The Indigenous Patient Liaisons Worker (IPLW) program provides a bridge between Indigenous communities, their culture and Northern Health care providers. The role of the IPLW is to help bridge the gap between western and traditional medicine to ensure a health system that honours diversity and provides services in a culturally relevant manner.
The Indigenous Patient Liaison Program staff work in collaboration with key partners such as on-site staff, managers, and the Patient Care Quality Office to develop, implement, and evaluate processes to address the concerns and experiences of Indigenous people within the health care system. You can find members of the team supporting:
- Patient and family feedback pathway navigation
- Addressing real-time concerns brought forward by patients and their families
- Working alongside staff to identify quality improvement opportunities
- Creating alternative conflict resolution processes such as talking circles
Connect with the Indigenous Patient Liaison staff in the following communities for help with
- Expressing health care needs and wants
- Understanding diagnosis and treatments
- Care and discharge planning assistance
- Patient travel assistance
Ron Charlie, Indigenous Care Coordinator
Ron, from the Tsil Kaz Koh Nation in Burns Lake, assists six surrounding Indigenous Nations with accessing hospital services. He aims to ensure a culturally safe experience for Indigenous patients and families by fostering respectful and equitable relationships within the health system.
Email: Ron.Charlie@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-692-2474
Cell: tel:250-251-4107
Donna Carter, Indigenous Health Service Assistant
Donna is Haida and belongs to the Tsiits Git'anee Clan. Her Haida name is Kwiagaahaanes. She was born and raised on Haida Gwaii and has lived there for most of her life. Donna has been employed by Northern Health for the past eight years and looks forward to working in her new role. Haa'wa
Email: Donna.Carter@northernhealth.ca
Cell: 250-626-7886
Barbara Taylor, Indigenous Care Coordinator
Barbara is a member of the Nuchatlaht Band situated along the western coast of Vancouver Island. She has lived and worked in Treaty 8 territory for the past 23 years and is committed to bridging the gap between modern and traditional medicine. It takes a whole community to help one heal.
Email: Barbara.Taylor@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-261-7418
Cell: 250-224-7883
Morgan Behn-Tsakoza, Indigenous Care Coordinator (on leave)
Email: Morgan.BehnTsakoza@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-261-7418
Cell: 250-224-7883
Shara-Lynn Payou-Johnson, Indigenous Health Service Assistant
Shara-Lynn is a proud Cree and Tahltan woman, born and raised in Fort St. John. She has extensive knowledge of Indigenous culture and is passionate about promoting Indigenous rights and fostering understanding of our rich heritage. In her professional journey, Shara-Lynn aims to bridge cultural gaps and advocate for the best interests of Indigenous communities and individuals.
Email: Shara-Lynn.Payou-Johnson@northernhealth.ca
Cell: 250-793-4535
Sylvia Zettergreen, Indigenous Health Service Assistant
Email: Sylvia.Zettergreen@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-793-4535
Angie Combs, Indigenous Health Service Assistant
Angie's name is Wii lix haas. She is Gitxsan (People of the Skeena), is a fluent speaker in Gitxsanimx and lives in the community of Gitanmaax (People who fish by torchlight). Angie has been in her role for 16 years and loves helping people. Dim guxs ama gyaat'xw nisi'm (Take care of yourselves).
Email: Angie.Combs@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-842-4407
Fax: 250-842-4411
Shawna Morrison, Indigenous Care Coordinator
Shawna is a Gitxsan woman who belongs to the Lax Gibuu (Wolf) clan in the Wilp (House) of Wii Gaak and answers to the traditional name of Uma Nii Tah (Sitting Pretty). She grew up in her home community of Gitanmaax, has a diverse educational background in criminology, child and youth care, and substance use. Shawna is eager to support our Gitxsan and Wet'suwet'en communities.
Email: Shawna.Morrison@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-842-8954
Fax: 250-842-4411
Silver Stevens, Indigenous Health Service Assistant
Silver is Gitxsan from Wilps Luus (The House of Luus) of the Lax Gibuu (Wolf) Clan. Silver was born at Wrinch Memorial and was raised in the village of Anspayaxw (Kispiox).
Email: Silver.Stevens@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-842-4407
Cell: 250-842-8322
Fax: 250-842-4411
Kelly Stalker, Indigenous Community Engagement Advisor
Kelly, born and raised in Bowmanville, ON, is of Scottish/English descent and grew up on the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Ojibwe peoples. She has lived in British Columbia for much of her adult life, residing on various unceded territories, and is now grateful to live and work on the unceded territory of the Haisla Nation. In her free time, Kelly enjoys exploring the North and spending time with her kids, friends, and dogs.
Email: Kelly.Stalker@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-632-8391
Cell: 250-279-3848
Fax: 250-632-8681
Myrna Bell-Wilson, Indigenous Health Service Assistant
Myrna’s ancestral Haida name is Saantluwaas and she is from the Kyaanuuslii Raven Clan. She is a daughter, wife, mother and nonnie; all roles that are sacred, important and that have prepared her for a role in advocacy. Myrna received her Indigenous Human Services Worker diploma from NVIT in 2024 and looks forward to bridging gaps in services for our people.
Email: Myrna.Bell-Wilson@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-626-9767
Angie Prince, Indigenous Patient Liaison
Angie is a member of Nak'azdli Whut'en and was born and raised in Fort St. James.
Email: Angie.Prince@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-567-8930
Dorothy Williams, Indigenous Patient Liaison
Dorothy has over 25 years experience as an Indigenous Language Instructor and is dedicated to preserving the traditional knowledge and values of her First Nations community. Fluent in the Nedut'een Lake Babine Carrier Language, she excels at communication and has a deep understanding of the Carrier culture. Dorothy enjoys spending time with family and friends, caring for her pets, enjoying music, crocheting and pursuing further education.
Email: Dorothy.Williams@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-565-2364
Cell: 778-349-1348
Fax: 250-565-2882
Gloria Lattie, Indigenous Care Coordinator
Gloria, from Gitanmaax, BC, of the Gitxsan Nation, proudly bears the traditional name Hiss'Aaks. Sheis from Wilp's Nikateen of the Laxseel Pdeek. Among her proudest achievements are graduating from the University of Northern British Columbia, making a difference through her work with families, and practicing her matrilineal culture, a legacy passed down orally through generations. Hamiiya!
Email: Gloria.Lattie@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-565-2364
Cell: 250-617-6469
Fax: 250-565-2882
Helen Buzas, Indigenous Health Service Assistant
Helen is from the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation and the Frog Clan, though Lheidli T'enneh no longer practices the potlatch system. Helen has lived in Prince George all her life and has two grown sons, who inspire her deep empathy and care for others, especially her fellow band members. Helen is grateful for her healthy 86-year-old father and her two sisters who have helped her through her journey.
Email: Helen.Buzas@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-613-9737
Fax: 250-649-7501
Lisa Janz, Indigenous Health Service Assistant
Email: Lisa.Janz@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-613-9737
Fax: 250-649-7501
Lisa Janse, Indigenous Health Service Assistant
Email: Lisa.Janse@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-565-2364
Cell: 250-640-1358
Fax: 250-565-2882
Shelia Tremblay, Indigenous Health Service Assistant
Sheila, born and raised in Prince George, BC, is married with a blended family of two teenage boys who keep them on their toes. Family means everything to her, and she feels her work is a calling. She loves comforting and supporting families during both peaceful and grieving times, ensuring they feel truly cared for.
Email: Shelia.Tremblay@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-613-9737
Fax: 250-649-7501
Sway Screamingowl, Indigenous Health Service Assistant
Hello/Tansi. Sway is originally from Alberta and is of Nehiyaw/Metis heritage. She has a basic knowledge of the Nehiyaw/Cree language. Outside of work, Sway cherishes time with family, living a cultural lifestyle, attending gatherings, and dancing at local powwows. Her greatest achievements are eagle feathers, not accolades. Sway looks forward to growing her career in medicine with Northern Health.
Email: Sway.Screamingowl@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-565-2364
Cell: 250-640-1358
Fax: 250-565-2882
Judy White, Indigenous Care Coordinator
Judy is from the Mikmaq/Haida Nations. Judy worked for several years for Community Living and helping people with disabilities and in child welfare. Judy has a true passion for helping others and serving Indigenous people and her communities.
Email: Judy.White@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-624-2171 ext 6520
Fax: 250-622-6521
Renae Marks, Indigenous Health Service Assistant
Renae is from the Haida Nation.
Email: Renae.Marks@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 778-884-0599
Fax: 250-622-6521
Trina Parnell, Indigenous Health Service Assistant
Trina belongs to the Ts'aahl Laanas Clan from Old Massett, Haida Nation. Her traditional name is Guulee Xuhl. She has been fortunate to live in Lax Kxeen for the past 15 years. It has been her pleasure to make connections with the Ts’mysen and Nisga’a nations.
Email: Trina.Parnell@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 778-884-0599
Fax: 250-622-6521
Holly Cooper, Indigenous Care Coordinator
Holly was born and raised in Quesnel and completed her Bachelor of Social Work at UNBC. She is of Nisga'a descent with her grandmother being born in the Village of Gingolx. Holly looks forward to working collaboratively with local Nations and supporting their health care journey.
Email: Holly.Cooper@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-983-8411
Kaila Bolstad, Indigenous Health Service Assistant
Kaila is a member of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, on Treaty 6 Territory in Saskatchewan. She was born in Whitehorse, Yukon and lived in Alberta before settling in Saskatchewan where her family is from. Kaila moved to Quesnel eight years ago and enjoys assisting Indigenous patients on their health journeys and learning about local communities and their cultures.
Email: Kaila.Bolstad@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-255-4593
Fax: 250-985-5875
Valerie Setah, Indigenous Health Service Assistant
Valerie Setah is Tsilhqot’ in and has been in her role since January of 2024. She is very grateful to be of assistance to those I work for. Sechanalyagh
Email: Valerie.Setah@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-255-4593
Fax: 250-985-5875
Geddes Wells, Indigenous Care Coordinator
Geddes is Tsimshian, born and raised in both Lax Kw’alaams and Terrace, BC. With a passion for health and wellness, he co-owned and operated Iron Goat CrossFit in Kimberly, BC, where he coached movement and nutrition. Recently, Geddes has expanded into executive and life coaching, with a focus on supporting Indigenous communities and individuals through empowerment. Drawing from his own love of sports and coaching, Geddes is committed to promoting well-being and cultural connection.
Email: Geddes.Wells@northernhealth.ca
Cell: 250-876-8969
Fax: 250-847-6240
Jeanette Mercer, Indigenous Health Service Assistant
Email: Jeanette.Mercer@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-638-5072
Cell: 250-615-6372
Fax: 250-631-5356
Lloyd McDames, Indigenous Care Coordinator
Lloyd, whose traditional name is Gwin Naxnuutkw, is from the Gispudwada (killerwhale clan) of Gitselasic (Kitselas) in the Tsimshian Nation. Inspired by his family, he strives to help others, share generously, and respect everyone's unique journey. Lloyd hopes to contribute to cultural safety and awareness, fostering respect and understanding to improve health care outcomes. Gyilks aamaniisgn (take care of yourself), T’ooyax sut’nuun (thank you).
Email: Lloyd.McDames@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-638-4085
Cell: 250-631-2226
Fax: 250-631-4618
Melissa Jackson, Indigenous Health Service Assistant
Melissa, from the Gitxaala Nation (Kitkatla) and the Ganhaada (Raven) tribe, has extensive experience in health care. She spent twelve years as a Personal Care Aide at Terrace View Lodge and five years in home and community care in Kitkatla. Melissa cherishes the opportunity to support her community, continually learn in her role, and be someone our people can look to for assistance.
Email: Melissa.Jackson@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-638-5072
Cell: 250-615-6372
Fax: 250-631-5356
Aboriginal Patient Liaison - Terrace/Kitimat and area [PDF - Lloyd]