Four Students Receive Aboriginal Student Achievement Awards

Jordyn, who is originally from Prince Albert, but completing her program at the Saskatoon Campus, has shown excellent leadership on behalf of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students through her representation on the Saskatchewan Nursing Student Association of Saskatoon. Jordyn has organized student orientation sessions for incoming students, stress reduction days for classmates, a peer led mentoring program and mentored many students over multiple years. She helped organize mock Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE's) and a pre-OSCE question and answer session to help alleviate stress around these challenging exams. She is a member of the Nursing Graduation Committee and a student member of the Undergraduate Education Committee. Jordyn has volunteered for the Graduation Powwow, Discovery Days and multiple Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing accreditation meetings to provide student feedback.

Rene is an accomplished Licensed Practical Nurse and will complete her fourth year of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in April 2017. Rene has worked as a Research Assistant with nursing professor, Dr. Sandra Bassendowski and Treaty Four Education Alliance, Rhonda Kayseas for The Literacy Project. She worked with families, single mothers and fathers from the Cowessess First Nation to teach them about "Baby Brain Development, Nutrition and Traditional Knowledge". Rene, with the help of the community, will develop and create an e-book unique to the community that will tell the communities stories.

Kristy is a fourth year student in her final term of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the La Ronge campus. She is not only strong academically, but also shows outstanding leadership qualities. Kristy is a strong advocate for both herself, as well as her fellow classmates on topics, such as personal and academic supports. She was chosen to participate in the 2016 Innovative Learning Institute on Circumpolar Health, where she represented herself, the College of Nursing and her community of Stanley Mission very well. Kristy was crucial in facilitating the attendance of herself and three other Northern Nursing Students at the Indigenous Nurses Gala in Saskatoon in November. She also stepped up to introduce the keynote speaker at the gala and assisted in presenting her with a star blanket.

Megan is a student who has shown great perseverance in her journey to become a nurse. Megan was originally admitted to the nursing program in 2010; however, due to other commitments, had to leave the program shortly after. She was re-admitted to the program in 2015 and has been excelling in the program ever since. Megan is currently in her third year and has a 77.2% average. The faculty member who nominated Megan affirms that not only is she strong academically, but she is also a leader, mentor and example to her fellow classmates.

“These students demonstrate many of the values that the College of Nursing strives to uphold: leadership, a sense of community and being empowered to address the challenges that one encounters,” said College of Nursing Strategist for Outreach and Indigenous Engagement, Dr. Heather Exner-Pirot. “We are proud of the contributions that Jordyn, Rene, Kristy and Megan have made to their respective campuses and communities, and happy to have this opportunity to celebrate their achievements.”