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 and their home communities. 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.  

Alicia Roy
Community: Fort William First Nation

I was born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario. My family and I are from Fort William First Nation. 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 Centre (TBHRSC) 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.

Angela Bearman
Community: Lac Seul First Nation (Grand Council 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 Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. I love my job and plan on working here for many years to come.

Miigwetch, Thank you!

Caitlyn Meza-King
Community: Gull Bay

My name is Caitlyn Meza-King, and while I currently reside in Nipigon, Ontario, my home is in Gull Bay, First Nation. I identify as First Nation. I am connected to the Gull Bay First Nation community. From a young age, I have aspired to become a nurse. With the support of Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education & Training Institute, attending nursing school has become a reality. Balancing motherhood and studies is challenging, but as an Oshki student, I am empowered to pursue my dreams of a nursing career.

Kendaaz
Community: Grassy Narrows First Nations

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 (TBRHSC) 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 TBRHSC.

Miigwetch!

Martina White
Community: Pays Plat First Nation

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 five 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 (ICC) at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (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 ICC at TBRHSC, and I am excited to see what the future holds.

Shaelyn Leblanc
Community: Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation

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 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit 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 Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre!