Dr. Sheila Blackstock is Gitxsan, from Northern British Columbia. She serves as an Associate Professor at the School of Nursing at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). Dr. Blackstock obtained her PhD from the University of Alberta, specializing in "Developing a Theoretical Model on Incivility," and holds a Master of Science in Nursing, and an advanced specialty in occupational health nursing. She has over 36 years of experience working as a nurse in varying nursing practice contexts (acute care, regional, rural, remote and Indigenous communities).
A founding member of Thompson Rivers University's (TRU) Indigenous Health Nursing Committee, Dr. Blackstock assumed the role of inaugural Chair, leading initiatives to integrate Indigenous knowledge systems into nursing education. Her tenure witnessed advocacy for the nurturing of personal, professional, and social responsibilities, fostering responsive and respectful relationships.
With a robust background in board governance, Dr. Blackstock served as the Interior Board representative on the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) Board of Directors from 2020 to 2023. Presently, she continues her commitment to the FNHA Board, as a Director at Large and Board Chair.
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 (Director)
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 (Director)
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.
Dr. Lex Vides (Director)
