Bree Beveridge

Job Title
Aboriginal Health Lead, Central Coast

Department/Location
Aboriginal Health

How long have you worked at VCH?
3 months

Tell us what you do at VCH in one or two sentences:
I work with Indigenous communities and organizations as well as VCH to increase our ability to provide a warm and welcoming space in which Indigenous people are valued as experts in their own wellness and can receive appropriate and relevant care.

What’s your favourite thing about your work?
I love hearing from communities and organizations all the good work that is going on. We are making progress.

How does your work contribute to the VCH True North goals?
Ensuring there is a space for the voice, perspectives, and knowledge of  Indigenous communities in our work at VCH is one way that we can promote better health for our communities

One thing we might be surprised to learn about you:
I am Cree and Scandinavian on my mother’s side, and British on my father’s side. I was born just outside of Saskatoon, grew up on the North Shore where the land meets the sea.

Three things you always have in your fridge:
Perogies, sour cream and home made iced tea.

Who or what inspires you?
My grandmother. She went to day school when she was younger and did everything in her power to keep her children safe from a similar fate. This resulted in a disconnection from her community and culture. Her story is my inspiration. It gives me the courage to speak up when I see something wrong and the strength to work to a find better ways. And to always remember that family …and a family’s love is everything.

Most healthy habit:
I love to use the outdoors and physical activity as ways to connect with the people and land around me. When I’m not working I live to move around and play outside. I mountain bike, practice yoga, kiteboard, and hike.

Favourite vacation spot:
That’s a secret. If everyone knew about it – it wouldn’t be my favorite spot anymore! 😉