Celebrating two Heroes in Health at this year’s Anishinabek Nation Health Conference
NORTH BAY – Anishinabek Nation Health Director Jamie Restoule was on hand at the 9th Annual Anishinabek Nation Health Conference to present the Tony H. Jocko Memorial Heroes in Health Awards. The award is named after Tony Jocko-baa who worked tirelessly for the Anishinabek Nation as a Federal Health Policy Analyst.
“I am very happy to be here with you today to celebrate another successful Health Conference and to be a presenter to a couple of individuals who have exceeded their regular duties in their community in order to keep our citizens safe. Let’s celebrate and honour those members in our territory who have stepped up and extended themselves to help others while keeping us safe during this difficult time,” says Jamie Restoule, Anishinabek Nation Health Director.
Kim Generaux, Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory
Kim Genereux is an Anishinabek Health Care Navigator and serves seven First Nations on Manitoulin Island as well as off-reserve clients. Kim goes above and beyond for all of her clients, treating each one of them and their families as though they are her own family. Kim regularly visits both Island hospitals as well as Health Sciences North in Sudbury to meet with clients and their families to assist with hospital discharges and setting up community services. Kim is in regular contact with community health staff, partner agencies and community homecare agencies to coordinate care and services to maximize the success of each client staying in their homes for as long as possible. Kim empowers her clients to make their own decisions regarding their health and plans for care, and will sit with them for as long as it takes to fully explain and for her clients to comprehend their situation. She is available to clients and their families in the last hours of palliative care.
Kim is often on the road early morning well before her work time and is last to finally go home. Never going home until she is sure that everyone’s needs have been acknowledged and take care of.
Recently, Kim and our community nurse worked on ensuring food security to our seven First Nations’ Elder population. Kim took the lead and was able to partner with community staff to order and deliver freezers to areas where food could be held and delivered as needed. Kim also researched and worked with many companies to see what type of high-quality foods she could order. This was a huge undertaking and she did this as well and continued with her full-time job. It was just that important to her.
Kim is a strong advocate for the First Nation population and she is always working on transportation methods so that clients can get to appointments and pick up food.
Kim is compassionate, caring, wealth of knowledge, a caring friend, and passionate about her work on Manitoulin Island. Our Island communities would be lost without her assistance and direction.
Congratulations Kim on your Tony H. Jocko Memorial Heroes in Health Award!
Kimberly Lalonde, Nipissing First Nation
Kimberly’s remarkable two-decade long tenure with Nipissing First Nation Health Services is a testament to her unwavering dedication, compassionate service, and tireless commitment to promoting health and wellness for Nbisiing citizens. She is indeed an exemplary candidate for this honour. Kimberly has held the role of Director of Health Services, where her leadership has been instrumental in advancing health services and initiatives for our community.
Her profound impact on the well-being of our community members is undeniable. Kimberly’s integrity and leadership qualities are exemplary and she consistently goes the extra mile to provide care, attention, and support to those in need. One of Kimberly’s most admirable attributes is her ability to establish connections with people, marked by empathy and understanding. Her approach to her responsibilities is steeped in compassion, ensuring that every individual feels valued and heard. This exceptional level of empathy fosters trust and security among those she serves. Kimberly’s dedication to her role is a continuous source of inspiration. Through the years, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our community’s well-being, especially in the face of a global pandemic. Her resilience and unwavering determination have provided hope and strength to Nbisiing citizens during challenging times and her contributions have significantly impacted the overall health of our community. As a leader and mentor, Kimberly is truly remarkable. She has consistently shown her dedication to nurturing and guiding those around her.
Her ability to provide unwavering support and advice has made her an invaluable confidant to many. Kimberly is a beacon of wisdom, always ready to provide guidance with a level of insight that instills confidence in others. Her commitment to supporting capacity development is evident through her tireless efforts to empower and uplift her team members. Most notably, her active listening skills stand out, as she listens attentively to the concerns and ideas of her colleagues, making them feel heard and valued. Kimberly’s exceptional qualities, remarkable dedication, and outstanding service to our community exemplify the essence of the Tony H. Jocko Memorial Heroes in Health Award.
Congratulations Kimberly on your Tony H. Jocko Memorial Heroes in Health Award!