About Us ● kiistoonoon

Chief Executive Officer

Derrick Fox

Chief Executive Officer provides overall direction to the Blood Tribe Department of Health, ensuring that Board directives, policies and initiatives are implemented and operational throughout the organization.

Bio:

Oki Niistoo’akook Paahtsi’kayiiksao’kaasimm. My grandfather Mookakin, Pat Weasel Head, requested that his mentor Willie Scraping White gift me my traditional name. My elders explained that receiving my name was part of a ceremony. My late mother, Ootakimaaki (Teresa Fox), wanted me to have a traditional name when I was very ill. My grandfather reassured her that I would be okay and ensured his mentor granted me my name.

I come from the Maamoyiks (Fish Eater) Clan and the Aakaapokaksi (Many Children) Clan. My parents are Ihkitsikaam (Tony Fox) and Ootakimaaki (Teresa Fox). I have four sisters and one brother. We grew up in the hills south of the Levern Community.

I grew up on the Blood Reserve and received my education at home, graduating from St. Mary’s High School in 1987. I completed my Business Administration Diploma in 1995 at Red Crow College, which was accredited to provide a satellite campus for Mount Royal College. I began my career in the Finance Department of the Blood Tribe Department of Health Inc. In April 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I accepted the CEO position for BTDH, having gained extensive experience as Finance Director and Chief Operating Officer. I realize now that I have become a knowledge keeper for BTDH and its history.

I am honored to share the history of BTDH and support our members, as my late mother emphasized the importance of holistic healing. My mother’s spirit continues to guide me in providing support and love for our people. I take great pride in my role and the opportunity to support the leadership of BTDH.

I have been married to my wife, Louise Healy, for about 15 years. She always encourages me to believe in myself and be proud of who I am.

Chief Operating Officer

Kash Shade RN, BN, MHSM

Kash Shade RN, BN, MHSM is currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for supporting day-to-day operations of all BTDH administrative and clinical programs. He also assists with overall management of our senior leadership team, internal and external partnerships, and new projects.

Bio:

Oki, niisto nitankikoo Saakooyinaa (Last Chief). My Blackfoot name was given to me by my late grandfather, Lyman Tailfeathers, who received his name by his grandfather, Fred Tailfeathers. My parents are David Shade and the late Jolayne Shade and I grew up in the Bullhorn community of our nation.

Currently, I work as the Chief Operating Officer of the Blood Tribe Department of Health alongside many of our other great leaders in health. Altogether, I have worked for the Blood Tribe Department of Health for about 15 years in different roles as my passion has always been to serve our people in the community! I received my Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of Lethbridge in 2012 and have been a Registered Nurse for the last 12 years. I later went back to school to further my education and received my Master of Health Services Management degree from the University of Lethbridge in 2022.

Living a holistic and healthy lifestyle has always been important to me and my family including my wife and have two young daughters. I was very fortunate to have played junior hockey in Lethbridge and Coaldale as I attending university and now enjoy coaching youth hockey. Coming from a strong horse culture family, I have always been involved with rodeo and now compete as a Professional Steer Wrestler in the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association in my free time. Ultimately, my goal will always be to continue to strive for success in all aspects of life and serve as role model for others in our community as best I can.

The Office Manager provides efficient, effective and timely services to ensure quality support for the CEO and Board of Directors. The Office Manager ensures the delivery of quality initiatives in the Integrated Quality Management Framework (IQMF) with the support of an Administrative Assistant. The office manager is Shannon Day Chief.

The Finance team manages the financial services for the BTDH in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Practices. The Finance Director is Crystal Mountain Horse.

The Human Resource Program empowers employees to fully understand the principles, from which BTDH operates to implement fair and effective policies, maintain a safe and healthy work environment and ensure quality in employees’ roles and responsibilities. The Human Resources Director is Kara Tail Feathers.

Oki, niisto niitaniko Ikanah’soyi. Hello, my name is Janetta Soup (Star Shining Brightly) and I joined the Blood Tribe Department of Health Inc. Administration team in April 2022 as the Quality Control Manager. My parents are Rick and Daphne Soup, paternal grandparents are Sonny Louise and Clotilda Soup (Many Fingers) and maternal grandparents are Jim Rice and Rose Marie Davis. Am proud to have received my great grandmother’s, Margaret Davis, Blackfoot name as a child by the late Margaret Hindman.

A primary focus within the role of Quality Control Manager is to manage and support the development, coordination, implementation and evaluation of quality improvement, analytics, patient safety and process improvement throughout the entire organization. Ensuring each program is prepared and enabled to meet the requirements of Accreditation, as well as maintaining our status, is one of the main responsibilities within the Quality Control Program. Empowering staff members to be engaged at all levels to support quality initiatives is a rewarding concept that demonstrates positive outcomes and ultimately, accountability in providing client safety.

The concept of quality improvement from a health perspective was personally introduced to me at the age of 9 (1994) when diagnosed with juvenile type I diabetes (Nitsiiyaapiinowas). Learning from first hand-experiences on change management trials and errors leading up to quality improvements has been life-long journey of ups and downs. Listening to Elders and Knowledge Holders teachings from a Siksikaisitapi worldview has helped me to understand the importance of maintaining balance and to make ‘peace’ with my diabetes. Receiving guidance from health care providers has been a tremendous help as well – especially when became pregnant with my now 16 year-old son.

Health promotion and health initiatives have played a major role in both my personal and career journey. Am happy to have returned home to work alongside many hardworking, committed and knowledgeable staff members to address and meet the needs within our strong and resilient community.

Client Services oversees Home Care services, the Continuing Care Centre and Long-Term Care to ensure standard of care is achieved to continually meet our Accreditation requirements with Accreditation Canada. The Client Services Director is Sandra Shade.

The Communications & Public Relations team ensures timely and effective communications of BTDH programs, services and entities.