Grey-Bruce Public Health appoints first Indigenous chair of board of health

Grey-Bruce Public Health (GBPH) has appointed a new board chair - Mr. Nicholas Saunders is the first Indigenous chair of the Grey-Bruce Board of Health, and likely the first Indigenous person to serve as board chair of a public health unit in Ontario.

The appointment comes in the midst of efforts by GBPH to continue reconciliation, and strengthens relationships with First Nations communities and residents.

“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,” said Saunders.

“I look forward to helping to advance the work of Grey Bruce Public Health aimed at addressing the social determinants of health, removing barriers to improved health outcomes, and advocating for solutions to the challenges facing Indigenous communities and other marginalized populations,” he continued.

Saunders of the Chippewas of Nawash unceded First Nation began his term on Friday.