Board of Directors
Donna Corston
Donna is a mother to four beautiful daughters and a lovely wife to a wonderful husband who has been in her life since the age of 15.
Her career presently is working as a full-time Home Care Coordinator and Home Care Community Nurse when required. Donna’s nursing career started in the year 2000 when she began working at Weeneebayko Area Health Authority Hospital in Moose Factory as a Registered Practical nurse in an inpatient department which consisted of a combined unit of maternity, ICU, Surgical, PEADS, LTC etc. Building experience in all areas and working on the floor fostered a desire to learn and expand her knowledge and she applied for a clinical position within the hospital.
Working for 20 + years in the hospital was such a blessing and she loved meeting new staff and patients. Her admiration for advocating on behalf of her community has her wanting to learn and experience new nursing roles.
Julia Jardine
Julia Jardine is a Registered Nurse who earned a diploma of nursing from Confederation College in Thunder Bay and went on to earn a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Lakehead University, Thunder Bay in 2002. Grounded in her roots as an Indigenous person with grandparents from Lac Seul First Nation, Julia is an Ojibway-speaking nurse who has worked extensively with Indigenous people and communities since 1991.
Julia is a firm believer in promoting teamwork and collaboration with a focus on enhancing Home and Community Care services for people in Indigenous communities and over the years has had many creative solutions to advancing care in several remote and isolated communities. Julia is pleased to be a member of the board for this important Network designed to influence Home and Community Care outcomes in northern Indigenous communities. During her time away from the communities, Julia is re-energized by spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren who fill her with hope for the future.
Patty Everson
Patty Everson has been drawn to the Home Care field for most of her Nursing career. Arriving in Sioux Lookout in the winter of 1988, she was captivated by the beauty and wildness of Northern Ontario and has made it her home. Patty spent many years in private practice providing Foot Care, Home Care, and educational services in several communities, most especially Sachigo Lake and Muskrat Dam, and now serves as the Nurse/Manager for the Home and Community Care Program for the Windigo First Nations Council communities of Cat Lake, Michikan Lake, Sachigo Lake and Slate Falls Nation.
When she is not nursing, Patty is usually gardening, feeding animals or processing food. Patty and Mike are proud parents of three adult sons and one young grand-daughter.
Michelle Kakegamic
Michelle Kakegamic is from Muskrat Dam First Nation and is currently residing in Thunder Bay. Michelle works at the Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) Tribal Council as the Home and Community Care (HCC) Nurse Manager which provides services to 6 northern communities. She is a mother of toddler triplet girls and an 8 year old son. She has spent her entire professional nursing career serving the Indigenous population, starting as a RPN at Sioux Lookout Menoyawin Hospital. She then went on to receive her RN degree and spent many years at Weeneebayko General Hospital in Moose Factory. Michelle has a strong passion for the Indigenous population and would love to see her people stay in the communities as long as possible. This is why she decided to go into home and community care nursing.
When she is not nursing, Patty is usually gardening, feeding animals or processing food. Patty and Mike are proud parents of three adult sons and one young grand-daughter.
Stacey Fiddler
Stacey Fiddler’s home community is Sandy Lake First Nation. Stacey had to travel to Thunder Bay Ontario to complete her high school education. After graduating from high school, Stacey attended Confederation College and received a diploma in Recreation and Leisure Services. She later earned a degree in nursing from Lakehead University.
Stacey began her nursing career at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Center and remained there for 5 years. While continuing her career at the hospital Stacey began working at Dilico Anishinabek Family Car as a home and community care nurse. Providing care to the Indigenous population revealed a new connection and desire for Stacey. This insight led Stacey to accepting a full time position with Dilico as a manager for the community and personal support services program.
When she is not nursing, Patty is usually gardening, feeding animals or processing food. Patty and Mike are proud parents of three adult sons and one young grand-daughter.
Karyn Meekis
Karyn Meekis is a Nurse Manager at Sioux Lookout First Nation Health Authority. Karyn is a proud member of the Kiowa Nation of Oklahoma and has been married 25 years; her husband is a member of Deer Lake First Nation. Karyn is an RN and has specialized training in First Nations Health Services Management and Health Services Administration. She resides in Thunder Bay and is a mother of three young adults. Karyn has worked 11 years in healthcare and in various roles of administration, front-line nursing, and in leadership. She brings strong ambition and a passion to serve citizens in community-centered care. She is very honoured to be working with the NOHCCN Team.
When she is not nursing, Patty is usually gardening, feeding animals or processing food. Patty and Mike are proud parents of three adult sons and one young grand-daughter.
