AMC News

The Patient Advocate Unit is a collaboration between the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. The main focus of the PAU is to assist First Nations individuals with their concerns and issues that they encounter within the Manitoba Health Care system.

Rosalie Ouskan was a Patient Navigator, a wife to Arnold Ouskan, a mother, a sister, aunt and a grandmother of six grandchildren. She was a citizen of the War Lake First Nation.

Rosalie spent 11 years in the medical field both on and off reserve with health facilities. She graduated from Red River College in 2003 as a Language Specialist. Rosalie has incorporated her knowledge of health issues, language expertise and dedication into assisting First Nations people. She began working as a Patient Navigator with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs in November 2009.

She worked directly with our First Nation citizens, Chief and Councils, band administrators, health directors and health care providers. Rosalie collaborated with many government agencies, such as Non-Insured Health Benefits, Employment Income Assistance and Manitoba Housing. In addition, she worked with various housing authorities, social workers, personal care home, dieticians, occupational therapists and homecare staff and with Health Canada’s Non-Insured Health Benefits Program & transportation referral unit, and many other provincial and federal service providers.

Rosalie was a firm advocate for all First Nations to ensure that their medical needs were met, and their issues were addressed in an equitable and timely manner. She was a strong believer in developing partnerships and bridging services to ensure quality services for all First Nations regardless of residency. With her dedication to the Oji-Cree language, she was able to work more closely with First Nations citizens.

She had a strong working relationship with all her co-workers at Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Eagle Urban Transition Centre, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and her team members of the Patient Advocate Unit for the last 10 years.

Rosalie fought hard to overcome this illness and on October 23, 2018 with her family by her side she was called home to the Creator.

With her gracious smile and unforgettable sense of humor she will be dearly missed by everyone who she crossed paths with and will always be remembered for her generosity and caring ways.