First Innu nurse shares insights at Inquiry into the Treatment, Experiences and Outcomes of Innu in Child Protection in N.L.

 By Sanuda Ranawake  Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Mary Pia Benuen is no stranger to alcoholism. She’s lived through it, experienced it in her parents, and community, she told the Inquiry into the Treatment, Experiences and Outcomes of Innu in Child Protection, which resumed sessions Jan. 22. Benuen is the primary health director in Sheshatshiu, with over 30 years of experience in public health nursing under her belt. Benuen is also Labrador’s first Innu nurse. Before that, she had a much different life. “It really saddens me; I followed that route with them in my earlier years,” Benuen told the inquiry, referring to the alcoholism in her family and herself. “If there’s anything I could change about that, I probably would not drink.” Benuen also knew fear too well. She says while she…

This content is for Yearly Subscription, Yearly Subscription – Corporate, Print Subscription Only, and Canada Print and Online members only.
Register
Already a member? Log in here

Add Your Voice

Is there more to this story? We'd like to hear from you about this or any other stories you think we should know about. Contribute your voice on our contribute page.