THUNDER BAY -- A long-time nurse is being recognized for dedicating her life to improving health in Northwestern Ontario.
Helen Cromarty received an Honorary Doctorate of Science Saturday morning during Lakehead University’s convocation ceremony at Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.
The award is presented to those who have taken substantial actions to achieve accomplishments that benefit their communities.
“It is a great honour to me. I’m going accept the award but to do it as a role model for the young First Nations. There’s been so many problems with education and the challenges they have to deal with,” Cromarty said.
“With my story, I hope they will realize the challenges I went through to get to where I am now, receiving this award. They can also do that.”
During Cromarty’s 45-year career as a nurse, she spent 23 years employed in the Intensive Care Unit and Critical Care Unit, as well as working as a health policy analyst and health liaison at Nishnawbe-Aski Nation and special advisor for First Nations Health at Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre.
“I think it’s an honour bestowed on exceptional people who do a lot of community work, people who, I think, constantly commit themselves to helping others,” she said.
Cromarty took on many leadership roles in the development of health care programs and services through NAN territory and the province.
She made major contributions in the development of Lakehead University’s Native Nurses Entry program and the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy.
The Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada, Nishnawbe Aski Nation and the Chiefs of Ontario have also recognized Cromarty for her work in the First Nations health field..
She chose health because she had many family influences growing up in the health field. Her sister worked as a nurse in Sioux Lookout and her other sisters worked as aides in First Nation nursing stations.
Cromarty retired in 2013 and was thrilled to have completed a full circle in her health career.
“At that time, it dawned on me that I did leave the profession where I first started my nursing post, which was in Sioux Lookout Indian Hospital, which is now the Sioux lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre.”
