Nicole Blackman, DNP, MN, RN identifies as an urban Indigenous Kwe (woman) with both Anishinaabe and German ancestry. She is a proud member of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and actively involved in health equity advocacy efforts at the provincial level, as well as within her local community of Durham Region. Nicole is a Registered Nurse holding a Doctor of Nursing Practice attained through Walden University and has focused her academic and professional career on Indigenous health and the incorporation of the model of wholistic health and wellbeing. She has over 13 years’ experience working in leadership positions with an Indigenous focus. Positions she has held include Director of Professional Practice for Weeneebayko Area Health Authority in the James and Hudson Bay region of northeastern Ontario, Indigenous Lead at the Durham Region Health Department, Health Director for the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, and is currently the Provincial Director of the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council. Nicole has dedicated her advanced practice nursing career towards working collaboratively with the Indigenous population to strengthen health and social outcomes, recognizing the importance of cultural as healing in all forms of Indigenous health care.