Who is the Athabasca Health Authority?

The Athabasca Health Authority (AHA) provides integrated, community-focused health services to five remote communities in Northern Saskatchewan: Fond-du-Lac, Stony Rapids, Black Lake, Uranium City, and Camsell Portage. Serving a population of approximately 2,500 people, the AHA is uniquely positioned as a First Nations-led health organization delivering culturally safe and responsive healthcare. Their approach blends traditional knowledge with modern medical practice to support holistic wellness across generations. For more information on AHA and the communities they serve, go to www.athabascahealth.ca.

Why work for Athabasca Health Authority?

AHA offers a rare leadership opportunity to make a meaningful difference at the intersection of Indigenous health, northern service delivery, and community empowerment. With an annual budget of approximately $35 million and a staff of 200, including nurses, physicians, mental health professionals, and cultural programmers, the organization plays a vital role in shaping the health outcomes of its communities.

Here, you won’t just lead a health system—you’ll shape a culture rooted in trust, respect, and reconciliation. If you value collaborative leadership, impact-driven service, and grassroots relationship-building, AHA is your calling.

About the Role:

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) reports to the AHA Board of Directors and leads the organization in delivering integrated and culturally grounded health services. Based in northern Saskatchewan, the CEO provides strategic vision, operational oversight, and leadership to a multi-disciplinary team while fostering strong relationships with community members, Chiefs and Councils, provincial and federal partners, and grassroots organizations.

The CEO will be responsible for building out the senior leadership team, strengthening employee engagement, and continuing to improve health services across the region. A key focus will be rebuilding morale, bridging the gap between frontline and senior staff, and driving collaboration at every level.

The ideal candidate is someone who is not only open to relocating to the region but is eager to immerse themselves in the community. Presence matters—this is a role where visibility, accessibility, and lived relationships are foundational to success.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Strategic Leadership: Guide the organization’s strategic direction and ensure services align with community needs and values.

Board Relations: Advise and support the Board with transparent, clear, timely reporting and effective governance practices.

Operations: Oversee programs, services, and staffing to ensure high-quality, culturally safe care.

Finance: Manage a $35M budget, ensure funding accountability, and advocate for sustainable resources.

Community Engagement: Build trust with Elders, leadership, and residents through ongoing presence and communication.

System Improvement: Promote innovation, continuous improvement, and culturally relevant health system transformation.

Is This You?

You are an experienced executive who understands the complexities of Indigenous health, the importance of cultural humility, and the urgency of responsive, community-based care. You are collaborative, transparent, and resilient, equipped to lead in both operational and relational spheres.

You bring:

·       A degree in Health or Business Administration (Master’s preferred).

·       7 plus years of senior leadership in health care or similarly complex service environments.

·       Deep understanding of Indigenous health issues, cultural safety, and the social determinants of health.

·       Experience working with or in First Nations communities, including Métis and Dene populations.

·       Strong operational, governance, and financial management experience.

Preferred Attributes:

·       Emotional intelligence and conflict sensitivity.

·       Strong communication and community engagement skills.

·       A commitment to servant leadership, equity, and reconciliation.