Meet Jennifer

Jennifer is a strong advocate for creating culturally safe environments and remains deeply committed to improving outcomes for Indigenous patients and families within the health-care system. Her approach is grounded in anti-oppressive practice, and she strives to provide culturally informed care by respectfully integrating Indigenous teachings with integrity and good intention.

In her role at the Stollery, Jennifer believes that the strength of the relationships her team builds extends beyond their immediate work, creating a positive ripple effect for the patients and families they support.

In her personal life, Jennifer is a mom of five adult children and two grandchildren who she describes as “her heart and soul.” Aside from spending all her time with them, she also loves Starbucks, the sun, camping and traveling.

Let’s find out more about Jennifer:

What do you like most about your job?

My dream and my passion have always been in leadership within Indigenous health. I enjoy advocating and mentoring, utilizing my creative skills while being my authentic self as an Indigenous woman and fostering lasting connections with my team, the children and the families — all while providing a sense of comfort and belonging to create a home-away-from-home where everyone feels heard and valued.

Do you have a personal connection to the Stollery?

I have taken many children and youth to the Stollery in my previous role working with Children and Family Services, and I admired the relationships that social workers and other disciplines had with the families.

Do you have a standout Stollery memory?

My inspiration stemmed from the families that I have supported on the front line, being able to walk alongside them, smudge with them and pray with them through their most vulnerable moments. I appreciate being able to be a source of hope, compassion, comfort and providing a listening ear when needed.

Have donor funds directly impacted the area you work in?

The funds that are specifically for Awasisak have had such a positive impact on the patients and families whom we support — which allows us to continue to have culturally safe care while implementing ceremonies and providing traditional food and medicines to our families. This helps them to feel at home while away from home.

Do you have a favourite Stollery event?

Just one month after I joined the program, we successfully hosted our first event, the Spring Equinox. The event served as a highly inspiring and empowering moment for myself, our team, the Stollery and our patients and families.

What is you favourite kids’ book?

During my childhood we had [physical] books to read, but ultimately my favorite would be when my grandmother recounted stories from her memory, which included the tales of the Three Big Bears, Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs. These moments were precious to me, and I have carried on the tradition by sharing these tales with my children and grandchildren. No matter where you are and if you have money or no money, you can always build memories and traditions that will last a lifetime and be cherished forever.

Do you have a favourite Disney Princess or superhero?

I always loved watching princess movies as a child, and I wanted to be a beautiful, brown-skinned princess with my own happy ending.

What is one thing you’d like to share about the Awasisak Indigenous Health Program?

Our team is built on a foundation of diverse Indigenous backgrounds with both lived and learned experiences that support us to thrive together to provide safe and compassionate care to our patients and families.

What do you hope to see in the future for the program?

I hope to see the Awasisak program expand to the Stollery units at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and Sturgeon Hospital and to be successful in every way. I am also hopeful to complete the talking circles where we can learn from the communities’ feedback and bring it back to the Stollery for more learnings since the program began in 2016.