Changing the Landscape of Nursing: Meet Lucinda Googoo
Date Posted: May 1, 2025
The Government of Nova Scotia, the Mi’kmaw Health and Wellness organization, Tajikeimik, and universities across Nova Scotia have partnered to support Indigenous nursing students in the province. This partnership has led to the hiring of Mi’kmaq Indigenous Nurse Education Specialists, or MINES, who work to support both Indigenous nursing students and Indigenous nurses in their local area. Lucinda Googoo of We’koqma’q represents CBU and the surrounding areas.
Lucinda’s job is to support the recruitment and retention of current and future Indigenous nursing students. She is available to provide a culturally safe space and ensure students have a clear and strong pathway so they can succeed in their program. “I support students throughout their program with any issues they may face, whether it’s funding, appeals, courses, or scholarships and bursaries,” she explains. “I advocate for decolonized and inclusive nursing education to help dismantle systemic barriers in the province and nursing schools. I also provide support to current Mi’kmaw nurses, providing any resources needed and mentorship when necessary.”
Lucinda was inspired to enter the healthcare sector after seeing and experiencing a variety of struggles, including racism, in the system. Eventually, she realized that more Mi’kmaq representation was needed in the local healthcare system and took it upon herself to be part of the change she wanted to see.
“We need more Mi’kmaw and Indigenous healthcare providers with a trauma-informed care approach to address the unique challenges we face, as racism is still sadly a huge issue,” says Lucinda. “Because of these issues, Mi’kmaw and Indigenous people are struggling to trust the healthcare system, so having Mi’kmaw and Indigenous representation will help bridge this gap in major ways.”
This vital role would not exist were it not for the partnership between the province, local universities and Tajikeimik. “This partnership will strengthen pathways for Mi’kmaw and Indigenous nursing students,” she says. “The entire point is to help these nurses succeed in their field and to bring Mi’kmaw and Indigenous community-formed understanding into the nursing curriculum.”
Lucinda says her primary goals as a MINES are to increase the number of Mi’kmaw nurses to better reflect the Mi’kmaq population, make sure Mi’kmaw people are being heard, not being discriminated against and to guarantee they are receiving quality healthcare.
As a final note to Indigenous and Mi’kmaw people who may be considering a career in nursing but are hesitant or unsure where to start, Lucinda says, “If you have any questions or need any kind of support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m here to help you succeed.”