SCO’s Health Care Heroes

by ahnationtalk on April 8, 2021719 Views

April 8, 2021

It has been a very uncertain year for everyone as a new “normal” emerged and precious lives were lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The disproportionate impact on First Nations and their citizens remains a top issue. Throughout every difficult moment this year, First Nation frontline workers and leadership have stood up and devoted themselves to helping others and saving lives. Chiefs, Councils, Health Directors, front line workers, and others have devoted themselves to keeping their communities safe throughout the long and difficult pandemic.

In recognition of World Health Day 2021, we celebrate some of the SCO Health Care Heroes we have had the pleasure of meeting this year!

Let us know who YOUR favourite health care hero is by emailing media@scoinc.mb.ca.

Epitome of Strong Leadership – Pine Creek First Nation

Last year, SCO made history by signing an historic agreement with the federal government to begin transferring control of health care into our own hands.

Chief Karen Batson from Pine Creek First Nation is a remarkable leader who chairs SCO’s Chiefs Health Action Table.

When asked about this critical work, Chief Batson remarked she sees an opportunity to envision, create, and develop a health care system that TRULY addresses the diverse health care needs of all First Nation people in southern Manitoba.

Before being elected as Pine Creek’s first female Chief in early 2017, Batson taught at Brandon University and Assiniboine Community College and also worked as a Mental Health Practitioner.

We are so fortunate to have Chief Batson leading this initiative for our communities!

Nurse Cindy Garson

Cindy is the Director of Health for the Interlake Reserves Tribal Council (IRTC). In her role, Cindy represents the IRTC at various working groups advocating for enhanced direct health care services for First Nation communities.

Due to her exceptional experience as nurse for 27 years with 10 years of health management experience, Cindy was selected to represent SCO on Manitoba’s Intergovernmental COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force.

“Our deepest thanks and gratitude goes out to our colleague Cindy Garson,” said Grand Chief Daniels. “Her commitment to serving our 34 Anishinaabe and Dakota First Nations on this essential Task Force is remarkable, and it follows decades of commitment to improving health services for our people at the local, regional and national levels.”

Dr. Marcia Anderson

Dr. Marcia Anderson, MD, is Cree-Anishinaabe and grew up in the North End of Winnipeg with family roots from Peguis First Nation and Norway House Cree Nation.

At the age of four, Marcia Anderson says she knew that one day, she wanted to become a doctor—twenty years later, Anderson was the youngest Indigenous graduate from the Faculty of Medicine in Manitoba and the youngest president of the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada!

Anderson is now Vice-Dean of Indigenous Health at the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba and Executive Director of Indigenous Academic Affairs at the Ongomiizwin Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing.

Dr. Anderson has been a critical leader for all First Nations in Manitoba throughout the Pandemic.

She sprang into action as a lead organizer for a First Nation COVID-19 vaccination pop-up site in Winnipeg that opened earlier this year. She said it was “extremely personally rewarding after a very difficult 10-11 months to be able to sit with some knowledge keepers and healers, offer them the vaccine, and pray together.”

We appreciate all the Dr. Anderson has done for our Relatives and communities. She will be a true inspiration for generations to come!

The SCO Health Unit was established in response to the high rates of disease occurring within the Southern First Nation communities through a resolution on January 13, 1999 by the SCO Chiefs-in-Summit. Since then, the SCO Health Team has provided support as requested by member First Nations in the areas of: advocacy, advisory, facilitation, communication, policy development, and research.

NT5