‘I think as women, we have compassion’: Jeannie Pelletier elected as new Cree health board chair [Video]

A former nurse from Chisasibi is taking on a new level of leadership as the newly-elected chairperson of the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay. 

Jeannie Pelletier won 54 per cent of the vote by northern Quebec Cree on Nov. 28. 

Pelletier has worked at the Cree health board for 28 years, including as head nurse, co-ordinator, and local director. 

Pelletier said she wants to address the gaps in the Cree health-care system, especially for its employees and the quality of medical travel for Cree patients. 

“I want to set the tone and look at how it will be working together as a board,” said Pelletier,  who is Cree from Chisasibi, over 1,400 kilometres north of Montreal. 

Pelletier secured a majority over incumbent, Bertie M. Wapachee.

“I was really thankful. [They] called me by phone to give me to results and congratulate me,” said Pelletier.