Biography

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My name is Crystal, and I am from the Point family of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm. My grandparents are the Late Robert and Gail Point (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm), and Walter and Mac Cadwallader (Kwakiutl), and oldest daughter to my parents Jordan and Charlene Point (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm).  I have been in heath care for close to 25 years. I am a Registered Nurse by trade with a predominant background in Indigenous Community Health Nursing. A recent graduate from UBC and the Indigenous Graduate Education in Nursing (IGEN) pathway with a Masters in Nursing degree. My thesis focus was on Indigenous Cultural Safety & Humility Content from a nursing educators’ perspective and how that content is weaved into nursing programs. I have had the honor and opportunity to work with my Nation of Musqueam as the CNN for close to 10 years; First Nations Health Authority as a Community Health Practice Consultant and Regional Nurse Manager with the Vancouver Coastal Region and in this role, I supported Nurses and Health Directors from the 14 First Nations communities in the region. As well as Vancouver Native Health Society with the Positive Outlook program in the Downtown East Side, when the Toxic Drug Response epidemic was just declared (2016). During my career as a nurse, I have always had a passion of teaching and being a mentor to others. I taught at both UBC and VCC in their undergraduate nursing programs.

My time away from work is dedicated to my family. I have a daughter who is graduating high school this year, and also mother to 3 step children. I consider myself a lifelong learner and always seeking new education opportunities in between work and family. Since completing my masters, I have a new found interest for health care nursing history and participated in narrating a digital mural project on Indigenous Nursing Leadership, highlighting the career of two of the first documented Indigenous nurses in Canada (available on YouTube: Indigenous Nursing Leadership) Following the Covid-19 pandemic, I learned it is important to set healthy work boundaries and ensure one dedicates time for oneself and downtime. For self care and to recharge, I love to go on family getaways – both near and far, including our favorite family vacation is Puerto Vallarta, Mexico!