Grey Bruce Public Health has appointed a new chairperson for its board.
Nick Saunders for the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation has been appointed as chair for a one-year term.
Saunders is the first Indigenous Chair for the Board of Health, and believed to be the first Indigenous person to serve as a board chair of any public health unit in Ontario.
He says of his new role, “I am honoured to have been chosen by by Board of Health colleagues to serve as Chair of the Grey Bruce Board of Health.”
Saunders joined the local Board of Health as a non-voting member in 2020, representing the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. He was named a Provincial Appointee in April 2023.
Saunders was also the leader in developing a motion that calls on the provincial and federal governments to provide immediate, adequate support to Indigenous communities to respond to the opioid epidemic.
Titled “Creating a Provincial Strategy for Indigenous Opioid Epidemic Supports & Funding,” the alPHa motion noted a lack of mental health and addictions funding awarded to Indigenous communities by different levels of government to aid in the opioid crisis, compounded by chronic homelessness and poverty, has resulted in a substantial and disproportionately negative impact on Indigenous people.
In a media release from Grey Bruce Public Health, CEO and Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ian Arra says “I am often inspired by Mr. Saunders’ ability to reflect on and draw from his life experiences in order to make balanced, meaningful decisions. Mr. Saunders approaches issues with a rich understanding of the community and how decisions will impact various populations and segments of society.”
Saunders will chair the Board of Health until December 2025.