Joe Gallagher

In this new executive role, Joe Gallagher will guide the further development and evolution of PHSA’s Indigenous Health and Cultural Safety strategy, lead the delivery of cultural safety and humility education, and support PHSA’s Indigenous Health and Human Resources Plan.

Joe is Coast Salish from the Tla'amin First Nation and has already made extraordinary contributions to B.C.’s healthcare system over the course of his career. Joe was the founding chief executive officer of the First Nations Health Authority, the first and only health authority of its kind in Canada, and served as CEO from 2009-2019. Prior to this role, Joe held senior leadership roles at a number of governmental and First Nations organizations, working in areas including health care, community development, economic development, and intergovernmental affairs.

In the last year, Joe has provided executive-level consulting support to B.C. health regulatory colleges and other institutions as they work to address Indigenous-specific racism and achieve cultural safety and humility in healthcare settings.