Health Directors Forum

July 10, 2025
Events, News

Group photo: Dr. Tyler White, Gloria Iatridis (FNHC Advisor), Dr. Melissa MacPherson (Genetics), Lorraine Muskwa (FNHC), Dr. Peter Kannu (Genetics, U of A), Dr.Jacob Jeremko (Radiologist Professor and Comp Sci, U of A), Dr. Cassandra Gallant (MD, U of A), Dr. Carl Amrhein (U of A)

Heath Directors Forum

June 26, 2025

EDMONTON, AB – Today , we were honoured to welcome Indigenous Health Directors and support staff from across Alberta for an engaging and interactive session focused on:

🧸 Health innovations

🤝 Collaborative care

🌿 Transformative and preventative healthcare strategies

We were privileged to have medical subject matter experts from the Stollery Children’s Hospital and the University of Alberta join our panel to discuss emerging treatments, medical breakthroughs, and the delivery of sophisticated care in remote and isolated communities.

🔬 Key topics included:

-Advances in genetic testing and care for rare diseases

-AI-powered tools for early detection of hip dysplasia and arthritis prevention

-Portable, phone-connected diagnostic technology making care more accessible and cost-effective

We also hosted an FNHC 101 session to review the roles and responsibilities of the First Nations Health Consortium (FNHC) and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)—with a focus on the current challenges related to Jordan’s Principle.

🧸 Important facts:

-FNHC currently has a backlog of over 19,000 Jordan’s Principle applications (2024–2025) with ISC

-FNHC accounts for only 30% of applications processed in Alberta

-Canada-wide, ISC reports a backlog of 140,000–160,000 applications

We’d like to thank all of the dedicated FNHC support staff for all their commitment and hardwork putting together the forum.

📎 For updates on Jordan’s Principle and operational changes, please review the ISC bulletin:

👉 Jordan’s Principle Operational Bulletin:

https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1739222520301/1739222546551

💬 We advocate for our communities and members. If you need support, please visit:

🔗 https://abfnhc.com

📩 Are you a health care support worker in a First Nation community and want to be informed of innovations in health and upcoming events?

To be added to our distribution list, contact us at:

📧 [email protected]

Big Dreams, Big Smiles: Zach Whitecloud Makes Special Visit to Treaty 7

A special afternoon at Chief Old Sun Elementary School on Siksika Nation as First Nations Health Consortium proudly partnered with HEROS Hockey and the Calgary Flames to bring Stanley Cup champion and current Flame Zach Whitecloud to visit students and staff.

Weekend of Connection Through Sport

On March 13 & 14th students from three First Nations communities traveled to Calgary to take part in a unique curling experience. Through a floor curling bonspiel at WinSport, they learned the game, competed together, and built new connections all while representing their schools and communities with pride.

Impact Grows When We Collaborate

Healthy Horizons made a generous investment to ensure young people have access to sport and proper equipment. Sport Central continues to steward those resources and place gear directly into the hands of kids who need it most. We helped bridge that connection in the community so everyone involved could be recognized and celebrated.