Before the First Nations Health Foundation (FNHF) had even been established, Yousuf Ali and his wife, Dr. Yasmin Ali, believed in its vision and potential impact. With unwavering conviction and faith in the power of early childhood development, they wrote a $10,000 cheque to the FNHF in 2015—the year Yousuf retired—with no date. It was a gift made on trust and belief alone, an act of generosity that makes the Alis the Foundation’s very first donors.

For Yousuf, early childhood development (ECD) isn’t just important; it’s the foundation of life itself. A strong start—one rooted in culture, connection, and care—builds resilient, empowered individuals. He has long understood that for First Nations children, this means having access to programs that honour their heritage and strengthen their future.

His commitment to First Nations health is not new. During his career, Yousuf served as the Health Canada’s BC Regional Director for First Nations and Inuit Health, where he worked closely with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA). He then served as Vice President of Health Services and Vice President of Special Projects for the FNHA. He watched with pride as the FNHA grew, particularly as more and more First Nations people took on leadership roles within the organization. Even in retirement, his support never wavered.

His wife, Dr. Yasmin Ali, shares his passion for community well-being. Together, they have championed initiatives that uplift and empower. And now, with the FNHF officially established, Yousuf is elated. He always believed in the vision of a dedicated Foundation to support the work of the FNHA, and seeing it come to life is a dream fulfilled. 

Dr. Yasmin Ali, a practicing family physician, has been serving her community for many years. Her medical practice has positively influenced the health and wellness of countless patients. Like Yousuf, she is deeply committed to First Nations health and equity, and together, they make their philanthropic decisions as a team. Their shared dedication to giving back has uplifted many, and their generosity continues to create meaningful change.

Beyond their financial contributions, the Alis are vocal advocates for First Nations communities. Yousuf actively educates others, challenges stereotypes, and debunks biases wherever he encounters them. He often speaks about cultural similarities and emphasizes how much he has learned from First Nations people and the relationships he has built over the years. 

Their commitment remains unwavering. The Alis have pledged to support the Aboriginal Head Start On Reserve (AHSOR) program annually, ensuring that First Nations children receive the strong, culturally grounded early childhood education they deserve. And now, with the same conviction that made him the Foundation’s first donor, Yousuf has taken on a new role—joining the Board of the First Nations Health Foundation.

“I’ve always believed in the power of a vision—seeing the FNHA come to life was one thing, but now, watching the Foundation take shape is incredible. Giving back has always been important to me, and I’ve learned so much from my time working alongside First Nations communities. I’ll continue to learn, to educate myself, and to support in any way I can. That’s why I’m committed to supporting the Head Start program every year—because every child deserves the strongest possible foundation in life.” – Yousuf Ali

Through their combined leadership, advocacy, and generosity, Yousuf and Dr. Yasmin Ali are nurturing a vision that continues to flourish—deeply rooted in community, resilience, and the belief that every child deserves the best possible start in life.