REGIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITY ACKNOWLEDGES ABORIGINAL NURSE

Aboriginal Nurse, The, Jul 2006

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority is recognizing one of our own. Ann Thomas Callahan, a dedicated Cree nurse, is being awarded for her contribution to health care, education and community development in the province of Manitoba. In a special ceremony on June 28, 2006, the new wing of the Health Services Centre was named the "Ann Thomas" building.

Ann Thomas Callahan is a Cree woman from Peepeekesis First Nation, Balcarres, Saskatchewan. Born on the 18'h day of December 1935, she is the youngest of nine children in the blended family of John and Nora Thomas. Ann is a twelve-year Indian Residential School survivor, educated at the File Hills Residential School and then at the Birtle Residential School. She went on to graduate from a three-year nursing program with a R.N. diploma from the School of Nursing at the Winnipeg General Hospital in 1958. Ann was the first Aboriginal R.N. to graduate from that institute. She continued her career in nursing for 38 years, beginning as a general duty nurse at the Winnipeg General Hospital and then awarded the position of Head Nurse of the gynaecology ward.

Ann was then offered employment in home care in Winnipeg in the early 197Os. This was a great opportunity for Ann and she jumped at the challenge. "Continuing Care for People in Need" has grown, and become a well-known and invaluable program for elderly Aboriginal people in the city, consisting of a staff of five, headed by Ann. Nearing her retirement, Ann was an academic coordinator and counsellor at the Red River Community College in the Southern Nursing Program. In addition to her diploma in nursing, Mrs. Callahan received a B.A. and an M.A. at the University of Winnipeg and University of Manitoba respectively.

Ann is an original member of the A.N.A.C. and was the Manitoba region representative from 1973 through 1975. She has also contributed to other committees working with and for Aboriginal people. Ann was awarded the Gold Eagle Award from the Indigenous Women's Collective of Manitoba for her outstanding contribution to the Aboriginal community and the Volunteer Appreciation Certificate for her commitment to the Red River Community College. Mrs. Callahan continues her work within the Aboriginal community as an Elder with the National Indian Residential School Steering committee with the United Church as well as with several projects involving youth and seniors.

Ann is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and nurse. The Aboriginal community, is blessed to have such an amazing health care provider in our midst. Congratulations go out to Ann and her family.