Our people are our greatest resource. The Health Department advocates for the Tŝilhqot’in people to ensure accessible health services for our people. Below you will find community schedules for practitioners, contact information, news, and information on health services.
Toxic Drug Crisis
We are all affected by the toxic drug crisis that continues to devastate our families and communities. As one step in response to this opioid emergency, the Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) and the B.C. Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions have signed a Letter of Understanding (LOU). This LOU establishes a dedicated working group to find innovative solutions and reduce the innumerable tragedies caused by the drug crisis in our communities and homes.
TNG Tribal Chair, Chief Joe Alphonse, said “mental health issues and addictions are the biggest threat to our Nation. I often compare this to the smallpox epidemic. Our members are falling victim to this crisis. It’s urgent that we come up with solutions. There is a tremendous amount of work that needs to happen. The solutions will come from the strength and culture of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation, but we also need to work with every partner willing to step up to the table. This LOU makes it clear that this crisis is a priority issue for our Nation and our work with the Province and we are committed to tackling this issue.”
Chief of Yuneŝit’in, Chief Lennon Solomon said “In the Nation we are working to create a safe place for Nation members to come and address their mental health, trauma, addictions and cultural mental health. This LOU is a step in that direction. Not only does this give us the support, it also gives us capacity in creating our own land-based treatment programming. We want to train our own people to create capacity within the Nation for healing and wellness programs. Addictions, trauma, and the toxic drug crisis – together as a Nation we can overcome this battle.”
Tl’esqox Chief, Chief Francis Laceese, said that “the Nation needs its own treatment facility to help with all aspects of healing for the Tŝilhqot’in.”
Chief of Xeni Gwet’in, Chief Roger William, said “this is a crisis that has brought tragedy and pain to every one of our communities. Tŝilhqot’in law tells us that what we put into our bodies needs to be good for us and help us. The drug crisis highlights the need for our people to heal and to remember the laws that are within us all. Bringing Tŝilhqot’in law back is also a way for us to heal.”
Tŝilhqot’in Health Hub
The Tŝilhqot’in Health Hub, established in 2010, is a conglomeration of the six Tŝilhqot’in communities. The Hub was established and resourced by the First Nation Health Authority (FNHA) to “Communicate, Collaborate and Plan” taking an active role in reviewing and evaluating the Transformative Change Accord: First Nations Health Plan (2006) and the Tripartite First Nations Health Plan (2007).
The Health Hub provides:
- Improved access to services by creating efficiencies from the sharing of human capital, resources and services. The communities collaborate over their common issues developing solutions they action as a group vs. independently.
- Enhanced communication internally and externally through an established vehicle for the timely transmission of information. The ability to come together to discuss best practices and provide peer support for our remote communities helps us to share innovative approaches to health services.
In 2013, the FNHA assumed programs and services that were handled previously by the Health Canada First Nation Inuit Health Branch – Pacific Region. The FNHA in collaboration with BC First Nations is responsible for planning, service delivery, management, and funding of health programs. The FNHA does not replace the role or services of the Ministry of Health and Regional Health Authorities but it was established to collaborate, coordinate, and integrate First Nation respective health programs and services in the attempt to achieve improved health outcomes for BC First Nations.
Contact Details
If you have a health related emergency please phone 911
General
For general health related questions or information please contact us using the information below:
Connie Jasper
Health Director
Mental Health
For mental health related questions or support please contact us using the information below:
Ellen Williams
TNG Team Lead – Mental Health
Community Practitioner Schedules
Access our centralized hub for community practitioner schedules, providing a convenient resource for finding upcoming health and wellness appointments. Simplify your search for essential services.
Tl’etinqox
Doctor
August 28
| September 9, 16, 23 & 30
Please contact Tl’etinqox Health if you have any questions at 250 394 4240.
Physiotherapist
November 7, 14, 21 & 26 |
Please contact the health clinic to make an appointment.
Dentist
October 21, 22 & 23
| Dental Hygienist (October 4)
Please contact Tl’etinqox Health to make an appointment 250 394 4240.
Kinesiologist
September 25 & 26
| October Wednesdays (1pm – 4pm)
Please contact Tl’etinqox Health if you have any questions at 250 394 4240.
Xeni Gwet’in - ʔEniyud Health
Doctor
August 22 & 28
Please contact Xeni Gwet’in Health to make an appointment 250-394-7020.
Physiotherapist
November 6
Please contact the health clinic to make an appointment.
Kinesiologist
September 26
| October 9, 10 & 24 (9am – 3pm)
Please contact the health clinic to make an appointment.
Tŝideldel
Doctor
August 27 – 9:00am–3:00pm
| September 10 & 24
Please contact Tŝideldel Health to make an appointment 250 481 3335 .
Physiotherapist
November 5 |
Please contact the health clinic to make an appointment.
Tl’esqox
Doctor
September 4, 18
Please contact the health clinic to make an appointment.
Physiotherapist
November 14 |
Please contact the health clinic to make an appointment.
Kinesiologist
September 23 & 25 (9am – 12pm)
| October 2, 3 & 24
Please contact the health clinic to make an appointment.
Massage
October 2, 9 (9am – 2:30pm)
Please contact the health clinic to make an appointment.
ʔEsdilagh
Doctor
September 4 & 18
| October 15
Please contact the health clinic to make an appointment.
Physiotherapist
November 19
Please contact the health clinic to make an appointment.
Yuneŝit’in
Doctor
September 3 & 17
The Doctor is by appointment only. Please phone the health clinic at 250 394 4041.
Physiotherapist
November 7 & 26 |
Please contact the health clinic to make an appointment.
Kinesiologist
September 24 & 26
| October 17 & 24 (1pm – 4pm)
Please contact the health clinic to make an appointment.
Programs
- Mental Health
The Mental Wellness Program consists of four Mental Health Clinicians that cover all six communities. Registered Master level Clinicians provide Mental Health Counselling as well as group work in communities.
Get in touch with our Mental Health Clinicians
Ellen Williams
TNG Team Lead – Mental Health
Office: 250 302 3945
ellen@tsilhqotin.ca
Bettina Egert
Mental Health Clinician (Yuneŝit’in and Tl’esqox)
Office: 250 398 8575
bettina@sunoncounselling.com
Parminder Kaur
COUNSELLOR - TL'ETINQOX AND ʔESDILAGH
- Nursing
The Nursing Team at TNG offers a number of services. They offer things such as screening and education on a number of health issues like blood pressure and cancer The team also offers naloxone training.
Get in touch with our Nurses
- Diabetes
Diabetes prevention is an extremely important part of our overall health. TNG Health offers in depth diabetes screenings and education on diabetes complications, prevention, medical terms on insulin, healthy eating and the importance of exercise.
For information about diabetes please visit Diabetes Canada.
- Dental Care
The Dental Program consists of a Dentist, Dental Assistant and Dental Hygienist. Dental services are offered in Tl’etinqox and Xeni Gwet’in at this time with hopes of expanding to another community in the future. The clinic is open to all Tŝilhqot’in members.
- Physical Therapy
Our contracted Physical Therapist, Tyler Judd, travels to all communities to provide services for recovery from injury and also conduct education on prevention of injury. Services are generally available two days per month in each Tŝilhqot’in community. Physiotherapy is beneficial for anyone needing treatment for things such as:
- Joint replacements
- Chronic pain
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Balance and dizziness
Get in touch with our Physical Therapist
Our Team
Office: 250 398-8575 ext 601
cjasper@tsilhqotin.ca
Connie Jasper
Health Director
Office: 250 123 4567
Connie was born and raised in the Chilcotin by Roy and Gwen Mulvahill, who reside in the very small remote community of Chezacut. Connie attended Alexis Creek Elementary School, boarded in Williams Lake for High School and she furthered her education first through Caribou College and then later through UNBC and TRU in Business. Outside of work, Connie enjoys spending time at home on her ranch and outdoors. In the summer months Connie loves gardening, running and biking and through the winter cross country skiing.
Connie has been working at TNG since 2010 and was hired to help develop the Health Program at the Nation level. TNG applied to First Nations Health Council for HUB (Helping Us Build) funding. At that time the TNG started meeting with all six Health Directors from the communities. Surveys were conducted in the communities which determined where some of the gaps were. As a result the Nation was able to seek funding from Interior Health and First Nations Health Authority to employ staff at the Nation Level to provide services to the communities.
All of the Nation Health Staff listed below are a result of the funding streams that the Nation has been able to apply for. The Health Manager works very closely with FNHA and Interior Health and meet quarterly with other Nation representatives within the Interior Region continuously seeking ways to improve the Health Service that are offered in community and in facilities like Caribou Memorial Hospital. The Health webpage is intended to keep the Nation informed about the Health Services at the Nation level as well as at the community level.
Office: 250 302-3948
dphillips@tsilhqotin.ca
Dusty Phillips
Health Liaison
Office: 250 123 4567
My name is Dusty Phillips, and I am excited to be joining with the TNG team.
I have lived and worked in the Tsilhqot’in nation officially since 2006 but my roots and familial ties go back years before then. I have had the pleasure of working for a few of the communities within various sectors.
Albeit my background hasn’t always been in health, it has become an area that has inspired a strong and highly motivated passion within me. I wish to use my time and energy not only supporting and advocating for improved health services but also, to further educate myself and others. I believe wholeheartedly in promoting holistic and healthy lifestyles.
Outside of the office I thoroughly enjoy my time spent out on the land. It could be anything from kayaking with my dogs to learning new trails and terrain. I am also an avid reader and when the weather isn’t fit to be outdoors a good book in the comfort of my home is a wonderful alternative.
Office: 250 398-8575
Shona Myers
License Practical Nurse (LPN)
Office: 250 123 4567
Shona Myers was born and raised in the Chilcotin, who was raised by Dorothy Myers and the late Isaac Myers in the community of Stone that is also known as Yunesit’in Government. Shona is married and is a mother of five children. Outside of work Shona enjoys watching her children play sports, loves the outdoors, camping, hiking, biking, kayaking and traveling.
Shona has started working as a License Practical Nurse for Tsilhqot’in National Government as of September 2022, Shona has just graduated the Practical Nursing program through Thompson Rivers University as of July 2022. In this role Shona will be working within the six Chilcotin communities to provide support to all the Care aids that are working in these communities, and to assist the TNG’s health care team in wherever is needed.
Brittany Handel
Registered Nurse
Office: 250 123 4567
Brittany is Metis (registered with the Cariboo Chilcotin Metis Association in Williams Lake) and was born and raised in Quesnel with family ties to Yuneŝit’in. She moved to Kamloops as a young adult for schooling opportunities, but her roots are with the Cariboo, so she moved back to Williams Lake in 2021 to raise her family.
Brittany completed her nursing education in Kamloops in 2012 and has been fortunate to work in various clinical settings. Starting her career in urban centers, she was able to build and develop her nursing skills with quick access to available resources. However, when she had the opportunity to work and live in areas of Northern Alberta and BC, it sparked her passion for rural and remote nursing. Living and working in remote areas gave her an appreciation for the challenges people face regarding the social determinants of health, which has led her to the work she does now. She has been with TNG Health since August of 2021. She is passionate about advocating for health services needed in the community, building capacity, and fostering relations with partnerships to achieve high levels of health equity. She hopes to harmonize modern medicine with traditional practices to reach each person’s own vision of what health means to them. She is currently pursing a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Administration through Athabasca University with the intention to ladder into a Master’s Degree in Health Studies.
Outside of work, Brittany enjoys reno’ing her home so that she can host her friends and family now that she lives closer to them. Pre covid times, Brittany loved to travel internationally- but is now making the most of exploring areas more local that many others travel far to come to see. She loves finding new places to eat but is no stranger to mastering a recipe in her own home.
Office: 250 398-8575
ellen@tsilhqotin.ca
Ellen Williams
Mental Health team lead
Office: 250 123 4567
Ellen Williams is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and the Mental Health Team Lead for TNG Health. She very much enjoys working with the Tsilhqot’in communities since 2015, first as a mental health counsellor and now, as a supervisor for an outstanding clinician team. Her main role is to serve the communities as an advocate for more mental health services and, especially, to provide safe and culturally respectful mental health and wellness resources to those who need it.
Office: 250 398-8575
cherrie@lumenwl.ca
Cherrie Carr
Mental Health Clinician (Tŝideldel)
Office: 250 123 4567
Cherrie was born in Williams Lake, and was raised in Big Creek and Soda Creek for most of her youth. She graduated with her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Dalhousie University and began specializing in the areas of attachment and trauma-informed practice.
Office: 250 398-8575
gduquette@tddhealth.ca
Gisele Duquette
Mental Health Clinician (Tŝideldel)
Office: 250 123 4567
Giselle is of Metis and French-Canadian ancestry. She has a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work and has been a Social Worker for over 20 years. Over the years, she has worked with children, youth, as well as adults, providing: Self-Regulation Therapy (SRT); Aboriginal Focused Orientated therapy; Counselling; employment counselling; and case management for people with disabilities.
Office: 250 398-8575
bettina@sunoncounselling.com
Bettina Egert
Mental Health Clinician (Yuneŝit’in and Tl’esqox)
Office: 250 123 4567
Bettina was born and raised in a small rural community in Germany and has been living in the Cariboo Chilcotin for 30 years. Bettina offers trauma informed counselling to youth, adults, couples and families.
Bettina is a professional counsellor and completed a Master of Arts degree through Antioch University, with a concentration in Integrative Therapy. She has over 25 years of experience in the mental health field.
Bettina offers a safe space, honouring each person as a unique individual, with their own personal experiences, strengths and needs. She believes that you are the expert for yourself, and that the solutions to your situation are to be found within yourself.
Office: 250 398-8575
georgewarr@hotmail.com
George Warr
Mental Health Clinician (Yuneŝit’in)
Office: 250 123 4567
George is originally from the UK, and enjoys working, living and playing in the Cariboo Chilcotin.
He has a passion for helping people learn to manage life’s challenges and live healthier and happier lives.
He is trained in Indigenous Focusing-Oriented Therapy and Complex Trauma where trauma is approached through a collective inter-generational Indigenous lens and from a client centered connection. He works with adults, youth and also enjoys facilitating groups
Tl’etinqox: 250 394 4240
ʔEsdilagh: 250 747 2002
Parminder Kaur
Counsellor – Tl’etinqox and ʔEsdilagh
Office: 250 123 4567
Parm is a mental health professional, with a master’s degree in counselling psychology and recognized accreditation as a Registered Clinical Counsellor with BCACC. Over the last eight years, she has served as a dedicated healthcare worker in the Cariboo region, where she has witnessed firsthand the crucial significance of mental and emotional stability in achieving holistic well-being. Parm is a compassionate and thoughtful counsellor, who helps with depression, trauma, substance use, anxiety, grief and loss, for many age groups, ranging from adults and couples to adolescents and children.
Parm’s roots in India offer multicultural perspective. Embedded within her community, Parm eagerly looks forward to expanding her counselling services to individuals and families in Tl’etinqox. With Parm’s compassionate approach and unwavering dedication to her clients’ well-being, individuals seeking support can rely on her for caring guidance as they navigate their journey towards healing and resilience.
Office: 250 398 8575
tyler@centraltherapy.ca
Tyler Judd
Registered Physiotherapist
Office: 250 123 4567
Tyler has worked as a Physiotherapist in the Tŝilhqot’in communities since early 2014, initially at the TŝI Del Del Health Centre, then including Tl’esqox and ʔEsdilagh with visits at regular intervals, every two to four weeks. Members living in Williams Lake also have access to community Physiotherapy every two weeks.
Tyler provides treatment based in Manual Therapy for mobilization and stretching, Acupuncture for pain control and Therapeutic Exercises to maintain high levels of function while building physical resiliency.
Tyler has taken special interest in assessment and treatment of Concussion and other Traumatic Brain Injury, completing extra training through Complete Concussion Management. Working closely with organizations to provide baseline testing for athletes and workers at high risk for concussion, we have been able to promote physical activity without the long term risks of repetitive concussions. He is happy to meet any new community members who would like to speak about their physical wellbeing, in managing old injuries or preventing chronic disease.
Resources
Traditional Health Report (2022)
Great care and attention have been devoted to contributing thoughtful guidance and advice towards the importance of prioritizing and incorporating traditional health and wellness to daily healthcare.
Video
Nits’ilʔin Joe Alphonse’s Health Journey
Advocating for your health is a very important step in improving wellbeing. Chief Alphonse shares his health journey so others can learn from it.
FNHA Shingles Vaccine
Find out about the vaccine and how it can be covered through your benefits.
Tŝilhqot’in Health Plan Report (2018)
Read what some of the health priorities of the Nation were in 2018.
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