by Greg McNeil, Courtesy of the CB Post
Sister Veronica Matthews (Center) of Eskasoni received an honorary doctorate from St. FX University in Antigonish on Sunday. Her dedication to community health was cited as a reason for the honourary doctorate. Photo by George Paul
ANTIGONISH – One of the three honourary doctorates presented at Sunday’s spring convocation ceremonies at St. FX went to Eskasoni’s Sr. Veronica Matthews.
The registered nurse and respected elder in her community was called a role model and a trailblazer during the ceremony and her dedication to community health was cited as a reason for the honorary doctorate.
Her work of note includes the diabetic program and clinic for the residents of Eskasoni she started in 1997 that would become the first certified aboriginal diabetic clinic in Atlantic Canada.
Through her work, she’s said to have had profound affect in diabetes education and awareness in her community, responding to an urgent need to address this health problem.
“When I was working in my community I was struggling to make sense of our health-care system,” Matthews said in her speech.
“I knew it was not working for my people. What a gift it was to be invited to attend a workshop at St. FX on barriers in access to health services. Here was group of committed nurses who were trying to address the issues I was trying to solve.”
She called the nurses in the workshop “great women” and “strong role models” for their students and others in the nursing profession.
“I realize our work is far from over, but what we have accomplished together has made a difference in the lives of the students and in the lives of many.”
In her speech Matthews also noted the history of health care in her family.
“My grandfather was a great medicine man in my community and my aunt was a midwife until she lost her vision from diabetes,” she said.
“My other aunt was one of the first aboriginal nurses in Canada.”
There’s a doctor and two paramedics in her family, too.
In her career, Matthews has also worked in many nursing specialties and has served on numerous health boards. She’s also a founding member and honorary lifetime member of the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada.
“Sister Veronica continues to be a role model and has been integral in supporting and encouraging young Mikmaw students into the field of nursing or health care along with supporting Elders and community members in maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle,” said Eskasoni Chief Leroy Denny.
“Our community has been blessed for your unrelenting commitment in improving the health of our community and you have been the inspiration and role model for many of our people.”
During her speech on Sunday, Matthews also gave thanks to the Sisters of Saint Martha and noted the special relationship she had with her parents.
The other recipients of honorary doctorates on Sunday were Thomas Rankin, CEO of Rankin Construction Inc., and businessman and philanthropist Wafic Rida Said.
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