A registered nurse with over 25 years of leadership experience, Gary began his career as a specialized emergency room nurse in a busy Lower Mainland trauma center. He holds a Registered Nurse diploma from the BC Institute of Technology, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of British Columbia, and a Master of Arts in Leadership (Health specialization) from Royal Roads University. He joined FNHA in 2019 as Director, Nursing Operations, and later served as Executive Director in the Office of the Chief Nursing Officer, contributing to significant organizational advancements and strengthened partnerships across the health system.
Born and raised in Bella Bella on the central coast, Gary is proudly Haíɫzaqv. He carries deep connections to the houses of Nác̓i, Zíxsiwalis, and Wíkv̓ṇat — teachings passed down by his grandparents, family, and Elders that guide him to lead with humility, respect, and gratitude.
His ancestral name, K̓vsḷsm̓ṇixv (“One Wolf”), and his hereditary chieftainship name, Nác̓i (“treasure box containing supernatural power”), reflect responsibilities he upholds in both his leadership and daily life. The latter title was passed through his family lineage and formally entrusted to him in June 2024.
Gary brings a relational, community-centred approach shaped by his upbringing, mentors, and cultural values. He is committed to building a culturally safe, responsive health system that supports First Nations individuals, families, and communities to thrive.
Above all, Gary is guided by his responsibilities to his wife, three children, and to the generations who came before him and those yet to come, carrying forward a commitment to think and act with the next seven generations in mind. Grounded in these responsibilities, he continues to champion health access, equity, patient safety, and wellness across BC in alignment with FNHA’s values and long-term vision.