JORDAN’S PRINCIPLE PROGRAM WELCOMES NEW NAVIGATOR

The Jordan’s Principle Program is pleased to announce the addition of the new Navigator, Ohentiioa Lahache-Deering.

Ohentiioa is originally from the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory and has been living in Akwesasne for the past 16 years. She has been raising her four children here in Akwesasne, with her husband Nathan Thompson. Ohentiioa and her husband had been active Akwesasne Freedoms School (AFS) parents; her children are all now schooled at the Ahkwesahsne Mohawk School on Kawehno:ke.

Ohentiioa has a background in the medical field, having become a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) in 2017, and is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.Sc. (N.)).

“I became a nurse to help people but know that I can only do so much on the front lines of health care. Being in the Navigator position will allow me to be part of a greater change and make a positive difference in the lives of community members that need a voice to advocate for them,” Ohentiioa said. “During my time on the Canadian Nursing Student Association, I really found two of my passions: Indigenous Advocacy and Healthcare, and here at Jordan’s Principle there is an opportunity to work where these passions merge.”

The Jordan’s Principle Program can be accessed easily by Akwesasne parents who find themselves needing assistance with mental health, special needs/education, medical equipment, dental, spiritual/cultural needs, and more, or experience unexpected medical issues, have medical expenses that are not covered by the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program, have educational needs for your child, or there are educational tools (apps, computers, laptops, etc.) suggested by your child’s teacher to help them catch up or stay on track in school.

The Jordan’s Principle Navigator will schedule an appointment to review your child’s and family’s needs, history of what has or hasn’t worked for your child in the past, and explore programs, opportunities, and options that will assist your family and child’s needs moving forward. The Navigator will complete the application process and any follow-up needed. In short, we navigate the entire program with and for you so that you can do the most important work of caring for, raising, and enjoying your child(ren).

Please join the Jordan’s Principle Program in welcoming Ohentiioa Lahache-Deering to her new role as the Jordan’s Principle Navigator.