Celebrating Indigenous Nurses at BCHS!

Indigenous nurses are essential to providing culturally safe, respectful, and responsive care. They bring a deep understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems, foster belonging, and ensure care reflects the unique needs of Indigenous communities.

In honour of Indigenous Nurses Day, BCHS proudly recognizes Kennedy Montour, Kristen Henhawk, Kate Morey, and Heather Bomberry for their dedication and meaningful contributions. Their presence strengthens relationships within the healthcare system and helps build a more inclusive and compassionate environment.

Nia:wen (thank you) for your care, commitment, and the difference you make every day.

 📖 Read our special feature on Kristen and Kennedy as they share what it means to be a nurse at BCHS here: Celebrating Indigenous Nurses at BCHS! - BCHS

Kristen Henhawk, RN

Can you tell us about your journey in nursing, including the different roles you've held throughout your career and how long you've been in the field?

I’ve been doing this for 20 years and only worked on a medical/surgical floor. I was hired on B6 right out of college and just never left. 

What is unique about your specialized role that people might not realize or expect?

Working as a nurse and knowing that you are making a difference in somebody else's day is one of the best feelings. I guess one of the things that I find unique about nursing is the impact you have on another person's life. 

What is your favourite thing about the work that you do as a nurse in this area / What is your “why” for this type of nursing

How we do our job directly impacts someone else’s day/life, and that should never be taken for granted. We see people at some of the lowest points in their health, and our interactions with them can change their good and bad outcomes. So I guess if I can leave a 12-hour shift and feel like I’ve helped someone positively, that keeps me coming back for the next day. At some point, everyone will interact with a healthcare provider. I hope to make it a positive experience for the people I have encountered. 

What advice would you give other nurses if they are interested in getting into your area of practice?

My advice to anyone interested in becoming a nurse would be to embrace the chaos that comes with every day, because it’s not an easy job by any means, but it can be incredibly rewarding. 

Kennedy Montour, RPN

Can you tell us about your journey in nursing, including the different roles you've held throughout your career and how long you've been in the field?

I have been a nurse for over a year, but have been at Brantford General Hospital for about 9 months. My nursing journey was a little different as I graduated in 2022, but didn’t write and pass my exam until March 2024. The roles I currently hold are mother of two, an RPN, and a student, as I am currently enrolled in RPN to BScN at McMaster University. 

What is unique about your specialized role that people might not realize or expect?

We are often the first to notice subtle changes in a patient’s condition, like changes in mood, energy or minor symptoms, because of our frequent bedside presence and holistic approach. This early recognition is critical in preventing deterioration, even before vital signs or lab results show it.

We have such an important impact on early clinical judgement. Still, consistent patient contact makes you a key part of the team’s ability to quickly catch and respond to complications.  

What is your favourite thing about the work that you do as a nurse in this area / What is your “why” for this type of nursing

My favourite part of working is the relationship I build with patients and their families. On B6, I often see people during long or difficult hospital stays, which allows me to get to know them.  

My “why” comes from a place of responsibility, healing and representation. As an Indigenous nurse, I know that many of our people have faced harm, fear or trauma in healthcare settings, and I want to be someone who helps rebuild that trust. I do this work so that my children and all Indigenous children see themselves in these roles. I want them to know they can be nurses, leaders, healers- and that our ways of knowing and being are valid, powerful and needed in healthcare.

My “why” is Ohahodoni,  translating to “creating a path”. 

What advice would you give other nurses if they are interested in getting into your area of practice?

My advice is to come in with an open mind, a strong work ethic and a commitment to building real patient connections. Medicine is a busy, fast-paced environment- you’ll need to manage multiple priorities, think critically and adapt quickly. Be patient with yourself while building your confidence. Medicine floors rely on teamwork. You’ll be working alongside nurses, doctors, social workers, etc. Learning to collaborate, speak up respectfully and support your colleagues makes a big difference for patient safety and growth.  

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all nurses for their unwavering commitment to patient care and their invaluable contributions to BCHS and the wider community.