Anishinabek Heroes in Health honoured for their dedication in health services

January 17, 2023
Anishinabek Heroes in Health were honoured with the Tony H. Jocko Memorial Heroes in Health Awards at the 8th Annual Anishinabek Nation Health Conference in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on Jan. 17. – Photos by Jesse Johnson

By Marci Becking

SAULT STE. MARIE, ONT – Anishinabek Nation Northern Superior Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief Mel Hardy was on hand at the 8th Annual Anishinabek Nation Health Conference to present the Tony H. Jocko Memorial Heroes in Health Awards.  ‘Bagidinimaadizidaa mashkawiziiwin ji mashkawiziimigak niigaan – Empowering ourselves to strengthen our future’ was the theme for this year’s conference and the Tony H. Jocko Memorial Heroes in Health Awards are named after Tony Jocko-baa who worked tirelessly for the Anishinabek Nation since 2006 as a Federal Health Policy Analyst.

“We are proud to celebrate the Tony H. Jocko Memorial Heroes of Health Awards today,” says Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief Hardy. “These awards are presented to essential and front-line community workers who have been exemplary in their roles. They carry out their responsibilities with integrity and consistently strive to promote healing and wellness for Anishinabek citizens. We appreciate the consistent dedication and sacrifice of all our healthcare workers and send our deepest gratitude to the award recipients for your contributions.”

The following deserving individuals all have dedication and devotion to health care.

Irene Monague of Beausoleil First Nation worked as a Community Health Representative and a PSW until she retired in 2022. From left: Anishinabek Nation Health Secretariat Director Jamie Restoule, Irene Monague, and Anishinabek Nation Northern Superior Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief Mel Hardy.

Irene Monague

Irene began working at Beausoleil Family Health Centre in April 1990. Over the years, she has worn many hats for this community. She started as a homemaker, then becoming a Personal Support Worker, then again advanced her education to become the Community Health Rep (CHR) in 2002. She has overseen many programs as part of her role, including the HIV, Anishinabek Nation Diabetes Education Program, and the Anishinabek Nation Responsible Gambling Strategy.

She created a yearly Cancer Walk to raise funds to help members with any additional expenses they might incur including travel costs for family members to visit their loved ones.

Any losses in the community and Irene would head to the kitchen and cook a full meal for the grieving family on behalf of the health centre. Her nutrition Bingo sessions, which incorporated nutritious food, fun, and education, were a welcome monthly outing for Elders and youth. In April 2022, Irene retired her position after 32 years of dedication. She left behind some big shoes to fill, but as is typical of Irene, she has mentored her replacement and offered encouragement.

Her nominator, Health Director Deborah Laramey said: “I worked with Irene for three years as her health director and gained much knowledge and insight into the community and its needs through her. She was always gracious and caring with everyone. It would please not only me, but the community and her coworkers to see her honoured.”

Beverly Nahwegahbow, of Whitefish River First Nation, is the Medical Transportation Coordinator at Whitefish River First Nation.

Beverly Nahwegahbow

Beverly is currently the Medical Transportation Coordinator at Whitefish River First Nation. Bev has worn many hats in her time at Whitefish River First Nation and also with other Healthcare organizations over the course of her career. In her current role, she ensures our community members that travel near and far for appointments or treatments get the transportation they require and have accommodations and/or meals when required. Bev does all of this with a sunny disposition and often goes well beyond her job description to ensure our community members get whatever supports they require in order to be well.

Bev’s nominator, Kim Armstrong, Health Manager at Whitefish River First Nation said: “Bev is the kind of co-worker that continuously steps up to support our team at the Health Centre and any other team that may be in need of an extra pair of hands.”

Chippewas of the Thames First Nation’s Covid-19 Health Team. Each team member went above and beyond the call of duty during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep the community healthy and safe.

Chippewas of the Thames First Nation COVID-19 Health Team that consists of: Community Health Nurse Supervisor RN Heather Nicholas; Community Health Nurse RPN Liona Doxtator; Health Promotions Worker Connie French; Maternal Children Health Stephanie French; PRN Melissa Riles; Gail Riley; Scheduler Clint Cornelius; Monica Hendrick; Sherrisse Doxtator; and, Administration Sabrina Fisher

This COVID-19 team went above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic and kept the community safe. From the front-lines, the team led by Heather Nicholas did contact tracing, swabbing, case management, vaccinations, and training through public health on their reporting system and Indigenous Services Canada training for contact tracing.  The team was nominated by the Chippewas of the Thames Health Centre. They added, “Our COVID-19 Health Team were true Heroes in Health for Chippewa of the Thames First Nation and surrounding Nations.”

Eleanor Debassige of M’Chigeeng First Nation has worked at Mnaamodzawin Health Services Inc. as the Diabetes Health Promotion Worker since 1995.

Eleanor Debassige

Eleanor has worked at Mnaamodzawin Health Services Inc. in the role of Diabetes Health Promotion Worker since 1995.  She has always gone above and beyond for the clients and communities she serves, providing diabetes information, education, programming, and events.  She is well-known for her events such as the Mocc Walk, the Turkey Trot, nutrition Bingos, grocery store tours, cooking demonstrations, wellness events, and the Annual Diabetes Conference. Eleanor puts her whole heart into her work, often testing out recipes or doing some food prep at home on her own time to be prepared for her events.

Eleanor has also been instrumental in the development and execution of our workplace Aadziwin Program, which provides fun learning opportunities for staff to learn Anishinaabemowin and Cultural Teachings. She is a well-respected member of our staff, her community, and all of Manitoulin Island. Recently, Eleanor had the honour of becoming a Pipe and Drum Carrier, a role she embraces and carries with honour. Her infectious laugh can be heard throughout the hallways of Mnaamodzawin Health Services Inc., and you can’t help but join in. Her sense of humour brings much laughter and enjoyment to our workplace.

Eleanor is very proud of her family – her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, including the very youngest – her namesake!

With Eleanor’s planned retirement in 2023, we wish her all the best and thank her for so many years of dedicated service!

Phyllis Williams of Curve Lake First Nation works as the Manager of Health and Social Services at Alderville First Nation. Phyllis has dedicated over 25 years to improving the health of urban Indigenous peoples and Anishinabek Nation First Nations.

Phyllis Williams

Phyllis was nominated by her daughter Marcie and has this to say:

“I wish to nominate my mother Phyllis Williams who has had a passion to work for Anishinaabe people in Health and Social Services. Phyllis is a member of Curve Lake First Nation and currently works for Alderville First Nation as the Manager of Health and Social Services.

Phyllis started working as the Southeast/Southwest Health Advisor for the Union of Ontario Indians when it had an office on Danforth Street in Toronto. By 1993, she moved from this position to the role of Health Director and established the current satellite office in Curve Lake First Nation and worked between here and at the Head Office in North Bay.

In 2001, she was successful in attaining the position Manager of Health for Anishnawbe Health Toronto. Her personal mission was to experience and understand the health challenges and social conditions of life for Indigenous peoples in the city.

In February 2003, she started working for the Ontario Indigenous Friendship Centres on Front Street in Toronto, considered then the head office for 39 Friendship Centres in various cities in Ontario.

After working in Toronto for 10 years, she felt it was time to return to assist her community of Curve Lake and was hired as the Manager of Health and Social Services.  She worked in this capacity for two years until she was elected to Chief of Curve Lake. Even while Chief, she kept strong ties to health and social services and continued to advocate for improved wellness services in First Nations.

After seven years as Chief, she accomplished a position as Health and Social Services Assistant Manager for Hiawatha First Nation, then moved to Alderville First Nation where she holds the position of Manager of Health and Social Services. She oversees the department with as many as 25 employees.

Phyllis is accomplished and has dedicated approximately 25 years of her career life for Health, and all of this time, working for urban Indigenous peoples and Anishinabek Nation First Nations.

She sacrificed her time and other opportunities to keep doing this important health work and is unwavering to keep doing so. She has touched the lives of many people assisting as needed and offering her support for others to learn and understand the Anishinaabe healing and wellness journey.

She is currently Alderville First Nation’s representative on the Health Transformation Working Group. We love her, we’re proud of her, and have always supported her.”