Supporting Indigenous Community Health Workers: Lessons from Ontario and Alaska

In this bonus episode of the Future Skills Podcast, we explore the critical role Indigenous community health workers play in supporting health and well-being in rural, remote, and northern communities. Guest host Bethany Haalboom is joined by Janet Gordon and Madison Pierce of the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority, along with Dr. Michelle Hensel of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, to discuss how community-based health workers help bridge gaps in care, provide culturally grounded support, and strengthen healthcare access where providers and services are often limited.

Drawing on experiences from Northwestern Ontario and Alaska, the conversation highlights innovative approaches to training, recruitment, retention, and workforce development, while underscoring the importance of investing in Indigenous-led solutions to improve health outcomes and build community capacity.

Learn more :

• Indigenous Community Health Workers Across Canada
• Training to Retain: Strengthening the Role of Indigenous Community Health Workers in Canada
• Spotlight: Sioux Lookout First Nations Diabetes Program