Tony H. Jocko Memorial Heroes in Health awarded to five deserving individuals

ANISHINABEK NATION TERRITORY – Five awards in health were presented on Day Two of the seventh annual Anishinabek Nation Health Conference: We’eni Masaadan Gibimaadziwin — Journey Well as you Walk your Life.

On Jan. 19, the Tony H. Jocko Memorial Heroes in Health Awards were given to five deserving people this year.  The award is named after a dedicated and devoted person who worked tirelessly for the Anishinabek Nation since 2006 as a Federal Health Policy Analyst.

Tony Jocko was one of those individuals that was admired by all who worked with him.  He had a wonderful sense of humour and he was kind and compassionate when helping others.  While he may have worked as a policy analyst, he also contributed to Cancer Care Ontario. He supported and advocated for citizens in the areas of dental and vision care, and contributed to work on addictions.  When the COVID-19 pandemic started, Tony-baa quickly stepped in to provide the extra work and assistance to support Anishinabek Nation First Nations.

“He will certainly be missed by many and by honouring his memory and his work, today his legacy will carry on through the recognition of individuals who also are dedicated to helping all those within the Anishinabek Nation territory,” said Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Reg Niganobe.

Karen Jocko, Tony-baa’s wife, was in attendance as a very special guest and shared some heartfelt remarks.

“Tony would be honoured and humble to be part of this recognition,” she expressed. “He always said that all he was doing was helping people, and I’m sure this is what all of the folks who were recognized wish for as well.”

Roger Beaudin – Health Department Manager, M’Chigeeng Health Centre

Roger was nominated by Sam Gilchrist, Executive Director, Gwekwaadziwin Miikan.  She says of Roger:  He has been a mentor and given me invaluable advice that has helped shaped my career in the healthcare field. I have seen Mr. Beaudin work tirelessly to build, promote, and deliver services for M’Chigeeng First Nation. Beyond the scope of M’Chigeeng, Roger has made contributions on board of directors for various organizations and has helped with his guidance of child welfare and mental health and addictions agencies. During this pandemic, Roger once again rose to the occasion and was able to help his community and many other organizations institute infection prevention and control measures as well as testing and vaccinations.

Debby Roach – Nurse Practitioner, Garden River First Nation

Debby was nominated by Nadine Roach, Gloria Daybutch, and Elizabeth Edgar-Webkamigad.

Debby graduated from Sault College in 1990 with her diploma in Nursing and moved directly into working for the next two years at Plummer Memorial Hospital.  This all while having her two beautiful daughters and working as a single mom.  She moved on to the Maamwesying North Shore Tribal Council and spent much of her own personal time travelling to our communities on the west end including Sagamok Anishnawbek to ensure health services were delivered.  It was here that Debby fostered long lasting friendships and relations with the people of Sagamok Anishnawbek.

Debby returned to Laurentian University to obtain her Bachelor of Science degree. The Nurse Practitioner professional designation was being offered for the first time in Ontario and she rose to the occasion, being the first self-identified First Nation student and graduate.

Debby has contributed to many committees with her experience and intelligence, having the gift of explaining complex or often delicate topics in layman’s terms to her audience.

Today, Debby serves her people in her own community of Garden River First Nation. Living in your community as a regulated medical practitioner often means constant community exposure to your work and personal life. With all these expectations to manage and governing bodies to adhere to, it takes a special person to practice and live within your own community. Debby is that person. She performs her job with dedication, competence, confidence and most importantly, love for her community and families. Debby knows first-hand of the historical disadvantages faced by her community and its impact on the families. She takes all this into account when assessing, diagnosing, and treating her community clients.

Elaine Johnston Waawassgonehkwe, Turtle Clan – Serpent River First Nation

Holly Johnston said that she nominated her sister Elaine for this particular award for many reasons. She says of Elaine:

As the eldest of 11 girls in our family, Elaine is my personal hero for demonstrating her commitment, strength and passion while serving our people throughout Turtle Island. Elaine has dedicated her life to serving our people for over 40 years. Early in her career as a Registered Nurse by profession, Elaine worked alongside Tony Jocko many, many moons ago in Ambulance – Emergency Transportation and Air Ambulance. In fact, Elaine was the first nurse to provide medical care in a Sudbury Air Ambulance.

In addition to providing primary care, Elaine provided leadership as a Serpent River First Nation Council member for 10 years and Chief of Serpent River First Nation for four. During her term, Elaine was instrumental in lifting the Boil Water Advisory with the implementation of a water treatment plant. She was a strong advocate for Health and Social issues.

Elaine also steered COVID-19 protocols and implemented policies in her capacity as Health Director when the pandemic first began. Elaine’s current role with Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services, provides advocacy, supervision and support for children and adults accessing Mental Health services and resources using a cultural lens to bridge traditional services with western practices when required. Elaine also remains an active member of the hospital board in Elliot Lake where many Indigenous people attend, where she is creating partnerships and ensuring dialogue includes and benefits our people.

Elaine’s Spirit Name:  Waawassgonehkwe (Flower Woman) was given by our great-grandmother before Elaine was born and it describes her lifelong passion and commitment. Elaine plants the seeds for new growth to emerge anew like a beautiful flower that is nourished by creation. Elaine’s life fully encompasses her relationship with Creator and all creation to yield positive changes for our people. Elaine’s Turtle Clan ensures she is strengthened to carry the weight of responsibilities as she continues working for and with our people.

Yvonne Banning and Agnes Rissanen – Dilico Anishinabek Family Care

Yvonne and Agnes were nominated by Lynda Banning, Anishinabek Nation FASD Regional Program Worker for Northern Superior.

I would like to nominate my daughter Yvonne Banning and her co-worker Agnes Rissanen. Both are Community Health Nurses working at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care. They were trained to prepare and administer the COVID-19 vaccines. They travelled extensively in this area running very well received vaccine clinics. During the stressful points in the pandemic when communities were working to get our members vaccinated, these ladies gave up personal time to carry out this important task.