Thank you for joining us on Wednesday, November 9th, 2022 from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (PST), for “Transformative Change: Creating the BC First Nations Health Authority” with Grand Chief Doug Kelly – Cheam First Nation. In this third session of the Indigenous Speaker Series, we learnt about the work and leadership of GC Doug Kelly in the creation of the First Nations Health Authority, and his experiences and insights as the former Chair of the First Nations Health Council. GC Kelly reflected on what we can learn about the self-determination of BC First Nations, what’s needed to strengthen the work in relation to Truth and Reconciliation, and how health and academic systems can better plan and respond to the unique needs of First Nations in BC.
Join us virtually on Wednesday, November 9th, 2022 from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (PST), for “Transformative Change According to Doug Kelly: Creating the BC First Nations Health Authority” This virtual event is presented by the Indigenous Speakers Series.
Ts’i:m (Grand Chief Doug Kelly) – Cheam First Nation, Former President & Tribal Chief for Health – Stó:lō Tribal Council, Former Chair – First Nations Health Council, Former Member of the Political Executive – First Nations Summit (Bio)
Ts’i:m is a grandfather to six healthy, beautiful, and intelligent granddaughters and two handsome and bright grandsons. Married to Sherry for twenty-six years – together they raised a blended family of five daughters and one son. Doug and Sherry reside on the Soowahlie reserve in Chilliwack, B.C.
In December 2020, Doug retired from elected politics after serving twenty years as an elected Tribal Chief for the Stólō Tribal Council. For 12-years, Doug Kelly served the STC as President. After 12.5 years, in December 2020, he also stepped down from the BC First Nations Health Council. Doug Kelly served the FNHC as the Chair from June 2010 to July 2019. In 2010 and 2011, he led the tripartite negotiations that resulted in the creation of the First Nations Health Authority. The FNHC is responsible for overseeing the new First Nations health governance structure and the implementation of the Tripartite First Nations Health Plan.
Grand Chief Doug Kelly has also served as Soowahlie Chief for eight years. He also served on the First Nations Summit Political Executive for four years. He served as the founding Chair of the BC First Nations Fisheries Council for two years. Doug was a founding member of the BC Treaty Commission for one year.
Mr. Kelly has 13 years of experience in senior management positions, including senior leadership roles with the First Nations Chiefs’ Health Committee, Stó:lō Nation, and Stó:lō Tribal Council. Doug also led the development of Stó:lō Health, Child Welfare, and other programs including fisheries and economic development.
Moderator
- Derek K Thompson – Thlaapkiituup, Indigenous Advisor
Description
The creation of the First Nations Health Authority in October 2013 marked an historic period for BC First Nations. This important milestone meant that First Nations in BC took another bold step forward towards self-determination, and away from the control of the Department of Indian Affairs. First Nations could develop and administer health services in their communities based on their own unique needs and cultural understandings, and not be dictated to by an outdated paternalistic system. The pillars of our own independence, our own teachings, our own ingenuity, and our own vision replaced our codependency on a system that was founded on racism, oppression, assimilation, and indifference. We could truly move forward in a deliberate effort to bring about transformative change in the health status of our people and communities.
The four pillars of this transformative shift include the First Nations Health Authority, the First Nations Health Council, the First Nations Health Directors Association, and the Tripartite Committee on First Nations Health. Each pillar is designed to change and improve the way BC First Nations administer, govern, acquire, and support the health programs and services in their communities. The First Nations Health Authority has established itself as an important and necessary advocate to improve healthcare systems and services for BC First Nations.
The journey to arrive at this momentous paradigm shift was no easy feat. The work to build consensus amongst 203 BC First Nations was difficult and ever-changing, and the effort to negotiate an agreement with federal and provincial counterparts was often met with rigid mandates and unrealistic expectations. It takes a certain measure of shrewdness, an intensity of poise, and a confidence of unwavering and unapologetic leadership to navigate these political arenas, and Grand Chief Doug Kelly was exactly the trailblazer we needed.
This important and timely conversation will focus on the work and leadership of GC Doug Kelly in the creation of the First Nations Health Authority, and highlight his experiences and insights as the former Chair of the First Nations Health Council. GC Kelly will reflect on what we can learn about the self-determination of BC First Nations, what’s needed to strengthen the work in relation to Truth and Reconciliation, and how health and academic systems can better plan and respond to the unique needs of First Nations in BC.
Topic: Transformative Change According to Doug Kelly: Creating the BC First Nations Health Authority
Date: Wednesday, November 9th, 2022
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 pm PST
What Will I Learn?
You will learn about the unique perspectives of First Nations leadership in the development of the BC First Nations Health Authority.
Continue Learning
“The time to make things happen is now. The time to seek out our individual and shared power is now.”
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Discover more about REDI’s Indigenous Initiatives Speakers Series here
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