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 interim First Nations Health Authority since February 2006.

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 interimFirst Nations Health Authority 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 iFNHA. 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 interimFirst Nations Health Authority 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 interimFirst Nations Health Authority(iFNHA) 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 interimFirst 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 interimFirst Nations Health Authority. 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 an Staff Writer for the Interim First Nations Health Authority

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 interim First Nations Health Authority 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 interim First Nations Health Authority.  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 from Stswecem’c in the Northern Interior of British Columbia. Prior to working with the First Nations Health Authority, Mary worked with the Three Corners Health Services Society, a fully transferred Health organization in Williams Lake for ten years. Mary worked in many areas including administration, e-health, and chronic disease and injury prevention program planning. 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 Regional Health Liaison, Mary is part of the Community Engagement Team providing coordination and support to Community Engagement initiatives and activities for the Interior Region. Mary has been with the First Nations Health Authority since August 2010.

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 interim First Nations Health Authority, 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).

James Rankin is the Health Liaison for the Vancouver Coastal region, at the First Nations Health Authority. James is from Montreal, and comes from French-Canadian, Scottish, and Métis ancestry. In 2009, James graduated from Simon Fraser University’s Master of Public Health program, where he focused on campaigns promoting the rational use of antibiotics. He has also worked as a research coordinator at the Arthritis Research Centre of Canada, where he coordinated research projects on gout, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other joint diseases. In September 2009, James and his partner moved to Masset, Haida Gwaii, because they wanted to spend a year living in a small, remote community of coastal BC. During that year, James was fortunate enough to work with the Haida Health Centre in Old Massett to develop community education workshops on arthritis. After running two successful workshops in August 2010, he returned to the Arthritis Research Centre in Vancouver to develop a family-based arthritis self-management program for First Nations People. Learning from the Haida and other First Nations has been the most rewarding experience of his career, and he feels very lucky to now be a member of the First Nations Health Authority team.

James has lived in Vancouver since 2006, and he and his wife Nicole are expecting their first child next spring.

Megan Misovic was born in Manitoba but was raised in Victoria, BC.  She has a background in Health Information Science and a Masters in Public Health.  Megan is working with the First Nations Health Authority as an Epidemiologist, working with the Health Knowledge and Information cluster to examine health trends, produce reports, gather and disseminate data that will be helpful to both First Nations communities and Tripartite partner organizations.  Through her past work experience Megan has had the pleasure of working in the private, research as well as the regional, provincial, territorial, national and international health sectors.  Megan enjoys travelling with her husband, enjoys cooking new recipes, reading good books, hiking, and polkas.

Miranda is Stό:lō and was raised in her home community, Soowahlie First Nation. She is honoured to carry the ancestral name of Tilyen. Miranda holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and psychology from the University of Victoria, and is a recent graduate of the Master of Public Health program at the University of British Columbia. She has previously worked in Aboriginal health research, and is passionate about First Nations Health.

Lloy Wylie joins the FNHA as a Senior Advisor on Health Systems. In her previous work with the Centre for Aboriginal Health Research at UVic, Lloy developed training courses in Aboriginal Health, as well as prepared community based research proposals and workshops on Language Revitalization, Cultural Safety, and Health Services Coordination. She has been a consultant working with First Nations in British Columbia on health care program design and evaluation, and has worked in a number of organizations doing health research and policy analysis, including the Aboriginal Health Research Network Secretariat, the Public Health Association of BC and Health Canada. Her training in health services research has emphasized processes of community engagement and linking research and practice.

Lloy lives part time in Vancouver and part time in the Cowichan Valley with her partner and their two daughters. She enjoys hiking, gardening, biking and swimming, and is a gourmet chef with a strong interest in healthy eating and food security.

Janene Erickson is a member of the Nak’azdli First Nation and will be serving the FNHA in the capacity of Manager, CEO’s office. After achieving a degree in Kinesiology, Janene completed a Master’s degree in Public Health at the University of British Columbia. Her program involved her with Sheway, a Pregnancy Outreach Program in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Prior to joining the FNHA, Janene was also involved with the Cedar project, an HIV/HPC study involving Aboriginal youth in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and Prince George, emphasizing a strengths-based approach while ackowledging the intergenerational effects of historical trauma. Janene is an avid fitness enthusiast who volunteers as a fitness instructor and has completed both the Boston marathon and Ironman Canada. Janene’s passion for pursuing health and fitness was inspired by her parents who taught her to appreciate the gift of life, the value of spirituality, and the experience of our physical abilities to achieve our goals.