Inspiring future generations

By

Alan MacKenzie

A new intergenerational collaboration between UM and the University of Victoria aims to inspire young Indigenous nurses to go into leadership positions to address an underrepresentation of First Nations nurses in these roles.

Led by Dr. Wanda Phillips-Beck and Dr. Lisa Bourque Bearskin, Indigenous Research Chairs in Nursing for Manitoba and British Columbia respectively, the program brings together Indigenous nursing leaders and scholars with young nurses and nursing students in annual “Fireside Chat” events.

Philips-Beck is also an associate professor at the College of Nursing and advisor to the dean on Indigenous initiatives. She said that Indigenous nurses are often underrepresented in academic settings, which makes programs like this crucial.

“For example, the number of Indigenous faculty members in the college is disproportionate to Indigenous population.”

She also said Indigenous nursing students continue to face barriers such as racism, limited access to mentorship and a lack of Indigenous representation in academic and leadership roles.

“By supporting Indigenous nurses to become researchers, educators and policy leaders, senior leaders help to ensure that future generations meet the challenge of anti-Indigenous racism, transform nursing education and advance Indigenous health sovereignty,” she said.

“Encouraging students to pursue graduate education is ultimately about preparing the generation that will lead meaningful and lasting change.”

Dr. Wanda Phillips-Beck speaks into a microphone.

Dr. Wanda Phillips-Beck speaks during a workshop session.

College of Nursing hosts inaugural event

UM’s College of Nursing at the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences hosted the inaugural gathering in December 2025.

“It was an honour to host the initiative,” said Dr. Kellie Thiessen, dean of the College of Nursing. “The college will continue to engage in collaborations that authentically bring Indigenous-led scholarship, teaching and leadership into our programs at all levels.”

The event was moderated by Vanessa Van Bewer, assistant professor at the College of Nursing, and included panel discussions and workshops. The day was also documented on video, with the intention of using the footage as an educational tool.

“To have these scholars and leaders highlight their careers and pathways is very important for the younger generation to hear,” Phillips-Beck said.

“It is important to support the development of Indigenous nurse leaders to increase the number of Indigenous nurses who draw from their cultural identity and traditional knowledge to advocate for their communities.”

Speakers included Dr. Evelyn Voyageur, a researcher with North Island College in B.C., and Caroline Chartrand, president of Manitoba Indigenous Nurses Inc. and senior nurse advisor with Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin, a health and wellness organization that supports 23 First Nation communities in northern Manitoba.

Chartrand graduated from Red River College in 1986 as a licensed practical nurse, and from UM’s bachelor’s program in 1994. She spoke at the event about her experience learning in a western system while staying connected to traditional ways of healing.

“We spoke about the teaching we had from our families, like two-eyed seeing, and how we treat everyone with dignity and respect. Hopefully, we can mentor the younger nurses to deal with the families they work with – not only the Indigenous, because the same principles and teachings will apply no matter who you work with,” she said.

Harper Johnson, a nurse at St. Boniface Hospital, was one of the next generation in attendance. A Class of 2024 graduate of the bachelor’s program at the College of Nursing, she said it was “moving and powerful” to connect with the more experienced nurses.

“My focus has never been so glued as it was this morning,” Johnson said. “I think it’s important to hear from our elders and people who have been working in the field for a lot longer than we have … in order to lead and have these teaching with us later.”

Plans are underway for the next Fireside Chat, which will take place later this year, likely in Victoria.