Aspiring Indigenous Nurse Leader

Why did you choose the UBC Vancouver School of Nursing? 

I saw a gradual entry call out to Indigenous nurses, so I applied and started the Leadership in Nursing NURS 512 course and enrolled into the MSN program not long after. I thought this was perfect, because there was a lot of fear and intimidation in applying to UBC. I applied to the NP program back in 2018 and did not get in, so there was also a fear of rejection. But the gradual entry was perfect; I absolutely loved the 512 course and was hooked to take more courses. From there, I reviewed the MSN pathways (capstone vs thesis) and reviewed the requirements. Initially I wanted to take the capstone route, because the thought of research and me did not mix and I was not particularly drawn to research in my BSN program. However, during the MSN program I switched to the thesis route, as the MSN course built upon a solid 4 foundational courses and increased my confidence with regard to nursing research. 

My thesis committee was also very supportive and encouraging, and allowed me the space to create my own Indigenous-led research in my home community of Musqueam. 

Tell us about an experience in your program or a person who has had a significant impact on you.

There are so many memorable moments! The first was being invited to an intimate dinner with the Chief Nursing Officer of Canada, Dr. Leigh Chapman, along with other UBC Faculty and fellow MSN peers. It was inspiring to sit and have table talk conversations with someone at that calibre. Her advice to me was to write a book on the harm reduction work I did in my community of Musqueam. 

I made genuine, lifelong connections with IGEN Indigenous nurses, and a four-day immersive land based learning experience in Victoria with all of them and some memorable faculty. 

I grew a new appreciation and passion for nursing history, and learning about the development of the nursing profession and education. One of our guest lecturers was also a part of my thesis committee, and I was invited to be a co-author for Perry and Potters newest edition as well as to narrate the Indigenous Nursing Leadership film. 

There have been so many amazing faculty, but I give a huge hay čxʷ q̓ə to Lydia Wytenbroek, Elisabeth Baily, Leanne Currie and Helen Brown for all the guidance, encouragement and opportunities they each had a part in throughout my educational journey.

Dr. Leanne Kelly and Dr. Lisa Borque Bearskin from the University of Victoria were amazing IGEN instructors. They left a memorable impression for our IGEN cohort and helped us find our confidence and voice as Indigenous nurses, academics, researchers and much more.

What are some contributions you would like to make when it comes to the future of work in your field?

I have always loved teaching, and the faculty of the MSN program have unanimously invited us IGEN students back. I will happily accept the invitation to whatever capacity that may be. Learning about the long hard road to get the IGEN pathway up and running, and having some of the first graduates go through, was quite powerful to be a part of. I would love to go back and work alongside the next IGEN students and faculty – either on thesis committees, as a guest lecturer, or faculty in land-based classes. 

This program has ignited my passion for, and I would say a responsibility to, carry on what previous Indigenous nurse leaders have done before me. 

There have been monumental strides in terms of Indigenous health care and equity, but there is still a lot more to do. But we, as Indigenous nurses, are connecting and growing stronger and making our presence known in various spaces (acute care, community, leadership, research, policy and more). I will continue to be a strong advocate for Indigenous people, as well as aim to influence policy and be an agent of change. This MSN program and IGEN program have given me more confidence to continue that work, along with making valuable and strong connections.