Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta’s 3rd Woman of Inspiration 2017/2018 Presented by Syncrude

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August 2017

(Fort McMurray) Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude Canada are proud to announce the 3rd nominee for the Women of Inspiration series 2017-2018:

Donna Cyprien

Donna Cyprien is a respected elder and resident of Fort Chipewyan. She raised her 4 children in the community and has spent her life helping to make the community of Fort Chipewyan a great place to raise a family. She is known to use her creativity and vision to make things happen. She was involved establishing the first Day Care in Fort Chipewyan. She was an avid volunteer and she would be active in Youth activities such as Brownies, Girls Guides and Junior Forest Wardens. She was a positive role model for youth.

Once her children were older, Donna focused on the health of the community and began a career in Health and Wellness. She became a drug and alcohol counsellor and later took on a more senior role as the coordinator of the addictions department. She helped organize and facilitate wellness workshops such as youth, adult and elders healing camps, residential school conferences, addictions awareness programs, and grievance programs. Each program was designed to help the individual, to help their families and to help the community. These programs had long lasting and profound impacts.

Ms. Cyprien accepted the position as Director of the Nunee Health Authority. She led by example and was often the voice for her community. As such, she is well respected within the community. Ms. Cyprien then moved on to a position in the local school. She led a small team that helped youth, from kindergarten to grade 12, to deal with mental health in a positive manner. She never lost her love for health improvement. Finding that retirement was not her thing, Donna went back to work for the Health Authority and started an Elders Abuse Awareness program. Her career has now come full circle, as she currently holds the position as the coordinator for the mental health and addictions workers at the Nunee Health Authority.

She still is an active volunteer and sits on the education board for the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. She continues to be the voice for a positive successful future for youth and in turn her community. Donna has been and continues to be a strong role model. She began by encouraging healthy living in a positive atmosphere at home. She raised her 2 sons and 2 daughters with encouragement and inspiration. She encouraged them to be successful in achieving their dreams and aspirations.

In all of her roles, Ms. Cyprien never let gender or race stop her from achieving success. She has encouraged many, inspired more and is well loved by her community and peers. She is one of the unsung heroes of Fort Chipewyan and has brought much positive change to the community.

Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude will honour Donna Cyprien and 11 other nominees, at the Women of Inspiration Celebration which will take place in June, 2018.

The Women of Inspiration is a partnership between Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude, with a goal to recognize women throughout the Wood Buffalo region who inspire others, break new ground or old barriers and help create change. The series also aims to show local girls positive role models who live right here.

To nominate a woman of inspiration, please visit our website at www.girlsincofnorthernalberta.org or contact the Girls Inc. office at 780-790-9236.

For more information, please contact:

Ann Dort-MacLean
Executive Director – Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta
Phone: 780-790-9236
Email: girlsinc@telus.net

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