In May, RNAO member Barathi Vengadasamy received an Indigenous Services Canada  Award of Excellence in Nursing. The honour recognizes the dedication and initiative of nurses “…to improving the health of First Nations and Inuit,” Seamus O’Regan, minister of Indigenous Services, said in a media release. Former RNAO member Janet McKenzie, a First Nations Cree nurse practising in her home community, was also recognized. The work of this year’s winners is “…an inspiration, and improves the quality of life in the communities you serve,” O’Regan said. Vengadasamy and McKenzie were nominated by their peers.