OTTAWA — A nurse working at the Sandy Lake First Nation health centre in Northwestern Ontario has won recognition for her contributions from Indigenous Services Canada.
Hannah Gray is one of only four recipients of the department's 2022 Awards of Excellence in Nursing.
Winners must have demonstrated a high degree of commitment to their nursing practices through exceptional initiative and compassion.
Frontline nurses in First Nations and Inuit communities who receive the award are nominated by their peers and are evaluated on the basis of sound judgment, professionalism and culturally safe work.
Gray completed her Bachelor of Science in nursing at the University of Ottawa, and started her career in a neonatal intensive care unit in the capital.
Since 2019, she has worked at Sandy Lake where she has connected with community members through feasts and other activities.
According to a statement from Indigenous Services Canada, she enjoys serving in the remote community which "sees her as a partner and has appreciated her support and guidance" during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It added that Gray has created a culture of integrity and learning in the nursing station, while prioritizing good humour and peer support.
Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu congratulated her and the three other winners for leading and inspiring others in their field.
