“I have always been proud of my Indigenous roots. I was born in New Brunswick, have Mi’kmaq heritage, and identify as Metis. It gives me great pride to see other Indigenous people where I work. I see it as a true reflection of the community I live in and I’m so happy to see the Victoria Hospitals Foundation supporting diversity through the Indigenous Island Health Employee Scholarship Fund.

Donors who support this scholarship are opening doors for Indigenous people in healthcare. This scholarship helped me take on a new role in the Comox Valley Hospital, where I worked as a purchasing clerk for six years. I have always been drawn to the operating room, and after doing some research, I found the Medical Reprocessing Technician program offered through Vancouver Island University.

Last spring, I started in my new role as a reprocessing technician. My team and I play an important role in the hospital making sure surgical tools and other personal care equipment is sterilized and ready for use. I like to describe it as one of the ‘behind the scenes’ jobs at the hospital because many people don’t know this role exists, but it’s vital to all the care that happens in the hospital.

Since completing the course and starting my new job, I’ve seen so many inspiring moments in the operating room. I’ve witnessed surgeons remove a tumor and reconstruct a patient’s knee. It’s amazing to see. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than to know that I played a part in how that patient is treated.

To the donors who supported me through this scholarship, I share my gratitude: thank you.

My mother is a nurse in the same hospital where I work, which is a blessing for me. Watching her career and how she cared for others is what influenced me to get into healthcare. I naturally gravitated towards the operating room: I like thinking about how the equipment, in the hands of dedicated caregivers, helps people in my community. I get personal satisfaction from knowing that our patients are getting the best care possible, and I love knowing that the instruments are top notch and sterilized.

I grew up in a military household. Together, my parents showed me the value of education and hard work and I want to instill similar values in my children. I have a young family, a 2-year-old and another one on the way. I want my children to see that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. It’s also important to me that they are connected to our Indigenous culture, the way my father taught me. I want them to understand the values and traditions of my culture.

I’m a strong believer that diversity adds to the sense of community we all feel whether that’s at school, work, or where we live. I want that for my children. I want my kids to see themselves reflected in the in the communities they live—including seeing Indigenous people in more diverse roles.

I want to extend a profound thank you to the donors who contribute to this scholarship, so Indigenous people like me, can advance their careers and knowledge, and ultimately better help our patients, too.

Your generosity demonstrates a genuine care for others and a deep respect for our culture, and that means so much to me. This scholarship is a vital step toward building a stronger, more inclusive community, and I am truly grateful for your kindness. Your support is making a real difference.

I’m proud of my background and culture, I’m proud of my Mi-kmaq heritage. I appreciate the work the Victoria Hospitals Foundation is doing to promote a culture of diversity within Island Health, especially with scholarships like this one, that promote educational opportunities for Indigenous employees.”