Indigenous Services Canada Announces 2018 Award Recipients for Excellence in Nursing Celebrating exceptional contributions to the health and well-being of First Nations and Inuit

May, 7, 2018 – Ottawa, ON – Indigenous Services Canada

Nurses in Canada are essential to advancing the country’s healthcare system. Their work in providing high-quality primary and critical care and advocating for health promotion and disease prevention contributes greatly to improving the health of alCanadians.

May 7 marks the beginning of National Nursing Week, and today, Don Rusnak, Parliamentary Secretary, on behalf of the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, recognized this year’s three recipients of the Award of Excellence in Nursing, organized by Indigenous Services Canada:

Lyrithe Villeneuve, a long-time nurse at the Ungava Tulattavik Health Centre who has been practicing in the North for 42 years to improve Inuit health and well-being.
Bodiene Dussion, an Indigenous Community Health Nurse on the Saulteaux First Nation who works alongside the provincial health system to improve services in the community.
Cheryl Yost, a First Nations and Inuit Health Branch employed nurse at Sandy Lake Nursing Station in remote northern Ontario working to support changes to the healthcare experience for First Nations Peoples.

These annual awards held in Ottawa are presented to three frontline nurses for their exceptional work in providing health care to First Nations and Inuit communities, and to thank them for their tireless efforts and dedication to the healthcare profession. Recipients, nominated by their peers, have demonstrated their commitment to the nursing practice through sound judgement, professionalism, leadership and by valuing diversity.

We all benefit from the help and care nurses provide. Today, take some time to thank a nurse for the positive difference they make in our lives.

Quotes

“This year’s recipients of the Award of Excellence in Nursing have shown tremendous dedication to the nursing profession and to delivering quality healthcare to First Nations and Inuit communities. Congratulations and thank you to Lyrithe Villeneuve, Bodiene Dussion, and Cheryl Yost for your exceptional commitment and contributions to improving Indigenous healthcare in Canada.”

The Honourable Jane Philpott, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services

Associated links

Contacts

Rachel Rappaport
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jane Philpott
Minister of Indigenous Services
819-934-2796

Media Relations
Indigenous Services Canada
819-953-1160

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