Rooted in culture: An Indigenous nurse’s path in health care – NLHealthServices
June 24, 2025
A dream rooted in culture
From a young age, Nicole knew she wanted to be a nurse. Growing up in Rigolet, a close-knit Inuit community in Labrador, she looked up to the local nurses and admired their dedication. Her Inuktitut teacher used to say, “You’re going to take care of me when I’m old.” That affirmation stuck.
Education was a core value in her family—her grandmother was the first Inuk teacher in Labrador. But life took Nicole down a unique path. As a single parent, she began working as a community health worker before enrolling in the Integrated Nursing Access Program in 2005. The program allowed her to stay close to home and complete most of her degree in Labrador, surrounded by community and support.
Today, Nicole is a proud regional registered nurse with over 13 years of experience across Northern Labrador. She has served in communities like Makkovik, Hopedale, Postville, and her hometown of Rigolet.
Read More: https://nlhealthservices.ca/story/rooted-in-culture/
