![Alt Banner_edited.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e1854a_4dd39ffab5b2488eb4d1d564f41ba968~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_211,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/e1854a_4dd39ffab5b2488eb4d1d564f41ba968~mv2.png)
FIRST NATIONS HEALTH & SOCIAL SECRETARIAT OF MANITOBA
![First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba Logo with "First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba" in black font directly below the icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e1854a_347396d832d54134abfda3c784f605b8~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_513,h_330,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/e1854a_347396d832d54134abfda3c784f605b8~mv2.png)
ADMINISTRATION
The First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba’s Management and Administration department is responsible for the organization’s fiscal and financial accountability, human resources, internal and external communications, legal support, policy and research.
It is dedicated to efficiency in all of its functions, with Management and Administration managing crucial aspects of the organization's operations. FNHSSM has a robust administrative team, including its Executive Director, Senior Executive Assistant, Human Resources Team, Legal Counsel, Finance Team, and Communications. These professionals diligently handle day-to-day activities and address pertinent matters, ensuring smooth functioning in their areas and support across departments. FNHSSM’s Administration strives for excellence and accountability as a leading First Nations organization in Health.
Manitoba First Nations and their Health is at the core of FNHSSM, its structures and governance. The Executive Director and Administration Team work closely with the FNHSSM Board of Directors (BOD) comprised of First Nations leadership from across Manitoba. The Board plays a crucial role in the governance of FNHSSM, with the Executive Director and Senior Management Team serving as intermediaries between the BOD, staff and relevant committees. With the important guidance and voice of First Nations leadership and wealth of knowledge and expertise, FNHSSM staff are valued advisors, guiding health partners and First Nations alike in navigating the important FNHSSM’s work in First Nations Health.
MISSION STATEMENT
“To support Manitoba First Nations in achieving and maintaining total well-being by developing innovative program and policy development; upholding and protecting Indigenous values and systems; supporting education and training and supporting First Nation controlled and administered research and evaluation.”
The above Mission Statement originates from the principles as laid out by the Elders and leaders, at the inception of the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba (FNHSSM) and interpreted by Health Technicians to develop the Mission Statement. These principles also derive from the Manitoba First Nation Health and Wellness Strategy: a 10-year Plan of Action and Beyond, and The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) Grand Chief’s Health Renewal Strategy.
OUR PROJECTS AND GROUPS
Executive Team in Administration
Lead: Ardell
The Management and Administration department is responsible for the organization’s fiscal and financial accountability, human resources, internal and external communications, legal support, policy and research.
Executive Team Members
![Ardell](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e1854a_1d10ce8726694a6e806e47ec2d34373f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_131,h_131,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/GettyImages-591216789.png)
Ardell
Executive Director of First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba
![Nancy](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e1854a_1d10ce8726694a6e806e47ec2d34373f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_131,h_131,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/GettyImages-591216789.png)
Nancy
Senior Executive Assistant
LEGAL
Lead: Louis
The First Nation Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba’s (FNHSSM) legal lead operates at the forefront of legal affairs where FNHSSM may require support, analysis and in governance and advocacy. Our legal lead is a vital presence in FNHSSM Management Team meetings, where they offer important and legal perspectives on a range of legal issues as they arise in the operations of an organization. Their keen insight and expertise help navigate the complexities inherent in the intersection of governmental policies, legal frameworks, and Indigenous rights. They ensure that legal considerations are not just an afterthought but a fundamental part of the decision-making process, safeguarding the interests of the First Nations communities they serve. An example of this is our legal lead advisor Louis Harper has played an integral role with the team at FNHSSM in informing and sharing options on First Nations Health Legislation.
Also part of legal responsibilities, lies the drafting of legal correspondence that serves as the backbone of communication with various stakeholders, from governmental bodies to law firms. Our legal lead provides proficiency in crafting precise and compelling legal arguments and ensures that the FNHSSM's voice is heard and respected in all arenas. Beyond mere communication, they wield their legal acumen in drafting both binding and non-binding agreements, including intricate contracts and Memoranda of Understanding. They also analyze external contracts and negotiate contractual disputes, ensuring that the agreements entered into by the FNHSSM uphold the highest standards of legality and fairness, ultimately serving the best interests of the First Nations communities they represent.
Legal Team Members
![Louis](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e1854a_1d10ce8726694a6e806e47ec2d34373f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_131,h_131,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/GettyImages-591216789.png)
Louis
Senior Legal/Technical Advisor
HUMAN RESOURCES
Lead: Deborah
As FNHSSM has grown as an organization especially in the past few years, the HR team embarked on a journey of substantial recruitment to support FNHSSM's growth to a workforce of 115 employees. As the organization's footprint widened, they spearheaded intensive recruitment efforts, carefully sourcing and vetting candidates to fill diverse roles across various departmental teams. Their strategic approach to recruitment and retention ensures that FNHSSM attracts top talent driven by a shared commitment to serving First Nations communities with compassion and excellence. Through their tireless efforts, the HR team not only facilitated the expansion of FNHSSM during the pandemic (including the amazing Turtle Team), but also nurtured a cohesive and dedicated workforce ready to hit the ground and address the evolving needs of First Nations health and social services in Manitoba.
Human Resources Team Members
![Deborah](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e1854a_1d10ce8726694a6e806e47ec2d34373f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_131,h_131,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/GettyImages-591216789.png)
Deborah
Director of Human Resources
![Karlee](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e1854a_1d10ce8726694a6e806e47ec2d34373f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_131,h_131,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/GettyImages-591216789.png)
Karlee
Human Resources Associate
Communications
Lead: Renata
Communications is a vital part of the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba (FNHSSM), bridging the organization's endeavors with the communities it serves. Collaborating closely with various departments and programs, FNHSSM Communications plays a pivotal role in disseminating the impactful work FNHSSM undertakes on behalf of and in partnership with First Nations peoples.
FNHSSM Communications supports information sharing in various methods including email, outreach and social media. As FNHSSM has grown, so has its online presence, where original content and pertinent health-related information is shared to inform and empower First Nations communities. From reports and events to health news pertinent to Manitoba's First Nations, the FNHSSM Communications ensures that FNHSSM's voice reverberates across digital platforms, fostering engagement and awareness.
Communication Team Members
![Renata](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e1854a_1d10ce8726694a6e806e47ec2d34373f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_131,h_131,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/GettyImages-591216789.png)
Renata
Director of Communications
Finance
Lead: Holly
The First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba’a (FNHSSM) Finance Team is the foundation of financial stewardship, ensuring the seamless operation of financial transactions essential for the organization's growth and sustainability. With a commitment to efficiency, they have implemented direct deposit transactions, enabling payees to receive payments promptly, a particularly invaluable asset as FNHSSM's programs expanded over recent years. Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for a hybrid work model, the Finance Team has been instrumental in providing support across all departments, implementing robust financial controls, and modernizing processes. This proactive approach has not only enhanced the organization's resilience but has also fostered greater transparency and accountability in financial management.
Led by the Director of Finance, the team continuously reviews and refines policies and procedures to ensure alignment with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), setting the standard for financial excellence within FNHSSM. In their dedication to knowledge sharing and capacity building, Finance has initiated the creation of a comprehensive outline to expedite the onboarding process for new staff, facilitating their understanding of financial processes and forms used within FNHSSM. Furthermore, the Finance Officer and Finance Assistant play pivotal roles in budget forecasting, month-end and year-end reporting, ensuring financial stability and adherence to regulatory requirements. FNHSSM's Finance team truly displays its commitment to accountability, adaptability and optimization in financial administration. Through successful execution and administration of funding agreements with various funders, FNHSSM demonstrates its capability to manage diverse financial landscapes, ensuring sustained support for the vital work it does in partnership with First Nations and partners in Health.
Finance Team Members
![Caleigh](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e1854a_1d10ce8726694a6e806e47ec2d34373f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_131,h_131,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/GettyImages-591216789.png)
Caleigh
Finance Officer
![Holly](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e1854a_1d10ce8726694a6e806e47ec2d34373f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_131,h_131,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/GettyImages-591216789.png)
Holly
Director of Finance
![Kristyn](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e1854a_1d10ce8726694a6e806e47ec2d34373f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_131,h_131,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/GettyImages-591216789.png)
Kristyn
Finance Assistant
OUR TEAM
![Ardell](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e1854a_1d10ce8726694a6e806e47ec2d34373f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_131,h_131,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/GettyImages-591216789.png)
Ardell
Executive Director of First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba
![Karlee](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e1854a_1d10ce8726694a6e806e47ec2d34373f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_131,h_131,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/GettyImages-591216789.png)
Karlee
Human Resources Associate
![Renata](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e1854a_1d10ce8726694a6e806e47ec2d34373f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_131,h_131,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/GettyImages-591216789.png)
Renata
Director of Communications
![Caleigh](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e1854a_1d10ce8726694a6e806e47ec2d34373f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_131,h_131,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/GettyImages-591216789.png)
Caleigh
Finance Officer
![Kristyn](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e1854a_1d10ce8726694a6e806e47ec2d34373f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_131,h_131,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/GettyImages-591216789.png)
Kristyn
Finance Assistant
![Deborah](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e1854a_1d10ce8726694a6e806e47ec2d34373f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_131,h_131,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/GettyImages-591216789.png)
Deborah
Director of Human Resources
![Lorraine](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e1854a_1d10ce8726694a6e806e47ec2d34373f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_131,h_131,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/GettyImages-591216789.png)
Lorraine
Senior Nursing Advisor
![Erynne](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e1854a_1d10ce8726694a6e806e47ec2d34373f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_131,h_131,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/GettyImages-591216789.png)
Erynne
Senior Policy Advisor
![Louis](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e1854a_1d10ce8726694a6e806e47ec2d34373f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_131,h_131,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/GettyImages-591216789.png)
Louis
Senior Legal/Technical Advisor
![Holly](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e1854a_1d10ce8726694a6e806e47ec2d34373f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_131,h_131,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/GettyImages-591216789.png)
Holly
Director of Finance
![Nancy](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e1854a_1d10ce8726694a6e806e47ec2d34373f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_131,h_131,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/GettyImages-591216789.png)
Nancy
Senior Executive Assistant
Last Updated: 2024-05-31