Updated: Feb 14
First Nations Health Managers Association Honours Certified Graduates and Leadership Award Winner During the 10th Anniversary National Conference

Ottawa, ON (November 2, 2022) – The First Nations Health Managers Association (FNHMA) National Conference is back in-person this year for the first time since the pandemic, under the theme of Celebrating and Sharing, Our Inherent Knowledge in Health Leadership and Management. Hosted on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen people in Victoria, BC, November 1 to 3, 2022, the 10th Anniversary National Conference will bring together more than 650 delegates including healthcare community decision-makers, healthcare service and product suppliers, government representatives and academics.
The conference program features 16 concurrent workshops, related to the 10 competency domains of the FNHMA, that will provide participants with lessons, tools and innovative solutions to issues in First Nations health management. A conference highlight is the annual convocation and awards ceremony to celebrate the new Certified First Nations Health Managers (CFNHMs) and the 2022 Excellence in Health Leadership Award recipient.
“The FNHMA continues to foster highly skilled professionals in First Nations health management,” says Marion Crowe, FNHMA Chief Executive Officer. “We thank and honour them for all that they do everyday!”
In partnership with Healthcare Excellence Canada (HEC), the FNHMA will be awarding the 2022 Excellence in Health Leadership Award – Innovative Leaders to Dr. Shannon McDonald, Chief Medical Officer at the First Nations Health Authority. The award was designed to recognize those who have exhibited a sincere and long-term commitment and leadership in First Nations health management in Canada. Dr. McDonald is recognized for her work in helping to lead the FNHA in promoting and protecting the health and wellness of First Nations people in British Columbia and making the much-needed change in the health care system.
Dr. McDonald says “I am honoured and humbled to receive this award. In truth, it reflects the efforts, compassion and success of many First Nations healthcare providers and leaders in BC and their commitment to the health and wellness of the people they serve.”
The FNHMA will recognize three graduating classes of CFNHMs at the conference, including the following 2022 graduates:
Name | Work Affiliation | Province |
Amanda Wabegijig-Jourdain | Atikameksheng Anishnawbek | ON |
Billie-Jo Onespot | Tsuut’ina Health Center | AB |
Brenda O’Neill | Muskeg Lake Cree Nation | SK |
Delia McDonald | Mohawk Council of Akwesasne | QC |
Dora Simmons | Southeast Resource Development Council | MB |
Elizabeth Proskurnik | Southeast Resource Development Council | MB |
Evelyn Brunet | Mohawk Council of Akwesasne | QC |
Heather Bighead | Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority | SK |
Jacqueline Johnup | Nishnawbe Aski Nation | ON |
Janna MacKay | Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq | NS |
Jessie Bond-Goulet | Anishnabe Long Term Care | QC |
Kayla Caul-Chartier | Giishkaandago’Ikwe Health Services | ON |
Kelly Gallagher | St. Mary’s First Nation | NB |
Kenneth Pryce | First Nations Health Managers Association | ON |
Kyle Thompson | Mohawk Council of Akwesasne | QC |
Margo Dodginghorse | Stoney Nakoda – Tsuut’ina Tribal Council | AB |
Patricia Ward | Mawiw Council Inc. | NB |
Patsy Campbell | Western Cree Tribal Council | SK |
Robyn Klassen | Lac La Ronge Indian Band Health Services | SK |
Selena Willier-Schmidt | First Nations Health Managers Association | ON |
Shealene Gibson | Mohawk Council of Akwesasne | QC |
Sheena Ratte | Lac La Ronge Indian Band | SK |
Tanis Willier | Sucker Creek First Nation | AB |
Tanya Hughes | Giishkaandago’Ikwe Health Services | ON |
Tara Campbell | Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority | SK |
Tessy (Tessie) Big Plume | Stoney Nakoda – Tsuut’ina Tribal Council | AB |
For more information on the conference, please visit www.fnhma.ca.
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Contacts:
Kylie Thompson, Marketing and Communications Coordinator
First Nations Health Managers Association
Email: kylie.thompson@fnhma.ca
Gail Boyd
Interim Executive Coordinator
First Nations Health Managers Association
P: 1-844-218-0440
Email: gail.boyd@fnhma.ca