Last month, Nisga’a member Marcia Smythe took on new responsibilities at Nisga’a Valley Health Authority (NVHA) and became a Public Health and Home Care Nurse.
“I look forward to continue helping our people begin and overcome challenges on their healing journey,” said Marcia.

Marcia has years of experience working in health care. Between 2004 and 2019, She Saint Pauls Hospital in Vancouver.

Between October 2019 and December 2021, she was a Community Health Nurse for Luma Medical Clinic in Vancouver. The clinic provides culturally safe health care services to Indigenous people.

“A part of the role was giving immunizations, conducting health assessments and consulting a doctor if it was needed. The best part of the role was creating a Wellness Program called Journey Through Wellness” said Marcia.

From Dec. 2021 to last month, Marcia was a Home Care Nurse for NVHA. She visited clients at their home and liaised with other health care professionals when needed. Her goal was keeping Nisga’a Elders well at home. She also organized clients’ medical appointments, drove them to their appointments and helped them access hospital equipment.

Marcia has taken on more health tasks in her new role. “My additional tasks will include providing immunizations, conducting well baby visits, running pre – and post-pregnancy programs, and helping to organize and run health events and workshops,” said Marcia.

Outside of work, Marcia enjoys spending time with friends and family, glamping, travelling to tropical destinations, walking and taking care of her daughter.

Marcia’s Nisga’a name is Yuudi’motkw. She is Ksim Laxsg’iik from Wilp Git’xhoon. She is from Gingolx and currently lives in Gitlax’t’aamiks.