Marion Colleen Erickson is a Dakelh grandmother (Ut’soo) from the Nak’azdli community and a member of the Lasilyu (Frog) Clan. An active community member who participates in the balhats (potlatch) system, she believes that cultural identity is the foundation of health and wellness, and is committed to improving the health and wellness of First Nations.
A former two-term Chief of Saik’uz First Nation, Colleen is a recognized community leader and veteran member of the RCMP. She currently teaches part-time at her local college, focusing mostly on Aboriginal Studies.
Colleen has a Master’s degree in Education, with a special focus on the traditional philosophies of Carrier teachings.
Colleen’s past board experience includes roles within local government, Elder society and business and she has held numerous school district appointments. She brings a wealth of negotiation, financial administration, mediation and leadership skills to the FNHA board, as well as extensive cultural and traditional knowledge.
Michael Bonshor (Secretary-Treasurer)
Picture forthcoming. Michael Bonshor is a member of Dzawada'enuxw First Nation and is designated as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
President and CEO of Visions First Nations Financial Services and Ki'mola Indigenous Capital, his work has included strategic planning, negotiations with industry and government and the development of business structures, capital financing partnerships and private equity investments.
Michael sits on the National Indigenous Economic Development Board, and chairs the BC First Nations Gaming Revenue Sharing Limited Partnership and the Audit and Finance Committee of the BC Infrastructure Benefits Inc.
Leah Ballantyne (Director)
Leah Ballantyne is a Cree First Nations lawyer with several years' experience in First Nations organizations. She has a wide range of advocacy skills with team-based projects and activities, as well as First Nations health care and tripartite experience.
Leah has extensive Board experience as well as experience in First Nations governance, budget preparation and management, expenditure monitoring and grant-proposal writing.
Part of the Assembly of First Nations Indigenous Knowledge Advisory Group, which focuses on Indigenous knowledge around the principles of ownership, control, access, and possession (OCAP) and United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP, Leah is engaged in advocating for Indigenous rights. She wants to continue to advance the rights of Indigenous peoples, including the right to health.
Greg Louie
Picture forthcoming. Greg, a former elected Chief Councillor from the Ahousaht First Nation, brings a wealth of experience in governance, finance, capital projects, strategic planning, education, reconciliation, negotiation and health. As a community leader, teacher and school principal, he tirelessly advocated for funding to address critical community needs such as schools, housing, roads, internet and cellular connectivity, medical and emergency services and essential food supply. Greg's profound understanding of the challenges facing First Nation communities fuels his unwavering passion for enhancing the lives of Indigenous people.
Dr. Peter Eppinga
Picture forthcoming. Peter is from Haida Gwaii and works as a family doctor in the Fraser Salish Region. He has a passion for culture, education and helping First Nations people. After medical school, Peter earned a Masters in Health Science/Public Health and he is the owner and operator of multiple thriving medical clinics in the region. His extensive knowledge of the healthcare system, including health legislation, drives his commitment to the well-being and prosperity of First Nations in BC.
