Meet the Team

Why our Indigenous Recruitment & Retention Program is Important

Island Health's Indigenous Recruitment & Retention Program was created to help us build strong long-term relationships with the First Nations communities and Indigenous organizations on Vancouver Island. 

ALEGHA HANUSE
MANAGER

Alegha is from the Wuikinuxv Nation in Rivers Inlet, British Columbia and is a grateful visitor on the traditional and unceded territories of the Lekwungen People. 

Alegha’s formal education includes a Bachelor’s degree in social work and she has been working in Indigneous adult education, literacy, anti-violence work, anti-racism and employment for several years.

Email: Alegha.VanHanuse@islandhealth.ca
Cell: 250-217-5762

GABRIEL JACOBSEN​
SOUTH ISLAND EMPLOYMENT ADVISOR

Gabriel (Gabby) is from the First Nations of Lac La Ronge on Treaty 6 Territory located in Northern Saskatchewan.  Prior to joining the Indigenous Recruitment & Retention team, Gabby worked with the Indigenous Health & Diversity, Equity and Inclusion portfolio, providing administrative support to their Leadership team as well as the Partnership Accord between Island Health and FNHA.  As an Indigenous woman with a disability, Gabby has dedicated her career to improving the health outcomes for Indigenous people by delivering culturally safe services, and engaging with Indigenous people to strengthen and rebuild relationships.

Email: Gabriel.Jacobsen@islandhealth.ca
Cell: 250-580-0385

RYAN VAN HAASTERT
CENTRAL ISLAND EMPLOYMENT ADVISOR

Ryan was welcomed in to the Indigenous Recruitment & Retention team on January 16th, 2023 as an Indigenous Employment Advisor for the Central Island region. Ryan identifies as Nêhiyawak (Cree), Métis and Austrian. Ryan worked with WorkBC as an Employment Outreach Coordinator & member within Maximus Canada's DEI Committees. Previous years within Tillicum Lelum as an Aboriginal liaison, support worker, and facilitator. Ryan is an advocate to Indigenous rights, Wellness, safe spaces, and DEI Initiatives. Ryan actively participates in many community committees.

Email: Ryan.vanHaastert@islandhealth.ca
Cell: 236-638-7116

ALEX JULES
NORTH ISLAND EMPLOYMENT ADVISOR

Hello everyone, my traditional name is Tatuuc (Tatooch), my English name is Alexander (Alex) Jules, and I have recently worked for Island Health as the Indigenous Wellness Liaison and am now the Indigenous Employment Advisor, Recruitment and Retention.  

I was born and raised in Kyuquot as a child then moved away to Port Alberni. I grew up in the foster system and spent a lot of time living with my grandmother. 

My working background as of recently is as an Indigenous Wellness Liaison with the Comox Valley Primary Network, also Director of Community Service for our Kyuquot First Nation for over 5 years. I also run a youth Rediscovery Program in our traditional territory and have been doing so for approximately 20 years. I am a certified First Responder as well, and have been for about 25 years. I have also done a lot of Kayaking and Canoeing and am a certified kayak guide where I would led and introduced Kayaking to youth of all ages(8-99).  

I look forward to meeting everyone and look forward to working in my new role as the Indigenous Recruitment and Retention advisor. 

Email: Alexander.Jules@islandhealth.ca
Cell: 250-702-3487