Indigenous Student Nurse Education Bursary 2023

2023 Recipient: Teegan Stoudt

Teegan Stoudt has just completed her first year of RN studies at North Island College in Comox, BC. “I chose to be a nurse as I have always found myself to be a compassionate and caring person wanting to make a difference, when possible,” says Stoudt.

Nursing has enabled her to further her ability to lend a helping hand to those in need. “I value and hope to learn more about holistic and genuine caregiving as well as the diversity that nursing possesses as a career. I wish to assist many different types of people to reach their health goals as I continue to progress my career.” 

The Indigenous Student Nurse Education Bursary is an initiative of BCNU's Indigenous Leadership Circle (ILC). The bursary reflects the union's ongoing support for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's 94 Calls to Action; in particular, the call to increase the number of Indigenous professionals in health care. The annual bursary is open to Indigenous BCNU student members who are studying to become LPNs, RNs and RPNs, including those currently working as employed student nurses (ESNs).

2023 ISNEB Indigenous Nurse Leader

The ISNEB is inspired by Indigenous nurse leaders. Each year, ILC dedicates an individual in whose name the bursary is being awarded. For 2023, the ILC is delighted to name Elder June Shackley.  

Elder June Shackley, of the Nlaka’pamux Nation, enjoyed a 30-year career as a registered nurse. She is a highly respected Elder of BCNU’s Indigenous Leadership Circle. 

Elder June Shackley is a residential school survivor who attended the Anglican Children residential school in Lytton, BC for nine years from age five to 14.  

Presently she is an Elder cultural support worker for the Indian Residential School Survivor Society, and sits on the board of the Out Of The Cold shelter in Kamloops.

She continues to dedicate herself to improving the health of First Nations people.