Ann Thomas Callahan facts for kids

Ann Thomas Callahan (born in 1935, passed away on January 16, 2023) was a proud Cree nurse from Canada. She made history as one of the very first Indigenous students to graduate from the nursing school at the Winnipeg General Hospital.

Ann Thomas Callahan's Early Life

Ann Thomas Callahan was born in Saskatchewan on the Peepeekisis Cree Nation. Her parents were Nora and John Thomas. When she was four years old, an elder gave her a special spirit name: "Wapiskisiw Piyésís." This name means "White Birdwoman."

Ann went to the File Hills Residential School for some of her early education. Later, she moved to Manitoba to attend secondary school at the Birtle Indian Residential.

Ann Thomas Callahan's Nursing Career

Ann Callahan became one of the first Indigenous students to finish nursing school at the Winnipeg General Hospital. She graduated in 1958.

After graduating, she worked as a head nurse in a special ward for women's health. In 1973, she joined a new group called Continuing Care for People in Need. This group helped people in Winnipeg's city center get the health care they needed.

Ann also shared her knowledge by teaching in the nursing program at Red River College. She retired from teaching in 1996.

Education After Retirement

Even after retiring, Ann kept learning! She went to university and earned a bachelor's degree in psychology. She then completed a master's degree in different subjects.

For her master's thesis, she wrote about how Indigenous people who attended residential schools could reconnect with their traditional spirituality. She focused on students from her own former school, File Hills.

Ann Thomas Callahan's Legacy

Ann Thomas Callahan left an important mark on health care in Canada.

Building Named in Her Honor

In 2007, a new building at the Health Sciences Centre was named after her. This building provides important health services. At the time, it was the biggest health project ever in Manitoba.

Helping Indigenous Nurses

Ann also helped create a group called the Registered Nurses of Canadian Indian Ancestry. This group is now known as the Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association. It was the first professional organization in Canada for Indigenous nurses.

In 2014, the association gave Ann a special Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognized all her hard work and contributions to nursing and Indigenous health.