The FNQLHSSC: A mode of governance by and for First Nations

Board of Directors

The FNQLHSSC is administered by a Board of Directors consisting of seven members, elected at the General Assembly of the FNQLHSSC. The Board of Directors has all the powers entrusted to it by the General Assembly as well as all the related duties. Its Charter and General By-Laws must be ratified by the Chiefs of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL).

Board of Directors

• President: Derek Montour, from Kahnawake
• Vice-President of Health: David McLaren, from Kebaowek
• Vice-President of Social Services: Amanda Larocque, from Gesgapegiag
• Secretary-Treasurer: Eniko Neashish, from Wemotaci
• Board member: Malik Kistabish, from Pikogan
• Board member: Marcelline Tshernish, from Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam
• Board member: Donna Metallic, from Listuguj

Organizational structure

We have more than 100 employees with diverse expertise. The organization favours a multisectoral approach and offers personalized support that promotes consultation and complementarity.

The organization is structured into nine sectors, each with its own area of intervention and expertise.

Senior management and governance

Senior management is responsible for the sound management of the organization and the fulfillment of the strategic plan and mandates entrusted to it. It supports the Board of Directors and maintains a link with the AFNQL and the regional commissions and organizations, First Nations communities and organizations, and external collaborators and partners. 

The governance team coordinates the health and social services governance process, legal services, and policy and program analyses. It provides support and expertise in the following areas: 

• Health and social services governance process 

• Annual planning cycle 

• Development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the strategic plan 

• Strategic and organizational development 

• Protection of personal information 

• Achieving organizational and day-to-day administration objectives 

Administrative and financial services

The administrative team follows up with communities, organizations, suppliers and financial partners. It provides support and expertise in the following areas: 

• Coordination of the Working Group on the Decision-Making Process 

• Employee support 

• Finance, consulting, technology and logistics 

• Human resources management 

Communications

The communications team collaborates with all FNQLHSSC sectors. Its role is to offer advice on appropriate communication actions, optimal solutions, and appropriate means of dissemination. It also manages the organization’s external communications. It provides support and expertise in the following areas: 

• Planning and development of tools 

• Management of internal and external communications 

• Website updates 

• Social media management 

• Document revision and translation 

• Document management 

Health

The health team provides technical support and participates closely in the development of strategies to support community initiatives that are adapted to the needs and cultures of First Nations. It provides assistance and expertise in the following areas: 

• Healthy lifestyles (physical activity, nutrition and public health) 

• Access to services (Jordan’s Principle and Non-Insured Health Benefits) 

• Development of strategies to support community initiatives 

• Coordination of Team Eastern Door and the North for the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships and the North American Indigenous Games 

Social services

The social services team supports first-line child and family services, as well as staff and other people working in the field of community wellness. It provides support and expertise in the following areas: 

• Development of strategies and adapted models 

• Clinical intervention 

• Prevention and protection services 

• Social crises and violence 

• Addiction, mental health and wellness 

• Justice initiatives 

Early childhood

The early childhood team consists of educational advisors and resources who work in educational childcare services. It provides assistance and expertise in the following areas: 

• Development of strategies related to child development and early learning and child care (0 to 12 years) 

• Community and family support 

• Head Start Program 

• Support for childcare services 

Social development

The social development team supports communities and organizations in applying the Income Security Framework Policy and assists them with community development and engagement. It provides assistance and expertise in the following areas: 

• Income security 

• Social inclusion and professional integration 

• Elder wellness 

• Informal caregiving, home care and assisted living 

• Community mobilization 

• Homelessness and fighting poverty and social exclusion 

Research

The research team conducts population surveys and monitors the health status and determinants of First Nations populations in Quebec, while providing information governance support. It provides expertise in the following areas: 

• Health status monitoring 

• Program evaluation 

• Population surveys 

• Regional information governance strategy 

Information resources

The information resources team carries out projects related to the design, implementation, use, maintenance and modernization of information technology to improve First Nations’ access to data and information. It provides expertise in the following areas: 

• Telehealth 

• Information management systems 

• Telehealth and information technology