UNBC professor Dr. Margo Greenwood was named an officer of the Order of Canada on Wednesday.
Greenwood is currently the academic leader for the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health located at UNBC, a professor of First Nations Studies at UNBC, vice president of Indigenous health for Northern Health and has contributed to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research for 15 years.
She was also the advisory board chairperson for the Institute of Aboriginal Peoples’ Health from 2006-2013 and is a currently a member of the Institute of Population and Public Health Advisory Board.
“I’ve been working in early childhood education since the start of my career. It’s a calling that makes my heart sing,” Greenwood said in a press release. “I’m accepting this award for my three sons who can see their contributions to our family realized, and for my granddaughter to see the full potential of women. I thank my elders, teachers and colleagues who’ve advised and supported me in this journey.”
Greenwood is of Cree ancestry and was orphaned at the age of 16.
“As a child spending time outside on the land, I learned how to dream. And dreaming is hope,” Greenwood said. “The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health started as a dream at UNBC. There were no road maps; we had to create something new. I drew on elders, colleagues and friends from across the country to help this national centre unfold, evolve and thrive.”
Greenwood is the author of more than 135 articles focusing on Indigenous peoples’ health. She was recognized with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award in 2002 and the National Aboriginal Achievement Award in 2011 for her work.
“The impact of Dr. Greenwood’s ongoing work and leadership in education and research initiatives aimed at addressing Indigenous health inequities in B.C. and across Canada is immeasurable,” UNBC interim president Geoff Payne said in a press release. “This prestigious honour is a testament to her unwavering commitment to ensuring that Indigenous peoples’ experiences, perspectives and knowledge are prioritized at provincial, national and international tables.”
Northern Health president and CEO Cathy Ulrich congratulated Greenwood on behalf of Northern Health’s board of directors.
“Northern Health is very honoured and proud to have had (Greenwood) in our midst over the last eight years, and to have the opportunity to learn and improve as a direct result of her nationally- and internationally-recognized leadership and expertise,” Ulrich said in a press release.
Greenwood now lives in Vernon.
