Pride, determination and gratitude from one of more than 500 Island Health employees of Aboriginal descent
October 13, 2014
VICTORIA – Sabrina Blanchard may be thousands of kilometres away from her hometown of Mayo in the Yukon as she cares for patients in her new job at Victoria General Hospital, but the memories from her childhood are close to her heart no matter where she is.
Blanchard is a member of the Selkirk First Nation Band of the Yukon and is the 500th Island Health employee to self-identify as being of Aboriginal descent. Sabrina was hired to the Neurology unit at Victoria General Hospital in late August after receiving support from the organization’s Aboriginal Employment Program.
“As a child, fish camps and moose meat were a big part my Indigenous heritage,” says Sabrina. “Health services, on the other hand, were almost non-existent.” She remembers the richness of her Northern Tutchone speaking elders and close knit families who practiced and passed down their traditional ways of life through fishing, hunting, language music and art. But, with one local nursing clinic and major medical services stationed several hours away in Whitehorse, there simply weren’t many opportunities to observe careers in health care.
What she did observe would set the stage for the person she is today, and in many ways, prepare her for her new role as a Licensed Practical Nurse with Island Health.
Sabrina’s father passed away when she was still a child. “As a young Northern Tutchone man who struggled with mental illness and addiction, there was little room in the health care system for him and a lot of stigma,” says Blanchard. For her, it stands out as an example of someone who slipped through the cracks of many systems. Sabrina witnessed firsthand the impacts of racism, poverty, mental health and addictions on her family and she resolved to repair those cracks, one step at a time – starting with her decision to pursue a career in health.
After graduating from Camosun’s LPN program with honours, Sabrina was surprised to receive no response after applying to a number of positions at Island Health. But Sabrina says connecting with Island Health’s Aboriginal Employment team changed her life.
“They supported me in refining my resume and cover letter, they sent me emails to check in on my progress, they worked to get to know me, learned about my career interests and notified me when suitable job openings came up,” says Sabrina. “They also provided me with resources that helped me feel more confident about my interview and math skills.”
“We weren’t about to let someone like Sabrina get away,” says Steve Sxwithul’txw, Coordinator, Aboriginal Employment Program for Island Health. “Not only is she a wonderful advocate for First Nations health and wellness, she is passionate that all people feel safe, respected and heard when accessing health services. She values diversity and respect for everyone, and represents the best that we could hope to hire in a caregiver.”
Blanchard is among more than 500 employees who have self-identified as being of Aboriginal, Métis or Inuit descent at Island Health. Island Health is actively working to achieve a workforce that is more representative of the Aboriginal communities in the region, thereby promoting the culturally safe health services for Aboriginal patients and improving the health status of Aboriginal people on Vancouver Island.
“I am so proud of this generation of Indigenous powerhouses and our decision to carry on our traditions in a positive and revolutionary manner. We care about our culture, the environment, education and the health of our people,” notes Sabrina. “Being a strong representative of my band and building understanding about Indigenous culture has positive implications for all people.”
In addition to crediting Island Health’s Aboriginal Employment team for their assistance, she credits her band for their considerable support and contributions towards her education and her family for their ongoing support and inspiration.
For more information about Island Health’s Aboriginal Employment program, visit: www.viha.ca/careers/aboriginal.
South Island Media Inquiries
Sarah Plank
Media Relations Manager
Phone: 250.727.4275
Email: sarah.plank@viha.ca
Central and North Island Media Inquiries
Val Wilson
Manager, Regional Communications
Phone: 250.739.6303
Email: valerie.wilson@viha.ca
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