Indigenous Services Canada Announces 2019 Recipients for Award of Excellence in Nursing

Celebrating exemplary healthcare work in First Nations and Inuit communities

May 6, 2019 - Ottawa, ON - Indigenous Services Canada

Nurses play a pivotal role in enhancing the health of all Canadians. In First Nations and Inuit communities, nurses work tirelessly to provide high-quality, culturally respectful healthcare services.

Today, at the start of National Nursing Week, the Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Indigenous Services, announced the 2019 recipients of the Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) Award of Excellence in Nursing.

This year's award ceremony recognizes three nurses for their exceptional efforts, initiative and dedication to improve the health of First Nations and Inuit:

• Barathi Vengadasamy, an ISC employed nurse working in Northwestern Ontario who focuses on building connections with the community to understand their unique needs.
• Jenifer Bujold, a Nunavut-based nurse with a passion for northern nursing and the drive to better the experiences of both healthcare workers and Nunavummiut.
• Janet McKenzie, a First Nations Cree nurse practicing in her home community, working to improve the health and wellbeing of her clients and to advocate for independence in their own homes for as long as they are able to stay there.

Each year, three frontline nurses receive the award of excellence for their outstanding work in providing health services in First Nations and Inuit communities. Nominated by their peers, recipients have shown commitment to their healthcare work through sound judgement, professionalism, and culturally appropriate support in their nursing practices.

Nurses are fundamental to the success of our healthcare system. Today and every other day, we thank nurses for all the work they do in making sure communities across the country stay strong and healthy.