Heroes in Health honoured at ‘Awakening the Nation – Renewing the Spirit’ health conference

By Marci Becking

SAULT STE. MARIE — Three women were honoured today at the “Awakening the Nation – Renewing the Spirit” health conference today.

Lisa Beaucage, Melissa McKeown and Gail Shawande all are those who demonstrate true compassion and have dedicated their lives to protecting the well-being of the Anishinabek.

Lisa Beaucage, citizen of Nipissing First Nation, Lisa is the receptionist and Traditional Healing Coordinator – at the hub for all activity that takes place within Nipissing First Nation Health Services. There is always hustle and bustle around her work area as everyone goes to her for assistance. It may be pulling a patient file or answering the phones when the annual Niagara Falls trip is happening.  She books all the Nurse Practitioner appointments and medical transportation rides as well.  Beaucage strives to live by the Seven Grandfather teachings and has developed an excellent rapport with all the healers who are invited to the community.  Her dedication is to the clients and she goes above and beyond every day.

Melissa McKeown, citizen of Alderville First Nation, has been an active member of Alderville Health team for 23 years and has served as National Native Alcohol & Drug Addiction Program worker for 14 years and currently holds the position of Community Health representative and has done so for nine years.  She has also taken on lead role in assisting the youth and facilitates many programs in conjunction with the Addictions, Brighter Futures and other programs concerning the youth.

Gail Shawande, citizen of Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, is a Community Health Representative.  She has extensive knowledge and has the ability to present community members on a variety of topics pertaining to individual wellness thereby providing opportunities for members to participate in wholistic well-being. She has maintained her commitment towards the delivery of priority wellness activities to the membership of Wikwemikong. Culture and language are very important to her; she teaches what she has learned. Gail inspires community members to make changes to improve their overall health, giving 100% and no less.

The Anishinabek Nation has created the “Heroes in Health Awards” to honour those who help build capacity within our First Nations territory by empowering residents to become more active and healthy, and to improve their mental well-being. Your work takes many innovative forms. Our Heroes in Health promote healthy lifestyles and deliver a wide- range of training programs, workshops and events that help to integrate culture and traditional practices. The individuals we honor today play an integral role in nurturing our citizens and communities towards a brighter, healthier future.

Heroes in Health are those individuals who….

• have the ability to relate to people
• bring their own life experience to transform health and well-being in their communities;
• are individuals in families, communities and workplaces that empower and motivate others to get involved in healthy social activities;
• create groups to meet local needs and link people to relevant support and services;
• help others to enjoy healthier lives by raising awareness of health and healthy choices, sharing health messages, removing barriers, and creating supportive networks and environments.
• have effective ways of reaching people and make a real difference within communities.
• Heroes in Health are individuals who influence and shape local services,
• They increase public participation and initiate community development
• They eagerly look for training, volunteering, and new work roles that will increase their skills and help them to better understand the needs of residents and communities