Two secondary school graduates with Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) are the first to receive scholarships dedicated exclusively to Indigenous students who are pursuing post-secondary education in the healthcare field.
Brightshores Health System and Medical Surgical & Safety Supplies (MSS) presented the scholarships to the two students at a ceremony in June.
This year’s recipients were Madeline Carson from Peninsula Shores District School and Jordin DesRosiers from Grey Highlands Secondary School.
“Congratulations to Madeline and Jordin on this significant achievement and for their leadership in helping to shape a more responsive, culturally safe healthcare system,” said Rebecca Cummings, Vice President, People & Corporate Services, Chief Operating Officer. “By supporting students on their path to a career in healthcare, we are helping to build a stronger, more inclusive system in Grey Bruce for generations to come.”
MSS is a certified Indigenous company that provides gloves and masks to Brightshores’ hospitals. Through the purchase of these supplies, Brightshores contributes to MSS’s Giveback Program, which aims to promote prosperity and well-being among Indigenous Peoples.
“We are extremely grateful to both MSS and Brightshores for making these scholarships available to deserving Bluewater graduates from our schools,” said Keith Lefebvre, BWDSB Superintendent of Education. “We hope these students will return to our communities to help provide the high-quality healthcare we are accustomed to in Grey and Bruce counties.”
This scholarship reflects Brightshores and MSS’s ongoing commitment to education, equity, and community partnerships.
“We want to thank Brightshores for all their efforts they have put in. We look forward to doing this scholarship annually,” said James Hiebert, MSS President. “This is a big step forward in reconciliation and our program! Congratulations Madeline and Jordin! Work hard.”
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Bluewater District School Board
Jamie Pettit, Communications Officer | p: 226-908-5739 | e: jamie_pettit@bwdsb.on.ca
About Brightshores Health System
Brightshores is a regional health system that operates six hospitals in one of the largest geographic regions in Ontario. Our dedicated team of 2,100 staff+, 250 physicians and 1000+ volunteers serve a rural region that is home to 175,000 residents, thousands of seasonal residents and sees more than two million annual short-stay visitors. We offer a full range of services across Grey and Bruce counties, including 24/7 emergency care at each hospital site. As a regional centre, we provide specialized care for cancer, stroke, kidney disease, and more, ensuring patients receive the expert treatment they need close to home. Our new Wellness & Recovery Centre is recognized provincially for its innovation and leadership in mental health and addiction care. Brightshores is committed to build healthier communities one patient at a time. Learn more at www.brightshores.ca.
About Bluewater District School Board
Bluewater District School Board is located on the traditional land of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, which is represented by the communities of Saugeen First Nation and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. The board currently serves approximately 18,600 students in 40 elementary and nine secondary schools across an area of 8,673 square kilometres in Bruce and Grey counties and employs about 3,700 permanent and casual staff. French Immersion is offered in six elementary (two are French only), two secondary, and two Grades 7 to 12 schools, and one junior kindergarten to Grade 12 school. Two schools offer Ojibway as a second language. The board’s mission is to provide a quality educational experience for every student in a safe and inclusive environment. Visit www.bwdsb.on.ca to learn more.
About Medical Surgical Safety Supplies
MSS LTD is a certified INDIGENOUS company founded in 1992 in Hay River, Northwest Territories. Our enterprise is an Indigenous-led solution for social benefit procurement that is committed to Reconciliation in Action. We provide a diverse platform of products, services, and programs through a national distribution network for customized, valued-based solutions and long-term growth.