Valerie (Val) Arnault-Pelletier

January 30, 2025

Valerie (Val) Arnault-Pelletier is a nehiyaw iskwew, her mother’s community is Waterhen Lake Cree Nation and her grandmother’s community is Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation.

Val has worked at the University of Saskatchewan Nursing and Medicine for over 30 years and is currently the Senior Lead of Indigenous Programming and Initiatives. She has been an advocate for Indigenous students and played an integral role in establishing the Indigenous Pathways Program within the College of Medicine’s Undergraduate Medical Education program. Her work was influential in ensuring that twenty Indigenous-specific seats are held for students annually, and that Indigenous Admissions Circles are held, allowing an evaluation process that is holistic in a manner for Indigenous applicants. Assistance and support for Indigenous students is also provided, starting in pre-medical studies and continuing until the end of residency. Val’s students speak highly of her support throughout their medical education where Indigenous concepts and culture are embedded in college ceremonies and events thanks in part to her work.

Val has dedicated her career to breaking systemic barriers and ensuring that future generations of Indigenous physicians are mentored and supported by other Indigenous people. The Val Arnault-Pelletier Award has been erected in her honour to recognize the development of culturally competent clinicians and the relentless commitment and servant leadership of Indigenous medical students.

Val brings a breadth of knowledge from her long and impactful career Indigenizing curriculum and the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine and joins the inaugural NCIME Board of Directors as Co-Chair.