Ottawa - Health Minister Tony Clement presented Awards of Excellence in Nursing today
to three nurses serving First Nations and Inuit communities during a ceremony held in recognition of National
Nursing Week in Ottawa.
"Congratulations to the three recipients for their exceptional commitment to their
profession and to their patients. This year's recipients are well deserving of the First Nations and Inuit
Health Branch Award of Excellence in Nursing," said Health Minister Tony Clement.
The Award of
Excellence in Nursing celebrates the dedication, initiative and excellence of nurses employed by
First Nations communities, Health Canada and Inuit communities who work in partnership to improve
the health of Canada's Aboriginal peoples. It is presented every year during National Nursing Week and nurses
are nominated for this award by their peers. Each winner receives a $2,500 non-cash award to be used for their
professional development.
"Their outstanding contributions to improving the health of Aboriginal peoples and
to innovation in the nursing profession is more than worthy of the recognition we are giving them today. I
am especially pleased that on the occasion of this 4th awards ceremony, we are recognizing for the first time
the important work of nurses working in Inuit communities in Canada's North," added Minister Clement.
This year's awards recipients are:
Sandro Echaquan, who grew up in the Atikamekw community of Manawan, Quebec, has worked there as a nurse since
1999. Mr. Echaquan has a master's degree in nursing from Université de Montréal and is currently studying
to qualify as a nurse practitioner in primary care, while also holding down a job in a promising telehealth
project. Sandro's peers agree that his enthusiasm and persevering attitude make him an exceptional resource
for his clients. There is no doubt that Sandro Echaquan embodies the future of nursing in First Nation communities.
Susan Jewitt has been nurse in charge for almost four years at the Horse Lake First Nation
Health Centre in Alberta. She has successfully introduced a number of health programs in the community
and has pioneered a volunteer centre at Grande Prairie Regional College. Ms. Jewitt's greatest passions are
prenatal education and women's health issues. Susan is currently working towards her MA in nursing. Through
initiatives such as smoking cessation programs for teens and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome walks, she is a role model
for staff and has become a source of inspiration to her community.
Gail Redpath has worked in First Nations
and Inuit communities for over 25 years. Since 1988, she has been supervisor of health programs
in Arctic Bay, Nunavut. Ms. Redpath is hoping to become a nurse practitioner. In addition to her
work as a nurse, Gail serves as an elected council member, is involved in local radio shows, the
National Addictions Awareness week, and in the coordination of a local AIDS walk. These actions demonstrate
her commitment to the community.
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Media Inquiries:
Paul Duchesne
Media Relations Officer
Health Canada
(613)954-4807
Erik Waddell
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
Public Enquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709
