Executive Director

Anishnawbe Health Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

An Indigenous Community Health Centre in Toronto is seeking an Executive Director to lead the organization and manage strategic direction, programs, and financial accountability. The ideal candidate will have extensive leadership experience, especially concerning Indigenous health, and will direct partnerships with health system and community partners. Responsibilities include overseeing program delivery, ensuring client satisfaction, and advancing strategic initiatives. A comprehensive benefits package is offered alongside a competitive salary range of $150,000 to $170,000.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in health or community services.
• Strong understanding of Indigenous health issues and practices.
• Experience in strategic planning and organizational development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the direction and growth of Anishnawbe Health Toronto.
• Work closely with the Board to ensure strategic and financial accountability.
• Oversee the management of health programs and services.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Financial management

Risk management

Cultural competence

Education

Relevant Master's degree

Job description

Executive Director – Anishnawbe Health Toronto

THE OPPORTUNITY Anishnawbe Health Toronto (AHT) is seeking an Executive Director to lead the next chapter in the evolution of our Indigenous Community Health Centre. The Executive Director will report and be accountable to the Board of Directors of AHT and will work closely with the Board to establish strategic direction, manage and mitigate risk, and ensure financial accountability and sustainability. This is an existing position that is currently filled by an Interim Executive Director. Partnering closely with AHT employees, health system partners, and Indigenous community partners, the Executive Director will be responsible for the delivery of high-quality programs and service, client safety and satisfaction, organizational culture, and operational effectiveness. The Executive Director will also move forward the current and future initiatives and affiliated projects that are outlined in AHT’s strategic plan, including:

• development of an Urban Indigenous Long-term Care Home
• support the local Primary Care Network in the expansion of Interprofessional Primary Care Teams to increase the attachment of Indigenous clients to primary care providers
• implementation of the Osh-ka-be-Wis Foundational Knowledge Training Program
• further development of a culture-based mental wellness model
• researching, partnering, piloting, and lobbying for a culturally responsive funding framework

ABOUT ANISHNAWBE HEALTH TORONTO For over 30 years – more than one generation – Anishnawbe Health Toronto has been the only provider of Western medical services combined with Traditional healing services within a multi-disciplinary healthcare model. The vision of the late Elder, Joe Sylvester, our Indigenous-led, accredited Community Health Centre is the model for other Indigenous Community Health Centres and Aboriginal Health Access Centres across Ontario. Joe Hester dedicated his life to the pursuit of Indigenous sovereignty over health care for the urban Indigenous community. He led Anishnawbe Health Toronto from its early origins to what we know today, building and sustaining a gold standard of care to a population that has consistently been underserved by the health care system. He worked from the mantra that “No one will be left behind”, centering Traditional Healing to promote Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Joe’s success at blending Traditional and Western medicine has been groundbreaking, curating Indigenous resurgence that has resonated across the health sector and the urban Indigenous community here in Toronto. First Nations, Métis, and Inuit community members access Traditional Healers at AHT to address chronic disease and to heal Spirit from the ongoing colonial policies that have created the disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous mortality. Today, Anishnawbe Health Toronto continues to grow to meet the needs of the community it serves. With an operating budget of approximately $13.5 million and about 70 staff, Anishnawbe Health Toronto sees over 30,000 client visits annually, with nearly 20% of clients under the age of 21. We not only promote Traditional healing practices but have affirmed and placed them at the core of what we do, offering access to healthcare practitioners from many disciplines including Traditional Healers, Elders and Medicine People. Ancient ceremonies and traditions, intrinsic to the Indigenous health care model, are available. Our work with the homeless has evolved from early directions of crisis intervention to our current efforts of working with those who seek to escape homelessness. Training programs offer community members the opportunity to learn and grow in a culture-based setting.

Mission

• To improve, support, and promote the health, well-being, and healing of Indigenous people in spirit, mind, emotion, and body within a multi-disciplinary health care model.

Vision

• That Indigenous Community: nurtures the Family Spirit and strengthens family identity by embracing and sharing culture and traditional knowledge.
• That respects the beauty and power of nature and creation and helps to ensure a healthy environment.
• Where individuals and families are strong spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically, independent and self-sufficient; with ready access to Traditional Health and healing as well as culturally safe models of care from pre-birth to preparation for return to the spirit world.
• Where individuals are self-determining and able to take advantage of opportunities in order to reach their full potential and are prepared to share with others.
• Where people have a strong sense of identity and pride, as well as being knowledgeable of their traditional ways and values.
• Where Healing Lodges are at the centre of the community and accessible to all of our people.

Beliefs AHT roots all of its activities on the following teachings:

• Healing, learning, and teaching are synonymous.
• We are all responsible for our personal health, wellness, and healing.
• Nature and creation is our First Family. We show respect for our First Family and include them in our prayers. We also show respect for the spirits of our ancestors who are part of our First Family.
• There is an energy or life force which exists throughout nature and creation. This energy is within all of us. It gives us life and emanates from the human body. It is our spirit; it then affects the mind, then the emotions, and finally the body; for healing to occur, treatment must include our whole being.
• The Healing Path also includes preparations for the journey to the Spirit World. Death is part of the cycle of life.

Principles AHT will work toward achieving its visions and carrying out its mission based on the following principles:

• We respect teachings of all people.
• We accept and provide care to all Aboriginal people and their families, including status and non-status First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people.
• We respect the right of our clients to receive services free from judgement and to choose the care path that is right for them.
• We strive to provide services that enable people to reconnect with and strengthen their spirit.

OUR PROGRAMS & SERVICES Our model of health care is based on Traditional practices and approaches, and is reflected in the design of the 60+ programs and services that we offer to people at all stages of life, from newborns to seniors.

• Primary Health Care including
  • Ambulatory health centre
  • Diabetes Education and Prevention Program
  • Health Promotion and Physiotherapy with access to traditional healers
  • Physicians
  • Nurse practitioners
  • Nurses
  • Chiropodist
  • Dietitian
  • Physiotherapist

• Mental Health Programs including:
  • Social workers and counsellors offering individual and group counselling
  • Programs to help the Homeless to leave the street
  • 20-week addictions and concurrent Disorders outpatient programs
  • Traditional counsellors
  • Psychiatrists
  • Psychologists

• Child, Youth & Family Care including:
  • Pre and Post Natal Care Programs
  • Youth Outreach Programs
  • Child and family counselling
  • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Service

• Traditional Healing Programs & Services including
  • Traditional Healers and medicines
  • Sweat Lodges and Ceremonies such as Smudge
  • Traditional births
  • Shake Tents
  • Feasts and Naming

A NEW HOME FOR ANISHNAWBE HEALTH TORONTO Anishnawbe Health Toronto’s new Indigenous Health Centre is fully operational at 425 Cherry Street. Opened in spring 2025, this innovative purpose-built space is a permanent home for healing, connection and culturally grounded care for the urban Indigenous community in Toronto. The new home of AHT is more than a building, it is a place of belonging, healing and hope for current and future generations which brings together its healing services in a warm, welcoming and accessible environment. Clients are encouraged to utilize and enjoy:

• Traditional medicines and healing spaces
• Ceremonial rooms, and community gathering areas
• Youth and family spaces
• Health services including primary care and mental health support
• Indigenous paintings and artwork featured throughout the centre celebrating culture, stories and identity

Every element of this centre was designed to reflect Indigenous culture, community needs, and highlights the importance of holistic wellness. Much like the ethos of AHT, the physical building brings together traditional knowledge, healing and medicine under one roof in a setting that honours the land, our histories, and our future. These are just a few aspects that make the center so special:

• The front of the building is wrapped in a star blanket, a symbol of protection and unity.
• In the lobby of the health centre there is a beautiful red staircase designed by Christy Belcourt, an Indigenous artist.
• The staircase represents the journey of the spirits and the living.
• With an Indigenous Garden in the back, health care workers and clients are welcome to cultivate medicinal plants.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT AHT For this search, KCI Search + Talent has been retained to assist Anishnawbe Health Toronto. To learn more about this leadership opportunity, interested individuals should contact the Executive Consultant. For questions, please email [e-mail]. Deadline for application: Please send your resume and letter of interest to [e-mail] by February 23, 2026. Artificial intelligence will not be used to screen resumes or assess candidates in this search.

Indigenous Identity Anishnawbe Health Toronto is committed to diversity and values the contribution of its employees from diverse backgrounds and experiences. For the majority of positions in the organization, we encourage applications from Indigenous persons, visible minority group members, women, and persons with disabilities, members of sexual minority groups, and others who contribute to greater diversity of perspectives. For the role of Executive Director, lived experience with Indigenous cultures, organizations, and communities is essential and therefore preference will be given to individuals who identify as Indigenous. Possessing knowledge of and sensitivity to the challenges and opportunities relating to Indigenous health, wellness, and traditional healing practices is also required for this role. Indigenous candidates will be asked to sign a declaration providing details about their historical and ongoing Indigenous community affiliation, and to provide documentation as applicable.

Salary range $150,000 - $170,000 commensurate with experience, plus comprehensive benefits.