TD Aboriginal Nursing Fund Award – Master’s

I am a Family Care Nurse Practitioner student starting my second year at Athabasca University.  Being of Métis heritage, I grew up with a real connection to the land and community.  I valued my childhood living on my family farm in rural Ontario, and always had a passion for helping others.  I worked for our local veterinary clinic for several years and could often be found rescuing some sort of animal or another.  My interest in nursing began several years ago after I was a participant in a Canada World Youth Exchange program to Ecuador.  Inspired by this international experience I returned to Canada and completed my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at York University.  I have been very fortunate in my nursing career to always have been working in areas in which I feel I was able to contribute.  Much of my clinical experience has been in the paediatric emergency department, working in trauma, transport, and simulation education.  I currently live in the Foothills of the Rockies with my husband and two daughters.

I have a strong passion for providing accessible, healthcare for rural and indigenous populations and believe that real change can be made in a person’s health when we collaboratively care for our patients.  I am deeply grateful for the generosity of both the Canadian Nurses Foundation and the TD Aboriginal Nursing Fund Award.  I am truly honored to be a recipient and continue to look for ways to give back to my community.