The Southern Chiefs’ Organization Inc (“SCO”) represents 34 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations and more than 83,000 citizens in what is now southern Manitoba. As such, SCO is one of the largest First Nation aggregates in Canada. SCO was established 24 years ago by the Chiefs as an independent organization to protect, preserve, promote, and enhance First Nation peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process. Currently there is a documented 11+ year growing gap in life expectancy between First Nation citizens and all others living in Manitoba. SCO is working to change that through transforming the health care system. 

The Health Transformation Process is a community-led engagement process which began in 2019 following the passing of the SCO Chiefs-in-Summit resolution, Exercising our Treaty, and Inherent Right to Health. In June 2020, SCO signed an historic memorandum of understanding with Canada to work together, and in 2021, another SCO Chiefs-in-Summit resolution was passed, to support a Health Transformation Action Plan to fulfil First Nation priorities for an Agreement-in-Principle. In June of 2022, Manitoba committed to developing an Agreement-in-Principle with Canada and SCO. This First Nations-led tri-partite table will result in the formation a Southern First Nation Health Authority that will launch later this year. 

The role of Chief Executive Officer for the Southern First Nations Health Authority (SFNHA) is an important and high-impact role leading a new health care entity. Bringing together the strengths and knowledge of many existing health care organizations to work together, the SFNHA mandate is to build a better health care system for First Nations in southern Manitoba. SFNHA is committed to transforming the health system and improving the quality and delivery of care for First Nations patients, families, and health care providers. 

The successful candidate demonstrates a strong belief in, and commitment to the Southern First Nations Health Authority’s mission. A compelling spokesperson for the organization, the inaugural CEO will act as an ambassador for the organization and represent the aims and values of the SFNHA. An entrepreneurial leader, this individual brings a wealth of knowledge and proven skills required to establish, build, and scale a new organization in a climate that requires compassion, honesty, and an ability to lead in a highly political environment. SFNHA is looking for a visionary, accomplished, and results-oriented leader who is a demonstrated innovative thinker, brings leadership and administrative experience, thrives in a complex environment, and works collaboratively to achieve excellence. First Nations candidates will be given preference. 

To fill this position, SFNHA has partnered with leadership advisory firm Odgers Berndtson. Applications are encouraged immediately and should be submitted online below. For more information, please contact Camille Petitti or Sarah Piotrkowski of Odgers Berndtson. We thank all those who express an interest, however only those chosen for further development will be contacted. 

SFNHA is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, 2019 and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, upon request, accommodation will be provided by both Odgers Berndtson and Southern First Nations Health Authority throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. 

Odgers Berndtson is deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in all the work that we do. As part of our efforts to better understand our ability to reach as broad a pool of candidates as possible for our searches, our DEI team would like to encourage you to take a moment and access our Self-Declaration Form.