Paulina Meader

Paulina Meader, Health Director at Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre, is a proud Mi'kmaw woman from the traditional lands of Unama’ki. She is a member of Membertou First Nation and a passionate health care professional. She draws from her experiences as an Indigenous woman, a nurse, a birth-worker, a knowledge keeper, and a person who lives with a chronic disease. She has gathered her traditional knowledge from various elders and ceremonies across Turtle Island, but considers most of her teachings to come from her mother - Jane. She firmly believes that her cultural and spiritual practices in conjunction with her medical treatments has given her the life and health she has now. It also drives her to instill as much cultural access, safety, and humility into her care. She is a fierce and effective advocate against systemic racism in healthcare - especially when it comes to end of life, pediatrics, and care of birthing parents.

In her spare time, she crochets and beads custom pieces for friends and family. She also enjoys a good book, a great coffee, and a long road trip. Paulina resides in Halifax with her long-term partner and their two (very fluffy, very spoiled) dogs.