ROLE TITLE: Member, Health Sciences North Indigenous Health Advisory Council
REPORTS TO: Stephanie Winn, Regional Vice President Cancer Care & Vice President Surgery, Medical Imaging, and Indigenous Health Valerie Ross, Interim Administrative Director Indigenous Health
TIME COMMITMENT: Initially, meetings will be virtual, held monthly and be one hour in length. Review of materials and follow-up work may be required, and future potential involvement in working groups.
TERM: 3-year volunteer term, with option to renew
CLOSING DATE: April 10, 2026
Health Sciences North (HSN) is seeking expressions of interest from across our Northeast region to become a member of an Indigenous Health Advisory Council (IHAC). The Indigenous Health Advisory Council provides guidance and advice to Health Sciences North on programs, services, and policies that impact First Nations, Inuit and Métis patients, families, and communities, with the goal of improving health outcomes and strengthening culturally safe care. Council members help ensure Indigenous voices and perspectives inform decision-making and support meaningful partnerships between Health Sciences North and Indigenous communities and organizations.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
· Provide guidance and advice on Indigenous health priorities and service delivery at Health Sciences North
· Identify gaps and opportunities to improve services for First Nation, Inuit, and Métis patients and families
· Share Indigenous knowledge, values and perspectives to support culturally safe care
· Demonstrate a respectful and collaborative approach to discussion and decision-making valuing diversity of opinion, respect, integrity and fairness
· Uphold the principles of the Seven Grandfather Teachings: respect, honesty, humility, courage, wisdom, love and truth
· Support collaboration between Health Sciences North and Indigenous communities and organizations
· Maintain accountability to the Indigenous Peoples and communities they represent
QUALIFICATIONS
Council members should demonstrate:
· Commitment to improving health outcomes for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples
· Knowledge and/or lived experience related to Indigenous health and wellness
· Knowledge and/or experience in co-designing and co-delivering culturally safe and appropriate care
· Understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures and traditions
· Interest in improving culturally safe care within the health system
MEMBERSHIP
The Indigenous Health Advisory Council membership terms are scheduled for renewal in April 2026. This call for expressions of interest is intended to renew Council membership, with recruitment focused on specific positions where vacancies or term renewals are occurring.
We are currently recruiting for the following membership positions:
1 Traditional Elder or Knowledge Keeper
3 Youth/Learner representatives
1 Patient and Family Advisor
2 representatives of First Nation Communities or Tribal Councils
3 representatives of Aboriginal Health Access Centres (AHACs), or Indigenous Inter-professional Primary Care Teams (IIPCTs),
1 representative of Metis Councils within the Northeast
1 other representative of other organizations that primarily serve Indigenous Peoples (eg. Indigenous Child welfare organizations, Treatment Centres, Friendship Centres)
HOW TO APPLY
Interested parties should forward their expression of interest, curriculum vitae and letter of support, electronically to: IndigenousHealth@hsnsudbury.ca
Closing date: April 10, 2026
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Questions regarding the call for expressions of interest can be addressed to: IndigenousHealth@hsnsudbury.ca.
HEALTH SCIENCES NORTH’S STRATEGIC GOALS RELATED TO INDIGENOUS HEALTH
KEY GOAL 3: ADVANCING EQUITY THROUGH SOCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY
Addressing health equity gaps by promoting an inclusive environment free of racism, discrimination and all forms of bias.
Our Commitment: We will leverage partnerships, provide ongoing training, open dialogue, and adapt policies and procedures to reflect inclusivity, diversity, equity, accessibility and anti-racism.
Together, we will:
1. Continuously engage with Indigenous communities and Indigenous health organizations to strengthen relationships and develop pathways that increase availability and access to culturally safe and wholistic care. The Indigenous Health Advisory Council and the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report will guide this work.
2. Build cultural competency and humility to strengthen our ability to provide exceptional care that is safe, equitable, and free of racism and discrimination for all.
For more information on HSN and HSN/HSNRI Strategic Plan please visit:
HSN Website: hsnsudbury.ca HSN/HSNRI 2025-2030 Strategic Plan: Together For You 2030