At the First Nations Health Foundation, our Leader of Tomorrow Award celebrates emerging leaders who are shaping the future of health and wellness for First Nations people through courage, cultural grounding, and a commitment to equity. Today, we are honoured to spotlight nominee Alicia Pongracz, a nursing student, advocate, and community connector whose leadership is already creating ripple effects across generations. Alicia’s journey is one of reconnection—returning to her Haida roots, learning from Elders, and carrying those teachings forward into nursing education and health systems that urgently need First Nations voices.
Grounded in Community and Cultural Belonging
Reconnecting with her family’s community in Old Massett has deeply shaped Alicia’s understanding of culturally safe care. “Honouring and incorporating traditional knowledge, stories, and medicines has been healing,” she shares. “It has given me a deep sense of belonging, responsibility, and purpose.” Growing up on the ancestral and unceded territories of the Sinixt, Syilx, and Ktunaxa peoples in Castlegar, Alicia was surrounded by diverse Indigenous teachings from strong community leaders and Elders. Learning from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis knowledge holders taught her the importance of humility, honouring distinct Nations, and respecting different traditions and medicines. These teachings now guide how she understands nursing care—not as a service delivered, but as collective healing rooted in connection, community, and respect. Alicia is committed to practicing “two-eyed seeing,” honouring Indigenous ways of knowing alongside Western medical approaches, and creating healthcare spaces where Indigenous patients feel safe, respected, and truly seen.
Advocacy and Leadership on a National Stage
In her role as Indigenous Caucus Chair with the Canadian Nursing Students’ Association, Alicia is already advocating for systemic change. Supporting Indigenous nursing students from coast to coast, she is working to build a caucus that amplifies Indigenous voices, honours Indigenous knowledge, and fosters community among students and allies.
One of Alicia’s key advocacy priorities is the meaningful integration of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action into nursing education—particularly Call to Action 24, which calls for mandatory Indigenous health education for healthcare professionals. Despite its importance, fewer than half of nursing programs in Canada currently uphold this Call to Action. For Alicia, this work is personal and urgent. “Nursing education and healthcare systems often don’t integrate Indigenous knowledge, ceremonies, or culturally responsive practices,” she explains. “We need Indigenous voices leading these conversations.” Her leadership reflects a commitment not only to improving education, but to ensuring future generations of nurses are prepared to deliver culturally safe, trauma-informed care.
Learning from Elders and Honouring Indigenous Knowledge
One of the most formative experiences in Alicia’s journey came through her Indigenous Health instructor at Selkirk College, who created space for shared learning and cultural humility. “She honoured my Haida teachings alongside her own and showed how important it is to respect all Indigenous knowledge,” Alicia recalls. “That experience reinforced how powerful it is when Indigenous voices are centred and respected in learning environments.” This approach—rooted in humility, listening, and mutual respect—continues to influence how Alicia leads and inspires others.
Looking Ahead: Health Equity for the Next Seven Generations
As a future nurse, Alicia sees the lack of consistent culturally safe and trauma-informed care—especially in rural and remote communities—as one of the most urgent health gaps facing First Nations people today. She believes lasting solutions must be
Indigenous-led and grounded in the work and wisdom of Elders who have long advocated for change. “The work is not done,” she says. “And it cannot be done without Indigenous knowledge and voices.” Alicia’s long-term vision includes returning to Old Massett to work as a nurse, continuing to learn from community, and contributing to health systems that honour Indigenous identities, cultures, and strengths.
Leading with Humility and Gratitude
At the heart of Alicia’s leadership is humility. “Healing isn’t something I give to people,” she reflects. “It’s something we work toward together.” Grounded in gratitude—for her family, her fiancé, her teachers, her community, and her ancestors—Alicia leads with compassion and respect. She reminds others that their culture, identity, and knowledge are not barriers, but powerful strengths. Alicia Pongracz embodies the spirit of the Leader of Tomorrow Award—demonstrating that meaningful change begins with listening, learning, and leading from a place of humility and connection.
As we look ahead, we are inspired by emerging leaders like Alicia and excited to announce that nominations for the 2026 First Nations Health Foundation Health & Wellness Awards will open soon. We look forward to continuing to celebrate those who are shaping a more equitable, culturally safe future for First Nations health and wellness.