Board of Directors
Elder Dalgum’ha-Delhia Nahanee
Elder Dalgum’ha-Delhia Nahanee is a proud representative of both the Nisga’a and Squamish Nations. With degrees in psychology and social work from the University of British Columbia, over twenty years in social work and training from both Nisga’a and Squamish matriarchs she exemplifies a strong commitment to education and community service. Currently, she serves as elder-in-residence and member of senate at Capilano University, where her extensive knowledge and experience inspire and empower students. As a national chairperson of The Indigenous Peoples’ Engagement and Research Council (IPERC), she actively drives forward important indigenous initiatives. Elder Nahanee passionately shares her culture through song and dance with the Chinook SongCatchers, embodying her late father, Chief Cheater Moore OBC’s belief that “the best way to learn is to participate.
Darren Haines
Darren is inspired by Kilala Lelum’s vision and work towards decolonizing healthcare in the DTES community. He has been a member of the Board since 2022.
Outside of Kilala Lelum, Darren is a lawyer at Aird & Berlis LLP, where he supports First Nation and Metis governments, businesses and institutions to advance self-determination and long-term economic development. He advises clients on a wide range of initiatives and issues, including institutional and corporate governance, corporate structuring, commercial matters, and government-to-government negotiations and agreements.
Darren is Metis and belongs to the Houle and Martineau families of Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement near the Peace River in Treaty 8 territory. He grew up in and continues to reside in territories belonging to hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking peoples. He currently lives in East Vancouver with his partner and daughter.
Christopher Donald
Christopher Donald 48 years from the Big Stone Cree Nation in Alberta treaty Eights. Works for for Vancouver Coastal Health is an indigenous crisis response team member. I’ve been a member of the downtown community for over 25 years.
Dawn Tisdale
Dawn Tisdale is a Registered Nurse of mixed European and Mi’kmaq ancestry. Dawn’s leadership experience in nursing and health care policy has focused on supporting the rights of Indigenous-led health care to create culturally safe systems. Dawn’s health career began in community support work and as a registered nurse in medicine, palliative care and health policy. Dawn currently serves as the Executive Director of BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital Indigenous Health team. Dawn’s research and advocacy efforts are grounded in disrupting anti-Indigenous racism in support of health equity and justice to improve access and services for Indigenous peoples. Most importantly, she is committed to heart centered leadership to support systems change. In her spare time, she enjoys shenanigans with her son, husband and fur friends and loves going for hikes and swims in the ocean.
Executive Director
Susan Poitras
Susan is a Métis healthcare professional with over 30 years of experience in numerous roles across the healthcare system in British Columbia Canada. She has worked directly as a Registered Nurse and Registered Clinical Counsellor, progressing her career to several leadership roles in tertiary, community, non-profit and government services. She has dedicated her career to the welfare of people, children and families, grounded in ethical principles, fostering culturally safe spaces, and person and family-centered, best-practice quality care. She is passionate about fostering self-determination in health and wellness of all people and is dedicated to wholistic interdisciplinary approach to service delivery. Susan provides a compassionate and innovative leadership approach with integrity, creativity, and vision.
