DR. NICOLE BLACKMAN, DNP, MN, RN

Since graduating from Durham College’s Registered Nursing program in 2004, Nicole has continued her academic path attaining her Bachelor of Science degree, as well as a Master of Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice, both with a specialization in Indigenous Health.

Nicole is a proud member of Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and has dedicated her advanced practice nursing career to enhancing the health of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada.

Following her graduation from Durham College, Nicole worked as a registered nurse at Princess Margaret Hospital in the Medical/Radiation Oncology unit. Upon completing her master’s degree from the University of Toronto, she accepted a position as director of professional practice for Weeneebayko Area Health Authority; a First Nation governed health authority located in the isolated James and Hudson Bay regions of northeastern Ontario. After devoting more than five years to improving Indigenous health in Moose Factory and surrounding communities, Nicole returned to the Durham Region for leadership positions with their Health Department, and later with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

More recently, Nicole was hired as provincial director of the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council. In this role, her efforts focus on health care transformation regarding anti-racism work, Indigenous health promotion and advocacy for equitable opportunities to achieve healthier communities rooted in culture and cohesion.