On the first day of National Nursing Week, we celebrate Indigenous Nurses Day. Indigenous Nurses Day acknowledges the dedication and achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis nurses and recognizes their invaluable work in improving the health and well-being of all people in Canada.

Indigenous nurses play a vital role in the health care system, providing culturally relevant care in communities across the province. In honour of Indigenous Nurses Day, we would like to highlight the achievements of Indigenous nurses. The expertise and dedication of Indigenous nurses have made an impact on the lives of many patients and their families, not only inspiring others but also raising awareness of the role that Indigenous nurses play in promoting wellness and healing for Indigenous communities.  Thank you to the Indigenous nurses who work tirelessly to provide exceptional care to the people of Northwestern Ontario.  

Thank you to the Indigenous nurses who work tirelessly to provide exceptional care to the people of Northwestern Ontario.  

 

Cheyenne Spence

My name is Cheyenne Spence, and I am from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory (Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte). I have had the privilege of working as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department (ED) at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre for the past six years, and I am excited to have stepped into my role as the Emergency Department Indigenous Care Coordinator.

I began my healthcare career in Southern Ontario as a Registered Practical Nurse working in forensics at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences. Wanting to expand my scope of practice and deepen my impact in patient care, I returned to school to complete my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Lakehead University, relocating to Thunder Bay in 2015.

While living in Thunder Bay, I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including Southbridge Roseview and St. Joseph’s Hospital. My experiences across these roles have strengthened my commitment to patient advocacy, culturally safe care, and improving healthcare experiences for Indigenous patients and families.

As I continue my role as ED Indigenous Care Coordinator, I am passionate about supporting Indigenous patients throughout their healthcare journeys, fostering culturally responsive practices, and strengthening connections between community and hospital care.

Lexxi Saarinen

My name is Lexxi Saarinen, and I am a proud member of Fort William First Nation. I graduated from the RPN program in 2018 and am currently working toward my BScN at Lakehead University.

I have been working at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre since 2018 and have gained experience across different medical areas, most recently on 1A. Alongside my hospital work, I also work with Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority, where I travel to northern communities to provide nursing care. This role has strengthened my skills in community health, adaptability, and trauma-informed, culturally responsive care

I have also had the opportunity to do travel nursing in British Columbia, working on medical floors and in emergency departments. These experiences pushed me outside my comfort zone, strengthened my clinical skills, and helped me grow both personally and professionally.

I am now honoured to work in the role of Indigenous Care Coordinator in the Emergency Department. In this role, I support Indigenous patients and families, advocate within the healthcare system, and bring Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into care.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and being out at camp. I am passionate about providing advocacy, support, and culturally safer care, and I am proud to contribute to improving healthcare experiences for Indigenous peoples across Northwestern Ontario.

Martina White

I was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario. I am a member of Pays Plat First Nation. Some of my happiest memories as a child are of my family and being in the outdoors.

Since I was a young age, I knew I wanted to have a job helping people. With my middle school, we went to a long term care home and the way we were able to put smiles on their faces, just by talking to them and reminiscing, I knew that is what I wanted to do.

I graduated from the Registered Practical Nursing Program in 2018. I worked in long term care for 5 years. Some of my best memories are from those years and I will cherish those memories forever.

In January, 2024 I started my current job as an Indigenous Care Coordinator at the TBRHSC. Seeing the effects to the Indigenous population in long term care, I knew I would love being a part of supporting and advocating for indigenous people during their hospital stay and assisting with their discharge home. These transitions and hospital admissions are very difficult for most and I love to make the transition and hospital stay as enjoyable as possible.

I am honoured to be an Indigenous Care Coordinator at TBRHSC and I am excited to see what the future holds.

Angela Bearman

I am from  Lac Seul First Nation (Treaty #3). I am a Registered Nurse and have worked in the Emergency Department for 12 years. I am grateful to be included in this recognition as a proud Indigenous Nurse at the TBRHSC. I love my job and plan on working here for many years to come. Miigwetch, Thank You!

Alicia Roy

I was born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario. My family and I are from Fort William First Nation Reserve. Growing up on Fort William and coming from a big family, I was always outdoors exploring nature from a young age. I enjoyed attending Pow-wows when I could and admired the beauty of our culture, traditional teachings and ceremonies.

Growing up on a reserve my whole life was definitely a challenge. Through my struggles and challenges dealing with discrimination. It pushed me to show the world that our people can thrive and go beyond what is stereotypically said about First Nations. I made it my mission to hopefully inspire our youth as well as encourage them to reach for the top. Not all success happens easily, but with determination and perseverance you can do anything. My compassion and empathy for helping people was very prominent in my everyday interactions with people. When I decided to be a registered nurse, I knew I would be able to do just that.

With that said, I persevered through school and graduated from Lakehead University in 2007 successfully obtaining Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I started working my first position at Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Center on the inpatient oncology unit 1A which I did for 12 years and now I work with outpatient oncology population in the Cancer Center at TBRHSC.

I take pride in my job as an Oncology nurse knowing that I can help people at their most vulnerable time and hopefully guide them through and make the process much easier for them. I take pride in easing their fears, reassure them and giving them hope and support they need.

My goal is to bridge the gap between our differences, inspire inclusion, provide culturally sensitive care, change perspectives and inspire everyone to do the same. How other people treat you is their path; how you respond to them is yours. So just be kind, you never know how much someone needs it.

I am honoured to call myself Indigenous.

Kendaaz

Boozhoo, Giikendaazo niindizhnikaaz, naame doodem asubpeechoseewagong doonji

Hello, my name is Kendaaz, from the sturgeon clan of Grassy Narrows First Nations. 

I originally grew up in my reserve, Grassy Narrows where I would practice my traditional lifestyle of hunting, trapping, fishing, beading, and traditional Woodland dancing. During the weekdays, I would also attend elementary and high school in Kenora. After graduating high school, I began my education at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, for a Bachelor’s degree of Science in Nursing in 2021 and have recently graduated this year and have now become a Registered Nurse. 

While growing up in a First Nations community, I have always had a passion for giving back to communities and being a role model for future young Indigenous nurses. 

Before beginning my position at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre as a Registered Nurse on 2C, I have worked with several Indigenous organizations including research groups studying the deficits that the mercury poisoning has had on the English-Wabigoon water system, an Indigenous long term care home, and an Indigenous rehabilitation/treatment centre. 

With my vast array of experience in healthcare and the knowledge I have as an Indigenous person raised in a First Nations community I hope to ultimately help future patients and their families feel safe through my empathetic and culturally competent care as they go through some of the most difficult times in their lives. Ultimately, I am proud to be an Indigenous Registered Nurse at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre! Miigwetch!

Shaelyn Leblanc

My name is Shaelyn Leblanc, and I was born and raised in Thunder Bay. As a teenager, my family began to learn more about our ancestors from Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, which sparked a deeper understanding of my Indigenous roots. This connection has broadened my perspective on Indigenous teachings, which I integrate into my nursing practice every day. Teachings such as respect, humility, courage, and wisdom guide my work with families, both in the NICU and as part of our Pediatric Emergency Transport Team. These teachings influence my approach to healthcare and nursing practice by allowing me to be a better support for Indigenous families. I strongly carry these values with me while transporting our littlest patients from communities of Northwestern Ontario to TBRHSC!