Two local secondary school graduates have made history as the first recipients of scholarships dedicated exclusively to Indigenous students pursuing post-secondary education in the healthcare field.
Madeline Carson, a graduate of Peninsula Shores District School, and Jordin DesRosiers from Grey Highlands Secondary School were presented with the awards at a ceremony in June. The scholarships were made possible through a partnership between Brightshores Health System and Medical Surgical & Safety Supplies (MSS), a certified Indigenous company supplying personal protective equipment to Brightshores’ hospitals.
The initiative aims to support Indigenous students entering healthcare programs, while also advancing reconciliation and building a more culturally safe and inclusive healthcare system in Grey Bruce.
“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, Brightshores Vice President, People & Corporate Services, and 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.”
The scholarship program is supported through MSS’s Giveback Program, which promotes prosperity and well-being among Indigenous Peoples. Brightshores contributes to the program by purchasing gloves, masks, and other medical supplies from MSS.
“We are extremely grateful to both MSS and Brightshores for making these scholarships available to deserving Bluewater graduates from our schools,” said Keith Lefebvre, Superintendent of Education for Bluewater District School Board. “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.”
James Hiebert, President of MSS, praised the collaboration and looks forward to seeing the program continue in future years.
“We want to thank Brightshores for all the efforts they have put in. We look forward to doing this scholarship annually,” said Hiebert. “This is a big step forward in reconciliation and our program! Congratulations, Madeline and Jordin! Work hard."
The scholarships mark a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to support Indigenous youth and improve access to healthcare careers in the region.
