NANB Master’s Scholarship

Kwe (hello), my name is Shelley Francis, and I am a Wolastoqiyik Eh’pit (Wolastoqiyik woman), who has been practicing as a nurse for thirty-three years, thirty-one of which was in Wabanaki communities in New Brunswick.  My late paternal grandmother was the source of fire within me and told me that I was born to help our People, and that I was going to be in the medical field someday. When I was younger, I experienced familial illness and was always keen to help out and make them comfortable.  My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was in grade 10, and my experiences in the hospital as she navigated her illness created such a passion in me to help others, so I decided early in high school to become a nurse. 

I have been  honored to serve my People in so many different capacities as a nurse during my career, and in my graduate studies, I have found my passion in research through engaging with my communities and helping them to get the answers they are looking for that best supports their unique needs. Uplifting the voices of my People is my daily mantra, and effecting change for our next seven generations is my primary expected outcome.  

Kci-woliwon (thank you very much) for this scholarship gift.  I am honored and will ensure that it is used in a way that supports my research project.