Three Students Receive Indigenous Achievement Awards
Three College of Nursing students have received Indigenous Student Achievement Awards.
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) celebrated Indigenous Achievement Week February 3rd - 7th with a variety of cultural events, activities and celebrations dedicated to celebrating the success and contributions of Métis, First Nations and Inuit students, staff, faculty and alumni. Every year students from across USask are asked for input into the theme of the annual event and this year’s chosen theme was Indigenous Knowledge Systems.
One of the highlights of the achievement week was the Indigenous Student Achievement Awards Ceremony held February 6th. Indigenous students were honoured for their academic, leadership and community outreach accomplishments. The College of Nursing is proud to announce we had three highly deserving students receive awards this year.
- Erica-Rae Desjarlais
From: Ile-a-la-Crosse
Studying At: Ile-a-la-Crosse Site
Academic Excellence Award
Erica-Rae Desjarlais is a 3rd year nursing student who has shown outstanding dedication to her nursing program. She has truly become a leader in her own education. Erica-Rae travels over 600 km weekly to attend labs with nursing students in La Ronge. Despite being away from her home each week, Erica-Rae has remained a strong student, boasting an academic average over 80% in all years of her program.
Summer Gaudet
From: K’atl’odeeche First Nation/Hay River Dene Reserve, NWT
Studying At: Prince Albert Campus
Community Award
Summer is recognized for her outstanding work ethic, which is reflected in her strong academic performance. She was selected as a Research Assistant for a College of Nursing faculty member and assisted in writing a manuscript, as well as, completing a Gender-Based Analysis plus exercise project. Her performance in these two assignments was exceptional. She is a 3rd year nursing student.
Requel Rope
From: Nakota Assiniboine Ceg-A-Kin First Nation (Carry the Kettle)
Studying At: Saskatoon Campus
Leadership Award
Requel Rope [Medicinerope (Ganusha É Wásté Wyán - Good Voice Woman)] is a 4th year student in the College of Nursing. Requel’s leadership skills are stellar and she always speaks up, takes pride in her culture and educates others around her. Her passion is Indigenous Health and how Indigenous world views and spirituality are incorporated into the western system. She has been an advocate to ensure the Blanket Exercise is incorporated into the nursing students’ educational experience. She nurtures her fellow students, makes everyone feel included and supports her Indigenous colleagues brilliantly.
“These students are a gift to the nursing profession and are exceeding in their studies,” said Interim Dean Dr. Lois Berry. “The Indigenous Student Achievement Awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our Indigenous nursing students. The effort these three students are putting into completing their nursing program is outstanding and they have such a positive influence on others in their program and are making such an impact in their communities. They truly embody the values of the College of Nursing and we couldn’t be more proud of the leadership they have demonstrated.”