In recognition of National Public Service Week, the NTHSSA’s Sahtu Region would like to highlight Hannah Spencer for all the great work she has been doing to support staff and residents alike.

Hannah recently took on the position of Day Program Coordinator after being an Activity Coordinator at the Sahtú Dene Nechá Kǫ́ Long Term Care Facility for five years. Hannah truly loves her job, the outdoors, and the people she works with every day. Residents are like family to her and everything she does is rooted in the goal of improving their quality of life in meaningful and culturally-respectful ways.

This year alone, she has introduced several thoughtful improvements to the Day Program that reflect our shared commitment to person-centered care, cultural safety, and holistic wellness.

Some of the initiatives and activities she has led in the past few months include:

• Preparing traditional foods, dressing animals for dry meat, plucking and cooking geese, and making drums
• Regularly organizing bannock social and campfires in the teepee outside the Long-Term Care Facility
• Starting the “Plant a Tree in Memory” Program that involves planting birch trees and placing memorial plaques near the teepee
• Expanding the physical wellness program to include more cultural exercises
• Regularly partnering with the local school so that children can participate in activities with Elders
• Organizing photoshoots with Elders
• Completing the “Garden Snake Project”
• Completing the “Fish Planter Project” alongside Elders, who helped paint
• Completing the “Teepee Garden”
• Building a table for Elders and visitors to enjoy

Thank you, Hannah, for your hard and thoughtful work to help create a safe, culturally-respectful, and meaningful environment for residents in our care. We appreciate everything you do!