“I want to be a voice for those who can’t speak up. With my skills and knowledge, I hope to make a difference, even if it’s just with one person.” -Christina Tsuil-menak
For Christina Tsuil-menak, winning the LifeLabs Indspire Scholarship is more than just a personal achievement; it’s a testament to her strength, commitment to her community, and the power of believing in yourself.
As a member of the St’uxwtéws (Bonaparte First Nation), part of the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council of the Secwépemc (Shuswap) people, Christina’s journey into healthcare has been deeply influenced by her cultural roots and personal experiences. “Being the second eldest of four siblings, caregiving was always a part of my role,” she reflects. “When I had my own kids, everything just made sense. I love working with people, building relationships, and seeing them achieve their wellness goals. It’s a gift to be a nurse.”
Christina’s path to becoming a registered nurse (RN) has been challenging. As a single mother of two, balancing her studies with raising her children has required immense dedication and perseverance. “My kids are my biggest supporters. They’re the reason I do everything I do,” she says. “Sometimes it’s exhausting, but we’re a close family. We support each other and learn from each other.”
Her determination to enter nursing began years ago, but life had other plans. “I’ve been trying to get into the nursing program for over a decade, but life got in the way,” Christina explains. Eight years ago, she first heard about Indspire, and although her initial application was unsuccessful, she didn’t give up. “These awards make such a difference because someone is saying, ‘We believe in you, and we want to support you.’ I wouldn’t be successful today without Indspire or anyone who has had faith in me.”
Now in her fourth year at the University of Victoria, Christina is on the cusp of achieving her dream of becoming a public health nurse. “The biggest ‘aha’ moment for me was when my daughter was born, and the public health nurse who came to our home inspired me. I wanted to be her,” she recalls. “Eighteen years later, during my summer clinical, I had the best experience of my life in public health. It’s all come full circle.”
Christina’s impact extends beyond her academic and professional achievements. She is passionate about advocating for Indigenous communities and addressing the ingrained racism she sees in the healthcare system. “I want to be a voice for those who can’t speak up. With my skills and knowledge, I hope to make a difference, even if it’s just with one person. If we find like-minded people, I’m certain we can make change happen.”
Looking ahead, Christina hopes to inspire other Indigenous students to pursue careers in healthcare. Her advice? “Get into school sooner rather than later. Ensure you love what you do because you’ll spend so much time doing it. And stay connected with your culture—it will sustain you through the tough times.”
As Christina prepares to graduate and embark on her career as an RN, she reflects on what she’s most proud of: her children. “My daughter is a fierce advocate, and my son is a beautiful human who loves nature. They are my greatest achievements,” she says with a smile.
Christina’s story is of strength, dedication, and the unwavering belief that one person can make a difference. With the support of the LifeLabs Indspire Scholarship, she is well on her way to doing just that.
By empowering students like Christina, LifeLabs contributes to the growth and development of future healthcare leaders within Indigenous communities. Our partnership with Indspire makes the path to education more accessible, fostering leaders who will change their lives and countless others within their communities.
2023 – 2024 LifeLabs Indspire Scholarship Winners:
Hunter Limin from Sheguiandah First Nation– Health Sciences
Ryann Moskal from Métis Nation of British Columbia – Kinesiology
Kale Allison from Union Bar First Nation– Biomedical Sciences
Christina Tsuil-menak from St’uxwtéws (Bonaparte First Nation)– Health Sciences