Indigenous Recruitment & Retention 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. 

Meet the Team

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 is from the First Nations of Lac La Ronge on Treaty 10 territory located in Northern Saskatchewan and is Nêhiyawak (Cree).  Prior to joining the Indigenous Recruitment & Retention team, Gabriel worked with the Indigenous Health & Diversity, Equity and Inclusion portfolio, providing administrative support to our Leadership team as well as the Partnership Accord between Island Health and FNHA.  As an Indigenous woman with a disability, Gabriel 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 is a 6'1" 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

VACANT
NORTH ISLAND EMPLOYMENT ADVISOR