For the first time in the history of Grey Bruce Public Health, an Indigenous person has been tapped to head up the Board of Health.
Nicholas Saunders of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation has been appointed to a one-year term as chair.
“I am honoured to have been chosen by my Board of Health colleagues to serve as Chair of the Grey-Bruce Board of Health,” Saunders said in a statement. “I welcome the opportunity to continue to shine a light on the significant health inequities and challenges experienced by Indigenous people as a result of the colonial structure, which greatly impacted the determinants of Indigenous health."
He added that he is looking forward to helping with the advancement of the health unit's work to remove barriers to improve health outcomes and advocating for solutions to challenges facing Indigenous communities and other marginalized populations.
Saunders became a non-voting member of the Grey Bruce Board of Health in 2020. In April 2023, he was selected to be the provincial appointee on the board.
Medical Officer of Health and CEO of Grey Bruce Public Health Dr. Ian Arra stated that during that time, Saunders has become a highly respected and dedicated member of the board.
“I have been lucky enough to experience firsthand Mr. Saunders’ love and passion for the community and dedication to improving the health and well-being of all residents of Grey-Bruce,” said Arra. “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 term as board chair officially began last Friday.
