Jean Cuthand Goodwill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jean Cuthand Goodwill
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| Born | 1928 Little Pine First Nation, Saskatchewan, Canada
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| Died | August 25, 1997 (aged 68–69) Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
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| Occupation | Nurse |
| Known for | First aboriginal woman from Saskatchewan to complete a nursing program |
Jean Cuthand Goodwill OC (1928 – August 25, 1997) was a very important Canadian Cree nurse. In 1954, she made history. She became the first Aboriginal woman from Saskatchewan to finish a nursing program. She worked hard to improve health care for Indigenous people in Canada.
Contents
Jean's Early Life and Nursing Career
Jean Goodwill grew up on the Little Pine First Nation in Saskatchewan. She was a member of the Cree First Nations community. Her father was a well-known Cree leader named John Tootoosis. Jean later wrote a book about him.
When Jean was young, she spent three years recovering from tuberculosis at a special hospital called a sanatorium in Prince Albert. This experience made her want to become a nurse. She wanted to help others who were sick.
In 1954, Jean graduated from the nursing program at Holy Family Hospital. After graduating, she worked in rural parts of Saskatchewan. Sometimes, she had to travel by bush plane or even a dog team to reach patients in emergencies. She also worked as a nurse in Bermuda for a time.
Helping Indigenous Communities
When Jean returned to Canada, she became very interested in helping Indigenous people. She helped create a magazine for Aboriginal people called Tawow. This magazine shared stories and information important to their communities.
Jean Goodwill also helped start the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada. This group supports Indigenous nurses across the country. She was the president of this organization from 1983 to 1990.
She was also the first Aboriginal woman to be a "special advisor" to the Minister of National Health and Welfare. This meant she gave advice to the Canadian government on health matters for Indigenous people. She also worked with the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.
Teaching and Leadership
Jean Goodwill shared her knowledge by teaching. She taught Indian Health Studies at the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College. This college is now known as the First Nations University of Canada.
She also helped create a special program at the University of Saskatchewan. This program helped Indigenous students get into nursing. Jean was a leader in many health organizations. She was on the board of the Canadian Public Health Association. She also served as president of the Canadian Society for Circumpolar Health.
Jean married Ken Miller in 1965. They adopted two daughters. Jean Goodwill passed away from cancer in Regina, Saskatchewan in 1997.
Jean's Written Work
Jean Goodwill wrote a book about her father. It tells the story of his life and leadership.
- John Tootoosis: A Biography of a Cree Leader (1982)
Awards and Recognition
Jean Goodwill received many awards for her important work.
- Jean Goodwill Award, Manitoba Indian Nurses Association (1981)
- Honorary Doctorate of Law, Queen's University (1986)
- Officer of the Order of Canada (1992) – This is one of Canada's highest honors.
- National Excellence Award, National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (now Indspire) (1994)
In August 2022, a ship was named after her. The Canadian Coast Guard Ship CCGS Jean Goodwill is based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. This shows how much her country respected her contributions.
