Cree Health Board celebrates 35 graduates under Talent Development Program
The bright shining faces of elegantly dressed CBHSSJB employees and their families tell of a sense of accomplishment after a personal journey of dedication, hard work and sacrifice to pursue post-secondary studies while working full time.
Certificate in Health & Social Services
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CaptionBetsy Benjamin-Scipio -
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CaptionShirley Matoush -
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CaptionJanie Wapachee -
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CaptionEleanor Gull -
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CaptionStanley Swallow -
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CaptionMabel Chewanish -
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CaptionLeona Shem -
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CaptionJeremiah Mianscum -
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CaptionWally Rabbitskin -
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CaptionValerie Sam -
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CaptionRachel Martinhunter -
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CaptionRachel Danyluk -
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CaptionPierrette Pepabano -
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CaptionCharlie Alisappi -
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CaptionBonnie Fireman -
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CaptionFlorence Mark
Diploma in Health & Social Services
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CaptionMary Shashaweskum -
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CaptionSuzanne House Grant -
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CaptionSarah Cowboy -
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CaptionNicholas Ortepi -
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CaptionJuliana Matoush Snowboy -
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CaptionJeannie Pelletier -
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CaptionDarlene House -
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CaptionBertha Dixon
Master's in Public Administration
On June 9 at a downtown Montreal hotel, the CBHSSJB hosted a celebration event for 35 employees who completed a range of university programs online as part of the Talent Development Program. During the pandemic, gatherings were not recommended, so the June 9 event combined graduates from several years past into one celebration.
Through many years of evening and weekend classes, the graduates completed a range of university programs. Starting in September 2016 and in partnership with McGill University and other educational partners, 33 graduates followed health and social services management programs together online. Twenty completed certificates and thirteen completed a diploma. The June 9 celebration also included two managers who achieved, respectively, a Master’s in Public Administration in an Indigenous context, and a Bachelor’s of Nursing.
"As we take the time to celebrate the completion of an important step of your journey, we also look to the future – your future as leaders of this organization. Some of you have already started in management roles, some of you are working towards your first management challenge, and all of you are continuing your journey towards the development and refinement of your management and leadership craft. Leadership can only develop over time. It is the journey of a lifetime that takes strength, hard work and perseverance." – Daniel St-Amour, Executive Director, CBHSSJB
The evening program included speeches by CBHSSJB Chairperson Bertie Wapachee and Executive Director Daniel St-Amour and two graduates: Assistant Director of Material Resources Charlie Alisappi, and Specialized IT Analyst Nicholas Ortepi, who is also the Board member representing non-clinical staff. Vice-Chair Christine Petawabano was the MC. Each graduate received a beaded medallion made by Vivian Jerome and a personalized agenda and pen.
CBHSSJB clients in Montreal, Elaine Trapper, Emily Wapachee and Lizzy Coon baked home-made donuts and boudin for the occasion. As an additional gift to help them commemorate this achievement with their families, the graduates had a chance to have a formal professional portrait taken. The evening included entertainment by fellow graduate and performing artist Deanne Moore (Assistant DPSQA Psycho-social), and three well-known bands: Scott-Pien Picard, Maten and Ninan.
"Our role in leadership, in trailblazing, is to be sure that what we do, the decisions that we make, and the effort that we give, are for the benefit of everyone. We have a crucial role to play in preparing the path of succession for the generations to follow. It is our sacred obligation to make decisions that are based around creating and protecting opportunity for our youth.
We need to mentor them, to ensure that they are prioritized for hiring." – Nicholas Ortepi, Graduate in Health and Social Services Management, Specialized IT Analyst, Board Representative for Non-Clinical Employees
The Talent Development Program, managed by the Human Resources Department, is part of a larger Cree Succession Leadership Framework. The Framework was created to ensure that the CBHSSJB builds and maintains a pool of qualified and motivated individuals to fulfill its ongoing management needs. The Framework is also designed to prepare Cree and Indigenous leaders for key managerial positions to lead and shape the organization.
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25 employees completed the Certificate and the Diploma in Health and Social Services Management at McGill University, as part of the Cree Succession Leadership Framework.
