Margaret-Teresa-McDonell Award
The Margaret-Teresa-McDonell
Recognition Award
This award recognizes the merits of a professional who demonstrates outstanding commitment in providing quality French-language health or social services on a daily basis.
This award was created in honour of Margaret Teresa McDonell, an early pioneer who, upon her arrival in St. Boniface in 1855, provided care to the francophone and Métis families in the fledgling Red River mission, which was the beginnings of the St. Boniface Hospital.
Recognition
This award recognizes the exceptional commitment of a health or social services professional who has demonstrated outstanding dedication in providing high quality French languageservices within the workplace. The recipient demonstrates human and professional qualities by implementing positive, creative initiatives in providing high quality French language services.
Eligibility
Anyone working or having worked in health or social services in Manitoba is eligible to receive the recognition award. Nominations may be submitted by persons who work in a designated bilingual community organization, institution, program, department or agency in Manitoba.
Award Presentation
The Margaret-Teresa-McDonell Recognition Award is be presented by Santé en français. In the past il has been awarded during our forum À notre santé… en français!. In 2023, it was award during the Summit on the health of francophone immigrants in Western and Northern Canada. No matter the format, the occasion celebrates an individual who exemplifies and exceptional commitment toward providing French health and social services.
Submission of A Nomination
The nomination must not exceed two pages. In preparing the nomination, keep in mind that members of the selection committee want to be able to determine quickly whether the nomination is appropriate.
The nomination may include one or more letters of support (optional). These letters may come from various sources including a designated bilingual community organization or the executives of a designated bilingual institution, program, department or agency in Manitoba.
Selection Committee
The selection committee is anonymous and comprises individuals from Manitoba’s French-speaking community. The selection committee studies each nomination to determine which one exemplifies a professional’s commitment to providing high quality French language services in the workplace.
History
The Margaret-Teresa Award was created to recognize the merits of a professional who demonstrates outstanding commitment in providing high quality health or social services in French on a daily basis.
Margaret Teresa McDonell was born in 1835 in St. Andrew, Ontario. At sixteen, she entered the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa as Sister Ste. Therese.
In the early 1850s, the Grey Nuns of Manitoba needed reinforcements and appealed to the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa. Sister Ste. Therese volunteered and travelled West in search of great challenges.
She dedicated all of her human qualities and medical skills to providing health care for Manitobans. “The Métis loved her for her patience, gentleness and kindness. Her qualities earned her the nickname Sister Doctor ”. She stayed in Saint-Boniface, and was involved in many of the initial works of charity in this province, until her death on November 4, 1917.
For more information on the Margaret-Teresa-McDonell Award, please email Renée Beaudry, rbeaudry2@santeenfrancais.com.
