Our Shared Vision: Leading Transformative Change in Health for BC First Nations

Marion Colleen Erickson is a Dakelh grandmother (Ut’soo) from the Nak’azdli community and a member of the Lasilyu (Frog) Clan. As an active community member participating in the balhats (potlatch) system, she firmly 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 a veteran member of the RCMP. She currently teaches part-time at her local college, with a primary focus on Aboriginal Studies.

Colleen holds a Master’s degree in Education, with a special focus on the traditional philosophies of Carrier teachings.

Presently serving as the FNHA Board chair, Colleen’s background includes various board positions within local government, the Elder society, and numerous appointments in school districts. She brings a wealth of negotiation, financial administration, mediation, and leadership skills to the FNHA board, along with extensive cultural and traditional knowledge.

Keith is of African Canadian/Caribbean descent from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Keith Marshall is the Director of Community Health Programs for the Hailika’as Heiltsuk Health Centre Society in Bella Bella. His primary role is to provide programs and services for the improvement of the health status of this community.

Keith holds a Master’s degree in social work and a Master’s degree in Public Administration specializing in health services. He recently completed his Graduate Diploma in Executive Coaching at Royal Roads University.

Keith is an experienced professional with over 30 years of experience working in Indigenous communities, focusing on promoting capacity building with community members and supporting them in charting their own course for being the catalyst for improving their health status. He provides the vision, managerial, and administrative leadership necessary to develop and implement health care programs and services that meet the health needs of the members of the Heiltsuk community in Bella Bella, BC.

Additionally, he has worked with federal, provincial, and private organizations in senior health, managerial, and administrative positions, including negotiating major contracts; facilitation and mediation skills with large organization in the national and provincial arenas; management of major programs including organizational and planning requirements; clinical case management; developing and implementing organizational; policy development, interpretation and implementation.

Keith currently serves as the President of the First Nations Health Directors Association Board of Directors. The First Nations Health Directors Association is part of a unique health governance structure that includes political representation and advocacy through the First Nations Health Council, and the planning, management, and delivery of health programs and services through the First Nations Health Authority. Collectively, this First Nations health governing structure works in partnership with BC First Nations to achieve our shared vision. Keith served on the committee responsible for the development of the British Columbia Cultural Safety and Humility Standard.

Richard Jock is a member of the Mohawks of Akwesasne and serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the First Nations Health Authority.

Richard’s portfolio includes Health Benefits, policy, planning, engagement, service improvements/integration, investment strategies and regional partnership implementation. His position also provides leadership for the building, functioning and implementation of strong partnerships within the First Nations health governance structure and within the health system more broadly.

Richard has worked for the past 25 years for First Nations organizations and the federal government, including numerous positions in the health field. Immediately prior to joining the FNHA, he held the post of Chief Executive Officer for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN). Among his other professional roles, Richard has held senior leadership positions at Norway House Health Services Incorporated, Health Canada, the National Aboriginal Health Organization and Mohawk Council of Akwesasne.

Richard is committed to his wellness and challenges himself to stay active and spend time outdoors. He wears his FitBit daily, rarely missing his 10,000 steps, and enjoys playing racquetball in his spare time.

Wade Grant was first elected to the FNHC as a Vancouver Coastal Representative in June of 2019, and then appointed as Chair in September 2021. He is the Intergovernmental Officer for the Musqueam First Nation and serves as a board member for Covenant House Vancouver.

Previously, Wade spent three years with the BC provincial government as the special advisor to the Premier on Indigenous issues and held a number of roles including member of the Vancouver Police Board, band council member with the Musqueam Indian Band, assistant general manager of the Four Host Nations Aboriginal Pavilion during the 2010 Olympics, policy analyst for the BC Assembly of First Nations and as executive assistant to the Solicitor General of British Columbia.

Wade was recognized by Vancouver Magazine’s “Power 50” list in 2015 and 2013, and in 2012 he received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal for services to community. He lives on the Musqueam Indian Reserve and has two children.