Fox leaving job as CEO of Blood Tribe Health

By Lethbridge Herald on September 10, 2025.

Alexandra Noad
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Derrick Fox, chief executive officer of Blood Tribe Department of Health (BTDH), has announced his departure as of the end of September.

Fox has dedicated almost three decades to the Blood Tribe Department of Health, beginning as a finance clerk in 1997 until 2004. He then returned in 2011 when he served as finance director, chief operating officer, and in April 2020, he was appointed as chief executive officer.

After serving in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, he says he is proud of how he and his team were able to provide support during the difficult time.

“We know at that time the COVID pandemic was alive and well and very stressful…but (I’m) very proud of the support our team provided to our community members from isolation units we were able to secure, to helping with things like food security, knowing many members were laid off as well.”

Along with leading the BTDH through the unknown territory of a pandemic, he also led the expansion of the Bringing the Spirit Home from eight beds to 24 beds. Fox says this was a way to address the root causes of addiction and help his people connect back to their roots and culture.

“One of the strong things is reverting back to our way of life and we know for our clients that are in Bringing the Spirit Home Detox Centre those are the things that are very supportive in their healing journey.”

In 2023, Fox ensured BTDH maintained its accreditation with commendation status, saying it was important to him they deliver the highest standard of care to their people.

“We felt very strongly that we put our best foot forward and ensuring we’re able to support or members, but also in a very structured manner as well.”

Recently he has overseen the takeover of operations of the Lethbridge shelter as well as the expansion of the Kainai Continuing Care Centre.

Fox says the decision to leave was a difficult one, adding the board was supportive of his decision and he is truly grateful for his experience serving his people.

“It was a very tough decision; I want to say that it was a very healthy exit, our board was very encouraging.”

He adds he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife and family, and continue honouring his father, who was a residential school survivor and who has brought inspiration to him and his work.

“My father…is still so resilient in his journey; that example is very strong.”

Effective Oct. 1, 2025, Kash Shade, current chief operating officer, will assume the role of interim CEO. Fox says he has faith that BTDH is in good hands.

“Kash Shade…is very well versed as far as our organization, along with our leads, and it’s not about pressure, it’s about continuing the work we are doing.”