Aboriginal Health Program Contacts

We work together with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to maintain and improve the health of Aboriginal people living on Vancouver Island and surrounding areas.

Ian Knipe - Director

Ian.Knipe@viha.ca
250-755-6281
Fax: 250-740-6909

Dr. Troy McLeod - Medical Director

Troy.McLeod@viha.ca
250-737-2607 ext. 45747

Averil Henderson, Admin Assistant

averil.henderson@viha.ca
250-331-8582
Fax: 250-331-8513

Michelle Stewart, Contracts Assistant

250-755-7691 ext. 57571

North Island Team

c/o Campbell River General 
375-2nd Ave
Campbell River, B.C.
V9W 3V1

Michelle McClain, Manager - Campbell River
250-286-7100 ext. 67304

  • Rachel Fulmore, Aboriginal Liaison Nurse - Alert Bay
    250-974-8314
  • Nadine Kruger, Aboriginal Liaison Nurse - Campbell River
    250-830-8865
  • Jessie Newman, Dietitian - Campbell River
    250-286-7100 ext. 67306
  • Laurel Anderson, Aboriginal Liaison Nurse - Comox
    250-650-5714
  • Lisa Greer, Nurse Practitioner - Port Hardy
    250-230-1100
  • Jane Estey, Nurse Practitioner – Port Hardy
    250-202-9621
  • VACANT, Aboriginal Liaison Nurse - Port Hardy
    250-949-0340

Central Island Team

c/o Aboriginal Health
528 Wentworth St
Nanaimo, B.C.
V9R 3E4

Mary Knox, Manager - Nanaimo
250-755-7691 ext. 57572

  • Helen Dunlop, Aboriginal Liaison Nurse - Duncan
    250-709-8204
  • Carol Nelson, Aboriginal Liaison Nurse - Nanaimo
    250-741-4234
  • Melinda Gillingham, Aboriginal Liaison Nurse - Nanaimo
    250-741-4234
  • Vanessa Gallic, Aboriginal Liaison Nurse - Port Alberni
  • 250-735-4319
  • April Nelson, Care Transitions Liaison Nurse - Tofino
    250-735-1014
  • Sarah Gordon, Care Transitions Liaison Nurse - Tofino
    250-735-1014
  • Valerie Jefferd, Nurse Practitioner  
    250-510-4759
    • Cowichan Tribes:  Ts'ewulhtun Health Centre - Slhexun Sun'ts'a' Clinic
    • Halalt Lyackson Health Unit
    • Penelakut Health Centre  

South Island Team

c/o Royal Jubilee Hospital
Memorial Pavilion, Watson Wing 320
1952 Bay St
Victoria, B.C.
V8R 1J8

Penny Cooper, Manager - Victoria
250-370-8965

  • Cathy Condy, Aboriginal Liaison Nurse - VGH/RJH)
    250-812-1464
  • Monique Pat, Aboriginal Liaison Nurse - RJH/VGH
    250-480-8333
  • Jane Fox, Aboriginal Liaison Nurse - SPH 
    778-677-0774
  • Judith Atkin, Diabetes Nurse Educator
    250-370-8111 ext. 13773
  • Katie Cox, Nurse Practitioner - Pauquachin, Tsartlip
    250-652-4473
  • Kelly Sharp, Nurse Practitioner - Tsawout, Tseycum
    250-652-1149, ext. 207
  • Fiona Devereaux, Dietitian
    250-370-8258
  • Yvette Ringham-Cowan, Facilitator, Cultural Safety Programs
    250-519-1831
  • VACANT, Administrative Support
    250-370-8914

News & Events

MLA Scott Fraser Mark blandford Elder Ron Hamilton

Community celebrates expansion of long-term care spaces at Tsawaayuus (Rainbow Gardens) in Port Alberni

Seniors in the Alberni Valley have increased access to long-term care thanks to the addition of 12 new publicly-funded beds at Tsawaayuus (Rainbow Gardens) in Port Alberni.

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Sheryl Thompson

Elders support patients, families and care teams at North Island Hospital campuses in Comox and Campbell River

Two Kwakwaka’wakw Elders have joined a new Elder-in-Residence program at the North Island Hospital campuses in Campbell River and Comox to support patients, families and staff by promoting understanding and respect for Indigenous knowledge, culture and values.

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island health mag fall 19

Island Health Magazine Fall 2019

The fall issue of Island Health magazine includes articles on Active Transportation, Recovery Success Stories and Handling Bats. This issue also features articles on Handling the Holidays including the Importance of Self-Care and Lightening up your Holiday Dinner.

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