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What led you into the nursing profession?

In 2010 while working for the Government of Canada on the settlement of Indian Residential School (IRS) claims, I learned about a piece of Canadian history that I was ignorant about but had impacted my family’s history and my culture. During my childhood, I watched my family struggle with their health without clearly understanding why these challenges occurred. While sitting in my cubicle and piecing together what I knew about my family’s history, I realized that some of these problems were a result of intergenerational trauma related to IRSs. I knew in that moment that I wanted to have a more personal connection and direct influence in advancing Indigenous health. I recognized that nursing would be a profession that would support me in addressing the needs of my family as well as increase my awareness around Indigenous health needs.

How did you get to where you are today?

I completed my BScN at Langara College and through their support, became very active as a student by joining several school committees. This led to my involvement with CNSA where I served as Vice-President from 2015-2016. Through that role, I held a Board seat with CASN. I was also involved with CINA and am now newly, and proudly, elected onto that Board.

What do you find most challenging in your current role?

The biggest challenges that I encounter in Indigenous advocacy are engaging nurses and other health care providers to recognize the strength of Indigenous knowledge, and supporting Indigenous nurses in incorporating that knowledge into patient care and policy development. Fostering self-determination and strengthening capacity within Indigenous nurses through authentic and genuine relationships is critical in order to move beyond tokenism. While there has been some progress made over the years, there is still a long way to go in ensuring health care providers approach their work with cultural humility.

What do you find most rewarding in your current role?

I am empowered and hopeful when nurses are able to collaborate and come together united on an issue that then translates into positive changes to the system and the health care of Canadians. I have been extremely fortunate to work on several projects with devoted and passionate colleagues on a grass roots level where we have made substantial changes through our dedication and hard work. Together we are strong.

What advice would you give to new nurses or individuals considering nursing as a career?

It seems like a cliché, but as a new grad my message to students and novice nurses is to know that while the road ahead is not easy and the challenges are real, nursing is the most rewarding career so please don’t give up. You will make it through the harder times and it is worth it!

Nursing is...

challenging, rewarding, ever changing, and it has strengthened my relationship with coffee!.