KO Acting Health Director
KO Office, Balmertown, ON

Penny Carpenter is a Lac Seul First Nation band member who has been using information and communications technologies (ICTs) for at least fifteen years. As the KO Acting Health Director, she works with a team of health professionals to develop and support community based health programs and services.

Working with the First Nation Health Directors, their health staff and the community health programs to identify strategies and deliver services supporting wellness and healthy lifestyles for individuals, families and the First Nations is one of the many priorities that makes each work day exciting and challenging for Penny. Her work also includes working with each of the different programs at Keewaytinook Okimakanak to increase skills and opportunities in the First Nations.

"Partnering with many different organizations, communities and funding agencies to introduce these communication technologies in small, remote communities is an important step in developing successful telehealth program in First Nations," explained Carpenter in describing how these new tools and ways of delivering health services are successfully supported by Keewaytinook Okimakanak. Carpenter’s goal is to continue working with the communities to expand their capacity and resources in managing and sustaining the programs and services that address their needs and priorities.

You can reach Penny at the Keewaytinook Okimakanak Balmertown office (807-735-1381) or by e-mail at