Nisga’a Valley Health Authority (NVHA) has a few exciting staff updates to share!

Last month, Nisga’a member Marcia Smythe took on new responsibilities at NVHA and became a Public Health and Home Care Nurse.

“I look forward to continue helping our people begin and overcome challenges on their healing journey,” said Marcia.

Marcia has years of experience working in health care. Between 2004 and 2019  She was a Nurse at Saint Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver.

Between Oct. 2019 and Dec. 2021, Marcia was a Community Health Nurse at Luma Medical Clinic in Vancouver. The clinic provides culturally safe health care services to Indigenous people.

“A part of my role was giving immunizations, conducting health assessments and consulting a doctor if it was needed. My favourite task was creating a wellness program called Journey Through Wellness,” said Marcia.

From Dec. 2021 to last month, Marcia was a Home Care Nurse for NVHA. She visited clients at their home and liaised with other health care professionals when needed. Her goal was keeping elders well at home. She also organized clients’ medical appointments, drove them to their appointments and helped them access hospital equipment.

Marcia has taken on more health tasks in her new role.

“My additional tasks include providing immunizations, conducting baby wellness checks, running pre – and post-pregnancy programs, and helping to organize and run health events and workshops,” said Marcia.

Outside of work, Marcia enjoys spending time with friends and family, glamping, travelling to tropical destinations, walking and taking care of her daughter.

Marcia’s Nisga’a name is Yuudi’motkw. She is Ksim Laxsg’iik from Wilp Git’xhoon. She is from Gingolx and currently lives in Gitlax’t’aamiks.

 

Connor Trembley 

 

Last month, Connor Trembley joined Nisga’a Valley Health Authority as the Communications Director.

Connor grew up in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia and the Lower Mainland.

Connor earned his Bachelor of Communications from Capilano University in North Vancouver in 2017.

Connor has extensive experience working with First Nation governments and groups. He was a News Reporter for CHON FM, an Indigenous radio station in Whitehorse, Yukon. His tasks were covering news events in 14 First Nation communities throughout the territory, producing Indigenous-related stories, and doing five live newscasts each day.

Connor was also a Communications Specialist for the Squamish Nation and Shishalh Nation in Southwestern British Columbia. In both roles, he produced website and social media content, wrote speaking notes for councillors and chiefs, and prepared media statements and news releases.

Connor looks forward to amplifying the voice of NVHA and promoting all the good work that staff members are doing.

In terms of hobbies, Connor enjoys hiking, playing tennis, learning languages and travelling.