About the Board
The FNHA Board of Directors provides leadership and oversight for the activities of the FNHA.
The Board has many decades of experience in First Nations health, community development and financial management at all levels of government.
The Board collectively works and makes decisions for the benefit of all BC First Nations, regardless of where they live. The Board of Directors includes members nominated by First Nations in our five regions as well as members at large.
Board at a Glance
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Chair – Dr. Sheila Blackstock
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Vice-Chair – Leah Ballantyne
- Secretary-Treasurer – Greg Louie
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Director – Dr. Peter Eppinga
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Director – Dr. Lex Vides
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Director – Wilhemena Harry
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Director – Lee Anne Cameron
- Director – Jack Page
- Director – Marlene Erickson
Director Profiles
Dr. Sheila Blackstock (Board Chair)
Dr. Sheila Blackstock is Gitxsan, from Northern British Columbia. She serves as an Associate Professor at the School of Nursing at Thompson Rivers University (TRU). 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 38 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)
Doctorate in Dental Surgery (University of El Salvador - 2007) / Not licensed to practice in BC, Canada
Dr. Alexis (Lex) Vides holds a Master in Business Administration from the Athabasca University AB in 2019 and a Doctorate in Dental Surgery earned from the National University of El Salvador in 2007. Since February 2014 he has been working in public dental health in BC.
Over the past ten years Dr. L. Vides has collaborated closely with the BC Dental Association and Local Dental Educational Institutions to expand the access to oral care services for vulnerable populations in BC. Dr. L. Vides' professional journey extends to working with Public and Not-For-Profit organizations, bringing his extensive expertise in Dental Care, Health Business Administration and Human Resources. He has served on various boards, including the Board of Directors for the Pioneer Community Living Association. Presently he holds the role of Stakeholder Dental Task Force – Health Canada Branch, and a Fellowship of the International College of Dentist – Canadian Chapter.
Dr. L. Vides' hopes that his passion and dedication in public service can make a positive impact and increase the quality of life, access to care and essential services towards the Indigenous community across BC.
Wilhemena Harry (Director)
Picture forthcoming. Wilhemena Harry is from the Tsawout First Nation on Vancouver Island with over 25 years of experience as a generalist social worker dedicated to serving Indigenous communities. She is also a passionate Indigenous Justice Advocate, possessing firsthand experience in implementing health and social initiatives. Wilhemena has a deep-seated passion for customs, traditions, and cultural practices. Currently she is enrolled in the School of Public Administration at the University of Victoria.
Lee Anne Cameron (Director)
Lee Anne Cameron is from the Syilx Okanagan Nation. She possesses a diverse range of leadership experiences spanning regulated industries, government, and Indigenous communities. Notably, she served as Senior Advisor to Phil Fontaine during his tenure as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. Lee Anne also has held board positions, both commercial and non-profit, and previously held a position as a member of the Indigenous Business and Investment Council.
Jack Page (Director)
Jack has family ties to the Sechelt First Nation and brings 20 years of leadership and governance experience to the FNHA Board. He has worked extensively with First Nations communities and not-for-profit organizations, offering expertise in business operations, board management, and consulting. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Human Resources from the University of British Columbia, complemented by certifications in professional coaching, internal auditing (ISO 9001-14001), and various industrial certifications.
As a Partner with Wisdom Circle Collective, he has played a key role in consulting on, developing, and implementing strategic plans, establishing reporting systems, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies. He also excels in budget management, risk mitigation and providing internal capacity-building for leadership, administration, and staff.
Jack's leadership is rooted in Indigenous values, focusing on community, honesty, integrity, accountability and self-discipline in all his endeavors. He is a natural helper and is always looking to provide the best service and experience to those he serves.
Outside of work, Jack enjoys traveling, good food, stand-up comedy, and spending time with his wife Carolyn, his three sons, friends, and family. He stays active as a community sports coach and maintains a healthy lifestyle.
Marlene Erickson (Director)
Marlene is a proud member of Nak'azdli Whut'en and the Lusilyoo (Frog) clan who has dedicated herself to understanding and preserving cultural heritage. This commitment has driven her to engage in educational outreach and sharing traditional teachings. Through conversations with Elders and Knowledge Holders, Marlene has deepened her understanding of our history and traditions, particularly as they intersect with contemporary issues in healthcare and education. Marlene's work experience have provided her with firsthand insight into the systemic challenges facing First Nations people within the healthcare system. She is acutely aware of the barriers and disparities that exist and actively participates in discussions on how to address and eliminate them. She firmly believes in the importance of integrating cultural competency training into post-secondary education, equipping future healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to provide inclusive and effective care.
