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Aboriginal Community Health Advisory Committee (ACHAC)
In January 2004, changes were made to the Terms of Reference for the Aboriginal Community Health Advisory Committee (ACHAC), all of the Aboriginal Community Health Advisory Committee were asked to resubmit their names if they would like to continue with the ACHAC. One of the major changes was that each person had to be supported by an Aboriginal organization except for the two members-at-large in the Vancouver Region. In spring 2004 a request for volunteers for the Aboriginal Community Health Advisory Committee was sent to all of the Aboriginal organizations/communities within VCH.
ACHAC Vancouver Representatives:
Urban Co-Chair - Kim Brooks , Dept. Head, Squamish National Health Department
Kim has been the Manager for the Aboriginal Capacity and Developmental Research Environment for the past year. She is a member of the Taku River Tlingit and has tremendous experience working with local, provincial and national on Aboriginal health research projects, ethics and protocols.
Lou Demerais – Vancouver Native Health Society
Lou has 32 years of involvement with all levels of Aboriginal affairs – national, provincial and local and is the Executive Director for Vancouver Native Health Society. He has 15 years experience in developing, managing and providing health care to Aboriginal people in Vancouver.
Ken Clement
Ken is a member of the Ktunaxa First Nation in the Kootenays. He has lived in Vancouver for the past 25 years and was recently elected to the school board under the Vision Vancouver team. As an urban Aboriginal, he has advocated on issues of health, affordable housing, and social justice. Previously the Executive Director of Healing Our Spirit, he has extensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS issues and has advocated for better resources for Aboriginal people with HIV/AIDS. Ken is now the chair of the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network.
ACHAC Rural Representatives:
Ernest Armann – N’Quatqua First Nations
Ernest has worked as the Band Manager for the N’Quatqua First Nations for the past 12 years. He has been active in social development, health, economic, and education program development. Ernest was involved with Lower Mainland Aboriginal Health Council.
Leonard Bob – Tla’Amin Community Health Board Society (TCHBS):
Leonard is the President of the Tla’Amin Community Health Board Society. He has 25 years Federal Public Service in various regions of BC. He is very active within his community as Treasurer of Sliammon Treaty Society executive board, member of the Sliammon Elders Group, member of the Sliammon Salmon Enhancement Society, Ratification Chair of Sliammon Land Code Committee, and member of the Tla'amin Aboriginal Restorative Justice Program. Leonard is a former Justice of the Peace and also served as a Coroner. Leonard has been involved with the ACHAC for the past 1.5 years.
Rick Linger - Southern Stl’atil’imx Health Society
Coreen Paul– Musqueam First Nations
Coreen has been the Community Health Representative for the past 10 years with Musqueam First Nations. She brings her knowledge of federal, provincial, and municipal legislation and how it pertains to the Indian Act.
Charles Nelson – Nuxalk Nation
Charles is a Nuxalk member and his traditional name is Lhlalyam. He was raised by his mother, Jessie Nelson, whose parents are Dan Nelson Sr. and Katie Nelson. Charles is currently the director of the Nuxalk Health and Wellness Centre in Bella Colla.
He has worked in the teaching field for approximately 16 years, including 6 years teaching his traditional language and 10 years teaching computer courses. His last position was with the Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre in Nanaimo as a Career Counsellor, Instructor and Technical Lead. Charles is excited to be back home working with his people in Bella Coola and is grateful to have been introduced to such a strong Health & Wellness team.