Nurses in Profile
The nurses providing health care services in First Nations and Inuit
communities across the country are an inspiring group of people. Here
we take a closer look at a few of the truly exceptional individuals who
make up that group.
Read about the passion and dedication of one of our exceptional nurses:
Awards of Excellence in Nursing
The Award of Excellence in Nursing celebrates the dedication, initiative
and excellence of nurses employed by First Nations communities, Health
Canada and Inuit communities who work in partnership to improve the health
of Canada's Aboriginal peoples.
It is presented every year during National Nursing Week and nurses are
nominated for this award by their peers, to recognize the contribution
of nurses to First Nations and Inuit communities.
The 2006 award recipients are:
 Sandro Échaquan,
who grew up in the Atikamekw community of Manawan, Quebec, has worked
there as a nurse since 1999. Mr. Échaquan has a master's degree
in nursing from Université de Montréal and is currently
studying to qualify as a nurse practitioner in primary care, while
also holding down a job in a promising telehealth project. Sandro's
peers agree that his enthusiasm and persevering attitude make him an
exceptional resource for his clients. There is no doubt that Sandro Échaquan
embodies the future of nursing in First Nation communities.
 Susan
Jewitt has been nurse in charge for almost four years at
the Horse Lake First Nation Health Centre in Alberta. She has successfully
introduced a number of health programs in the community and has pioneered
a volunteer centre at Grande Prairie Regional College. Ms. Jewitt's
greatest passions are prenatal education and women's health issues.
Susan is currently working towards her MA in nursing. Through initiatives
such as smoking cessation programs for teens and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
walks, she is a role model for staff and has become a source of inspiration
to her community.
 Gail
Redpath has worked in First Nations and Inuit communities
for over 25 years. Since 1988, she has been supervisor of health
programs in Arctic Bay, Nunavut. Ms. Redpath is hoping to become
a nurse practitioner. In addition to her work as a nurse, Gail serves
as an elected council member, is involved in local radio shows, the
National Addictions Awareness week, and in the coordination of a
local AIDS walk. These actions demonstrate her commitment to the
community.
See the May 2006 News
Release - Minister of Health presents awards of Excellence in Nursing.
Past Award Winners
2005 Awards of Excellence in Nursing
2004 Awards of Excellence in Nursing
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