SASKATOON — Kellsey Brazeau’s compassion has driven her to go back to her home community of Fort Qu’Appelle, Sask. Brazeau was honoured with an Indigenous Achievement Award for community engagement on Thursday, March 13 at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
A member of Cote First Nation, Kellsey Brazeau is a fourth-year nursing student who cares about her community. Giving back to the people of Fort Qu’Appelle is what keeps Brazeau busy. The pandemic demonstrated to Brazeau why it was so critical to pursue a degree through the College of Nursing at USask.
Brazeau has also dedicated her time to volunteering with groups on campus such as the Building Intercultural Resilience Mentorship program. BIRM allows post-secondary students to mentor indigenous high school students through building relationships and offering student experiences.
The awards ceremony was part of (IAW), taking place from March 10-14. The week is an annual event that celebrates Métis, First Nations and Inuit student, staff, and alumni success. Brazeau shared some of her experiences as a nursing student at the university, and in her home community of Fort Qu’Appelle.
Why did you choose the College of Nursing?
I worked as a summer student with FHQ Health Services in Fort Qu’Appelle back in 2020 and that was when I saw that nursing has multiple pathways. The more time I spent around the hospital and health services, it gave me that desire to apply to the College of Nursing.
Is there someone in your life who inspired you to get where you are today?
My parents have always been my main inspirations. My dad instilled the value of hard work and the importance of education. My mom showed me that dedication and resilience can open doors to endless possibilities.
What are your goals for the future?
I plan to work in my hometown of Fort Qu’Appelle and then eventually go back to school to become a nurse practitioner. Then hopefully spend some time on my reserve, Cote First Nation, to help give back to my community.
If you were to give a first-year undergraduate/nursing student advice about attending post-secondary school, what would you tell them?
Nursing school can be challenging, so don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether from professors, classmates, or support services. Most importantly, remember why you started this journey and stay connected to your passion for learning/helping others.
You are involved in a lot, being a mentor, a student and an active member of your community. How do you balance everything?
I lean on my support system a lot, including my family and friends. They help keep me grounded and motivated.
You are receiving the award for community engagement: Why is community important to you?
Community is important to me because it offers a space to learn, reconnect, and grow in my cultural identity. It helps bring people together to share knowledge, culture, and experiences, fostering personal growth and resilience. For someone like me, who did not originally grow up in my own community, finding that connection has been especially meaningful.
Is there anything else you’d like to share? A quote something valuable to you?
I will be forever grateful that during my nursing education, I had the time to be a part of BIRM (Building Intercultural Resilience Mentorship). Being in BIRM has helped shaped the person I am today and kickstarted my reconnection with my culture.
— Submitted by USask Media Relations
