Juliana “Juke” Settee was bold, determined, and gave everything she possibly could to people in need.
An action-oriented, community champion of Pimicikamak Cree Nation, her quiet leadership was grounded in compassion, cultural pride, and a belief in the power of education to create opportunity. Her journey through the Diagnostic Support Worker program at RRC Polytech and employment at Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. reflected her deep commitment to serving First Nations, revitalizing the Cree language, and strengthening health outcomes in northern and equity‑deserving communities.
In Juke’s memory, KIM has established several student awards through an endowment fund with RRC Polytechnic to support First Nations and Indigenous health care students.
The Juke Settee Memorial Award for Health Sciences Programs will support an Indigenous student in one of six diploma programs at RRC Polytech, including Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Ultrasound; Medical Laboratory Sciences; Medical Radiologic Technology; Paramedicine – Advanced Care; Paramedicine – Primary Care Paramedic; and Science Laboratory Technology.
The Juke Settee Legacy Award for the Diagnostic Support Worker Applied Certificate Program recognizes an Indigenous student who completes the same course that Juke proudly earned her credential in. This award acknowledges the student’s clear intent to improve themselves and the lives of others, to lead by example, and to contribute meaningfully to First Nation health and well-being. Recipients will be selected by the program committee.
The first recipient of the Juke Settee Legacy Award for Diagnostic Support Worker Applied Certificate Program: Bridget Mason
“I am deeply humbled and truly honoured to receive the Juke Settee Legacy Award for the Diagnostic Support Worker Applied Certificate Program.
The desire and passion that Juke had for our Nations is the same spirit that inspires me every day. It is that same love and commitment that has guided my hard work and my determination to help transform and improve the health outcomes within my community.
My passion for serving our people, and being part of a community that allows me to grow into a higher and better expression of myself, is one of the greatest gifts life could offer.
Being able to work as a Diagnostic Support Worker in my hometown of Gods Lake Narrows First Nation is both a privilege and a dream come true. Every day, I’m grateful to work alongside my coworkers, people who share the same heart and dedication, and to serve the community that raised me.
Let this Juke Settee Legacy Award be more than just recognition of my hard work. Let it be a symbol that brings our people together ,to encourage, to uplift, and to empower one another. May it inspire not only those in Gods Lake Narrows, but also in surrounding and other First Nation communities, to bring positive change to our people and to the health field.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the program committee Brian Flammand, Adam Nepon, Louise Wood, Kathleen Scriber, and anyone else I may not have mentioned for believing in me and for choosing me for this honour. I am forever grateful.”
Ekosi,
Bridget Mason
Diagnostic Support Worker
*The second recipient of the $2,000 Juke Settee Legacy Award for the Diagnostic Support Worker Applied Certificate Program is Preston Cook.
The first recipient of the Juke Settee Memorial Award for Health Sciences Programs: Kianna Friesen
Kianna Friesen’s family is originally from Norway House. Kianna studied Advanced Care Paramedicine and plans to support people across Northern Manitoba by working at various Nursing Stations, becoming a mentor to new paramedics, and advocating for Indigenous populations in need of accessible health care.
Read more about Kianna’s story and the new permanent endowment fund, established in her honour by KIM Inc. in partnership with RRC Polytech ->->
