Indigenous Health – Waabishki Bineshiins

Adam Sanderson
Director, Indigenous Health

Prior to joining Interlake-Eastern RHA, Adam worked with Sagkeeng First Nation Health Centre for 12 years, five of these years were in the position of health director. He is a business administration graduate and is currently working on a bachelor’s degree in social work. Adam directs and oversees the Indigenous Health program and liaises with community partners. His office is located in Pine Falls Health Complex.

Jamie Boyer, RN, BN
Manager Indigenous Health

Jamie is a First Nations registered nurse from the Sagkeeng First Nation who previously worked as manager of health service in the Healthy Sexuality and Harm Reduction Program at WRHA. She has over a decade of experience working in the health system that includes a wide scope of experience that includes public health, home care, primary care, and acute care. In addition to advocating on behalf of Indigenous patients and communities in our region, Jamie supports the work of the Indigenous Health Skaabes, Indigenous Health Social Workers and Elders.

Nelson Chaske
Indigenous Elder/ Traditional Knowledge Keeper

Nelson is a Dakota/Anishinaabe Elder with more than 30 years of experience in culturally sensitive program education and development, advocacy for First Nations families and communities, and facilitation of Indigenous ceremony and healing strategies rooted in traditional practices. He has a deep understanding of numerous Indigenous cultures across Canada, the United States and Mexico. He also has experience providing education on residential school impacts, racism and trauma-informed care. Nelson provides cultural support and advocacy services primarily at facilities on the east side of the region, including smudging ceremonies, prayers and teachings to patients and staff on request.

Robert Maytwayashing
Indigenous Elder/ Traditional Knowledge Keeper

Robert Maytwayashing was raised on Lake Manitoba First Nation. He is fluent in Anishinaabaemowin (Ojibwe) and he is a pipe carrier, sweat lodge keeper and attends the annual ceremony of Sundance, amongst other ceremonies. Over the years, Robert has served as both a council member and chief of Lake Manitoba First Nation. Prior to becoming the regional knowledge keeper, Robert was Interlake-Eastern RHA’s Indigenous human resources development officer.

Cara Widrick
Indigenous Elder/ Traditional Knowledge Keeper

Cara Widrick, the Indigenous Elder for Selkirk Regional Health Centre provides cultural guidance, personal consultation, active listening, support and mentorship to patients at SRHC and their families on an as needed basis. Her work at the hospital is to help families on the obstetrical unit bring new babies into the world in a culturally safe manner. Cara has over 38 years supporting cultural ways of being, knowing, and healing in various settings.

Megan Chartrand
Indigenous Health Social Worker

Megan Chartrand, is an Indigenous Health Skaabe at Selkirk Regional Health Centre who is a proud member of the Red River Métis. Megan recently graduated with her bachelors of social work and is looking forward to moving into the social work position after completion of her registration. She is dedicated to advancing equitable, culturally safe and holistic care for Indigenous relatives. Grounded in the principles of respect and relationship, Megan works to bridge traditional healing practices with western health-care practices with a strong commitment to help improve health-care environments where Indigenous peoples feel seen, heard and valued.

Melinda Henderson
Indigenous Health Skaabe

Melinda Henderson is an Indigenous Skaabe based out of Ashern Lakeshore General Hospital. In this role, she supports and advocates for Indigenous patients and their families. At the same time, she helps them to navigate the health-care system and aims to ensure a respectful and safe environment. She also helps facilitate community connections and supports health-care professionals in respecting Indigenous patients’ cultural practices, traditions and religious beliefs. She brings to the role experience in frontline social services, and she has also served as a volunteer with multiple organizations.

Jaycee Seenie
Indigenous Health Skaabe

Jaycee is an Indigenous Health Skaabe at Selkirk Regional Health Centre with previous experience working in the materials management department at a southern RHA. He also brings experience facilitating cultural activities like drum making and singing.

Patrick Thomas
Indigenous Health Skaabe

Patrick is from Pimicikamak (Cross Lake), and through his role as a Skaabe at Selkirk Regional Health Centre, he supports relatives by ensuring they receive equitable treatment in their health-care journey. This includes connecting individuals with available resources, advocating for safe and supported discharges, and working alongside Elders to ensure spiritual care is offered as part of the healing process. Previously, Patrick served as an Indigenous healing coordinator at Marymound, where he worked with children, youth and young adults to reconnect them with traditional forms of healing, spirituality and culture. Outside his professional work, Patrick is actively involved in ceremonial traditions and continues to practise traditional spirituality.

Jazlyn Wark
Indigenous Health Social Worker

Jazlyn is Métis and has lived in Pine Falls for her entire life. She is committed to supporting the health and well-being of Indigenous communities in her hometown. As an Indigenous Health Skaabe based at Pine Falls Hospital, Jazlyn can also provide services to nearby hospitals based on referral. Her role involves delivering culturally appropriate care, facilitating community connections, discharge planning and assisting with navigation of the health-care system. She also advocates on behalf of Indigenous patients and provides emotional support during their hospital stays. Before she joined the Indigenous Health team, Jazlyn worked a registered cardiology technologist with Shared Health. She also has her bachelor of social work degree.

Cody Widrick
Indigenous Health Skaabe

Cody Widrick is a Selkirk Red River Metis. He has been a Skaabe and attended ceremonies with various indigenous communities/nations since childhood. These teachings and experiences support Cody in his work with the IERHA Indigenous Health Team.

Misty Morin

Indigenous Health Skaabe

Misty is an Indigenous Health Skaabe at Pine Falls Health complex. She is First Nations from Sagkeeng First Nations. Prior to working with Indigenous Health, Misty worked as a health care aid for 10 years. She has worked in both acute care setting at Selkirk Regional Health Centre Emergency Department, as well as community for home care in the Pine Falls area. She brings with her a passion for patient advocacy and spiritual healing. Her time spent in the health care field has set a solid foundation for creating and supporting a culturally safe journey within the region.