For over 60 years, we’ve worked to empower healthier Canadians in all the communities we serve. We live by this foundational value daily to create a culture throughout our organization where everyone feels seen, heard, and appreciated.
On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we pause to reflect on our shared history, engage in meaningful dialogue, and honour the importance of reconciliation. Our operations are closed for the day on September 30 so that our teams can take the time to learn, reflect, and grow together.
We recognize that the process for reconciliation doesn’t just happen on the one day. It takes many people to carry on those meaningful discussions and take action throughout the day to day. Today, we’re highlighting one of those people in our organization who regularly demonstrates that empowering healthier Canadians means embracing reconciliation in the work we do every day.
Area Supervisor Tamara Watkins is proud to say that that she feels empowered to share her perspectives as an Indigenous woman in a safe environment. This includes having meaningful conversations with colleagues that inspire reflection and self-awareness.
“I take the opportunity to share a different perspective and a bit of my own story,” said Tamara. “Being able to share a part of my own experience in a safe, supportive environment is refreshing and deeply healing. Simple acts – like showing patience, offering kindness, and taking the time to listen – can make a meaningful difference in helping someone feel safe, respected, and highlight our continued journey through reconciliation,” she continued.
As part of her role as the Supervisor for the Cowichan Valley region on Vancouver Island, Tamara and her team support many large Indigenous communities, and she spends her days visiting sites to ensure that everything is running smoothly. She is thankful for her team’s support and the incredible work they do to demonstrate care, agility, and teamwork in everything they do.
“The people I work with are ultimately what I love about my job,” said Tamara. “I work with an incredible, hardworking team who are on the frontlines of patient care every day, and I also love the supportive management team I get to work with daily. Building strong relationships is my priority, and I do everything I can to create a positive, inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong.
I also take great pride in representing my Indigenous identity at LifeLabs. For a long time, acknowledging my identity felt uncomfortable because of the stigma attached. That stigma still exists today, but it is improving as more of us feel empowered to share our stories and take pride in ourselves. Over time, I’ve found strength in reclaiming and celebrating who I am.”
As Tamara reflects on her role at LifeLabs, she’s proud of her accomplishments and ability to move the needle forward on creating equity, diversity, and inclusion.
“My goal is to make a meaningful difference, not just within our labs and business, but in the broader healthcare space – especially regarding equity and inclusivity,” said Tamara. By being able to serve Indigenous patients in my team’s region and contribute to making healthcare more inclusive and culturally safe, I see an opportunity to honour my own journey and stand in solidarity with the communities we serve.
It’s also about carrying forward our people’s resilience, values, and stories, while helping to create environments where others feel seen, heard, and respected. It’s about healing, empowerment, and creating space – for myself, others, and future generations – to feel proud of who we are.”
Beyond Tamara’s inspiring words, we’re proud of how we’re strengthening partnerships with First Nations communities through our Mobile Services Team. Discover more by reading Katrina’s story.
Stay tuned for more stories from our team members, as we continue to empower Canadians to take control of their health and make informed decisions.