The FNHA Chief Executive Officer, Monica McAlduff, is pleased to announce the appointment of Gary Housty as the permanent Vice President, Quality and Chief Nursing & Allied Health Officer, effective April 14, 2025.
As Vice President, Quality and Chief Nursing and Allied Health Officer (OCNAHO), Gary will lead clinical education, research, ethics, quality, interprofessional practice, client experience, and health systems transformation across clinical services and programs for BC First Nations. He will champion evidence-based practice, cultural safety and humility, and innovation to improve care for First Nations clients and communities.
As the FNHA marks passing its 10-year milestone anniversary, it continues to hold a unique opportunity to influence provincial health systems and health authorities toward greater cultural safety for First Nations people living in BC. Gary is excited to continue strengthening partnerships, enhancing patient services, and strategically championing change within the organization. Gary remains deeply committed to supporting BC First Nations, FNHA staff, FNHA CEO and the executive team in shaping a culturally safe, responsive health system—one that supports First Nations individuals, families, and communities in BC to achieve the highest level of health and wellness.
As a registered nurse with 23 years' experience in nursing leadership and a passion for health care excellence, Gary brings a wealth of experience to this role. Gary's journey with FNHA started in January 2019 when he assumed the position of Director, Nursing Operations. Since February 2024, Gary has been serving as the Executive Director in the Office of the Chief Nursing Officer, after having acted in the role since August 2022.
Born and raised in Bella Bella on BC's central coast, Gary's roots are deeply connected to the house of Nác̓i through his father, Hereditary Chief Gary Housty Sr., the house of Zíxsiwalis through his mother, Ann Housty, and twin sister, Carrie Easterbrook, a shared a hereditary name; and the house of Wík̓vṇat through his uncle Ren Mason and cousin Rennell Mason. The name Wík̓vṇat was passed down from his late grandfather, Peter Mason, to his son and grandson. His Heiltsuk ancestral name is K̓vsḷsm̓ṇixv, which means "One Wolf," and his shared hereditary chieftainship name is Nác̓i, signifying "treasure box containing supernatural power." Gary takes immense pride in being Heiltsuk as well a registered nurse.
Gary upholds the values and responsibilities in honouring his ancestors, and creating a better world for his wife, three children, and current and future generations of First Nations people in BC. Gary will continue to advance and transform initiatives to enhance health access, equity, patient safety and patient outcomes, in alignment with FNHA's values, directives and strategic goals and priorities set out in FNHA's Multi-Year Health Plan.
