of Victoria, garnering degrees from the later institutions in Sociology and Social Work. Most recently, Brian was the Health Services Mentor for an Aboriginal organization, overseeing seven community-based services ranging from children’s health to street-level interventions, and included chronic conditions such as diabetes and FASD. In his role as Community Development Liaison- Northern Region, Brian provides health planning and Community Engagement Hub development support to the 54 communities in Northern BC.

Mary McCullough is Secwepemc and a member of Stswecem’c in the Northern Interior of British Columbia.  Mary’s most recent position was with Three Corners Health Services Society, a fully transferred Health Authority in Williams Lake where she worked since 2001.  Mary worked in many areas of health administration including the development of community work plans and health plans.  Mary also managed the Secwepemc Nation Injury Surveillance and Prevention Program that worked with ten First Nation communities to collect and analyze their own community specific injury data including integration with two acute care facilities within Interior Health.  In her role as the Community Development Liaison, Mary provides health planning and Community Engagement Hub support to the 55 communities in the Interior Region as well as communication support for the Fraser Health Region.

Valerie is of Dene, Irish and French Canadian ancestry, and a member of the Fort Nelson First Nation. She brings to her new role over 10 years of experience working with First Nations in event management, corporate sponsorship, charitable development and donor communications. Prior to joining the FN Health Society, she promoted BC Aboriginal tourism experiences to domestic and international travellers while with Aboriginal Tourism BC, raised funds for the Haida Aboriginal Title Case while at EAGLE (Environmental Aboriginal Guardianship through Law & Education), and successfully produced meetings, conferences and events of all sizes with the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, 2010 Legacies Now, and the Canadian Race Relations Foundation. Valerie has a Bachelor of Social Work from Ryerson University, a Certificate in Business Management & Operations from Capilano University, and pursues ongoing professional development in fundraising and events.

Allison Twiss is a descendant of Scottish parents from the Buchanan clan in Scotland known for their advocacy for independence and nature worshipping (celtic). As Senior Health Planner in the Health Actions Department, Ms. Twiss works closely with the Health Actions team, federal and provincial partners in order to advance the development and implementation of provincial strategies and systems transformations towards meeting the seven directives of the New Health Governance Arrangement. Allison has worked with many First Nation communities in British Columbia and Alberta for the last 15 years in a variety of roles, including community health and social services, natural area advocacy and stewardship, and search and rescue management. She has an undergraduate degree in Environmental and Conservation Sciences, and a Masters Degree in Business (Executive Management).