Indigenous Engagement and Relationships Leader – Rural, Remote and Northern Communities

At Canada Health Infoway (Infoway) we believe a more connected and collaborative system is a healthier system, and we work with governments, health care organizations, clinicians, and patients to make health care more digital. We’re working to ensure that everyone is able to access their personal health information, book appointments, get prescriptions, view lab test results and access other health services, online. We are working with our partners to transform the health system because we know that digital health can be as transformative as digital has been in other aspects of our lives. We are an independent, not-for-profit organization funded by the federal government.

Continuing to improve Canadian health care necessitates work in interoperability connected systems are healthier systems. Connected care means a healthier Canada, and Infoway is committed to advancing interoperability. Harnessing data sharing will result in “connected care” and a modern health system for all Canadians. In support of the provinces and territories, Infoway is facilitating a national collaborative effort to advance interoperability using a collaborative development process.

Together with our jurisdictional, clinical, patient and industry partners we are committed to improving the health of Canadians by accelerating the development, adoption and effective use of innovative digital health solutions.

Infoway is on a learning journey guided by what we learn from Indigenous voices. We are committed to respecting Indigenous data sovereignty, advancing cultural safety and humility and supporting the health and data priorities of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. We will do this through the development of respectful relationships and partnerships with First Nations, Inuit, Métis, Northern governments, organizations and communities, which will guide our efforts.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a high-profile, ambitious, and exciting pan-Canadian initiative that improves the health of populations and unlocks value for the health system
• Work with a dynamic, multi-functional team of professionals dedicated and passionate about modernizing the health care system
• Demonstrate your strong organizational, technical leadership skills in a fast-paced, innovative, and supportive environment
• We take care of our employees

Driving digital health solutions for our rural, remote and northern communities.

• A major focus of this role is to identify and support the advancement of digital healthcare solutions for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, recommending the advancements of partnerships and innovations to help drive our Connected Care objectives.
• Strengthen relationships with First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Rural / Northern Health system partners to understand the challenges of their digital health priorities, strengthening and maintaining reciprocal relationships with National, Regional and Community based Indigenous organizations.
• Ensure the voices of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples are brought forward and heard as we advance Infoway’s strategic priorities and Pan-Canadian Interoperability Roadmap. This requires ongoing and effective collaboration with Indigenous partners, vendors, community, regional and national organizations.
• Provides direction and support for Infoway business lines acting as the subject matter expert internally for Indigenous, Rural and Northern partners.
• Identify and bring forward for collaboration, the challenges and priorities for healthcare technology solutions within rural, remote and Indigenous environments. Strategically work within the complexities of provincial and territorial healthcare environments while being aware of funding, government relations and technology. This includes appreciation and ongoing awareness of the various First Nations, Inuit and Métis governance systems and processes.
• Collaborates with other Pan Canadian Health Organizations and external networks such as the Canada Northern and Remote Health Network, Sparsely Populated Regions Advisory Group, and others.
• Develops models to evaluate program success for the Indigenous, Northern and Rural areas.
• Accountable for all activities related to Indigenous and Rural to ensure that Infoway interactions with the jurisdictional partners are efficient, effective and balanced with Infoway’s corporate objectives.

Support and advance our journey towards reconciliation.

• Strengthen our Indigenous and Rural partnerships and alliances within the provinces and territories to support our reconciliation journey and the advancement of our mission and goals.
• Provide thought leadership in the review and recommendations of policies and practices to reduce and wherever possible eliminate the potential to perpetuate anti-Indigenous racism and systemic racism.
• Collaborate closely internally and externally to support the organization’s commitment to working towards and executing a sustainable Reconciliation program. Pro-actively communicate our efforts to external audiences to ensure the alignment of our Reconciliation commitment and journey with all Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit, Métis partners.
• From a Reconciliation, diversity and inclusion lens, understand, listen and support the provinces and territories in their efforts to address systemic racism and supporting cultural safety in healthcare technology systems and interoperability.

• A deep appreciation of the importance of healthcare interoperability and the ability to navigate and translate both Indigenous and non-Indigenous worldviews, especially as these pertain to healthcare delivery and technology.
• Recent and relevant experience working with rural and Indigenous healthcare, health-delivery, health-technology (or similar, relevant) focused organizations to advance digital healthcare solutions is important.
• A good understanding of the challenges and priorities for healthcare technology services and delivery within rural and Indigenous environments. An understanding and appreciation of the complexities of provincial and territorial healthcare environments including funding, government relations and technology. Awareness of the various First Nations, Inuit and Métis governance systems and processes.
• Proven ability to utilize knowledge of Indigenous health care services, technology needs and issues as well as knowledge of the culture, protocol, and traditions of Indigenous Peoples to ensure respect, diplomacy and tact to honour established and new relationships as a representative of Infoway.
• Ability to maintain knowledgeable and stay up to date on healthcare technology and digital healthcare solutions, remaining knowledgeable about the importance of interoperability to drive positive health outcomes.
• Recent and related experience negotiating and facilitating discussions, leading to consensus with diverse groups such as Indigenous communities and organizations, senior managers, and decision influencers to build and grow engagement.
• A solid understanding of the importance of how our journey towards Reconciliation applies and need to be embedded in all aspects of our work including our relationships with partners in the provinces and territories.
• Proven ability to give and receive effective, timely feedback and detailed analysis on Reconciliation efforts and digital healthcare solutions and processes for rural and Indigenous partners.
• Proven ability to utilize effective collaboration, communication, facilitation, persuasion, and negotiation skills to achieve consensus, resolve conflict and achieve desired outcomes in a healthy and respectful manner.
• Ability to work effectively under time pressure to meet deadlines, balance work priorities and resolve problems in a timely manner.
• Fluency in both official languages is an asset.
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time as needed.