"My name is Michaela Parenteau, and I am anishinaabekwe from Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation in Treaty #3. 

I graduated from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program at Lakehead University in 2018 and began my nursing career with Indigenous Services Canada working in remote northern First Nations communities in Ontario. The health inequities and barriers to care in our fly-in communities led me topursue the Master of Public Health Program, with Specialization in Northern and Indigenous Health, to prepare me to better advocate for Indigenous Health Rights. 

This part-time program gave me the opportunity to both study and continue working in the north through distance classes. I was able to apply some of the concepts and ideas I learned into my every day nursing practice. This program helped me to focus my interest on reproductive justice issues that Indigenous Water Carriers and Birthing Persons experience. 

The MPH program at Lakehead culminated in a practicum in Yellowknife, NWT. Here I worked along side the amazing people at the Northern Birthwork Collective who were advocating for reproductive justice and fostering core concepts of anti-racism, cultural safety, inclusivity, respect, holistic and client centred care. Their advocacy ideas and goals aligned very closely with my own, and I felt this placement was the perfect fit for my learning. This non-for-profit organization gave me new perspectives, amplified my voice and I was so grateful to be a part of the work that they are doing in the field of Birthwork and reproductive justice. 

While enhancing my learning in practice, this practicum also allowed me to be immersed in the culture and community after hours. Yellowknife gave me the opportunity to fully experience the amazing Aurora Borealis, traditional dog sledding, taste local customary dishes and learn more about the rich culture that exists in a part of Canada that I was less familiar with. 

Lakehead University gave me an opportunity to further my education in the direction I wished to explore. I cannot thank the MPH department enough for their guidance and the continued support from my professors along the way! I will be returning to Lakehead as a full-time student this fall to complete the Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program!"

- Michaela Parteneau, Master of Public Health with Specialization in Nursing, 2018

Hear more from Michaela after she completes her Nurse Practitioner Certificate program!
https://www.lakeheadu.ca/alumni/news/spotlight/archive/node/162488

"I am a graduate from Lakehead’s Master of Public Health - Nursing Specialization program. As I look back upon the two years I dedicated to the advancement of my education, and of the sacrifices my family and I made to achieve this goal, I am quite certain it was the right decision. 

As a Registered Nurse, I already had a solid understanding of the necessary skills and personal attributes that contribute to the enhancement of health for the patients I was charged to care for. Lakehead’s MPH program, however, broadened my understanding of what constitutes health for individuals, communities and populations. This program challenged me to look deeper into the underlying causes of health and illness, to evaluate fundamental structures in our environment and personal lives that may influence physical and mental wellness, and to challenge the policies of our governments so that they may reflect the needs of its citizens. 

Since the commencement of the final practicum in the program, I began a new job as a Clinical Nurse Researcher, a job I would have never been qualified for if I had not completed a Masters program. I now spend my time helping to implement new policies and innovative technologies to help enhance the quality of life for aging Canadians. Going back to school can be a difficult decision, even more challenging after working as a professional for many years. For me it was the best decision. My experience at Lakehead was challenging and rewarding, it was a decision I am certain I will never regret.”

- Lori McDonald, Master of Public Health with Specialization in Nursing, 2018