Three Students Receive Indigenous Achievement Awards
The University of Saskatchewan (U of S) celebrated Indigenous Achievement Week February 5 – 9th with a range of cultural events, activities and celebrations dedicated to celebrating the success and contributions of Métis, First Nations and Inuit students, staff and faculty. One of the highlights of the week was the Indigenous Achievement Student Awards Ceremony held February 8th. The College of Nursing is proud to announce we had three highly deserving students receive awards this year.
Jillian Henry-Wilkinson
From: San Clara/Boggy Creek Studying At: Yorkton Campus, Award for Community
Jillian Henry-Wilkinson is a fourth year Metis nursing student recognized for her commitment and work in the community. This past fall, Jillian organized a very successful and inclusive Reconciliation event for all students at Parkland College. In December 2017, Jillian organized and hosted two events during HIV Awareness Week, including a pizza fundraiser to help raise money for free condom dispensaries at Parkland College and an HIV Awareness Day in Kamsack at the New Beginnings Community Outreach Centre. The College of Nursing is very proud of Jillian’s determination, leadership and perseverance.
Christian-Lee Masuskapoe
From: Ahtahkakoop First Nation, Studying At: Prince Albert Campus, Award for Leadership
Christian-Lee Masuskapoe is a third year nursing student who continually demonstrates strong academic and clinical achievement, as well as leadership, courage and class by speaking out on important Indigenous issues. Christian-Lee recognized the need for Indigenous voice and perspective in student leadership and is currently the first Indigenous Student Ambassador for the Saskatchewan Nursing Student Association of Prince Albert and the North. The College of Nursing is very proud of Christian-Lee’s leadership, principles and conviction.
Crystal Williams
From: Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, Studying At: Saskatoon Campus, Award for Leadership
Crystal Williams is a third year nursing student who has displayed transformative growth over the past two years of her nursing education in a number of areas and is a strong supporter of her colleagues and an advocate for positive change. Crystal demonstrates her leadership qualities as she works alongside her classmates forming study groups, encouraging others to succeed and bringing forward issues to work towards the best learning environment for all students. The College of Nursing is very proud of Crystal’s hard work, resilience, advocacy, thoughtful contributions to class discussions and community mindedness.
“The Indigenous Achievement Awards provide a wonderful opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the accomplishments of our Indigenous nursing students,” said Strategist for Outreach and Indigenous Engagement Dr. Heather Exner-Pirot. “Jillian, Christian-Lee and Crystal have had such positive impacts in their program and in their communities. They embody the values of the College of Nursing and we couldn’t be more proud of the leadership they have demonstrated.”