Donna May Kimmaliardjuk, will soon be the first Inuit cardiac surgeon in Canada. Winner of the Indspire prize in 2018, which rewards the native race, the young woman has always claimed strong and strong its origins.

Very young, Donna May Kimmaliardjuk, understood that she wanted to be a doctor. Having known very little about her paternal grandfather, who died because of a neuro-degenerative disease that affects the muscles, Donna knew she would be a doctor. His passion for cardiac surgery will manifest itself in medical school many years later. Today, her dream comes true, she is chief resident in cardiac surgery at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.
Originally from Winnipeg, this Innu has experienced the racism and jealousy of her classmates. “Some thought it was easier for me, that I was entitled to favors due to my native origins. Remarks that hurt me a lot because I put a lot of effort into getting where I am, “she told Radio Canada.
All this has forged its combative character and today, beyond becoming the first Inuit cardiac surgeon, and having won the Indspire 2018 award, Donna May Kimmaliardjuk wants to get involved in NGOs so that natives have access to better care.

Source: Radio Canada.