Juliana “Juke” Settee was bold, determined, and gave everything she possibly could to people in need. An action-oriented, community champion of Pimicikamak Cree Nation, her quiet leadership was grounded in compassion, cultural pride, and a belief in the power of education to create opportunity. Her journey through the Diagnostic Support Worker program at RRC Polytech reflected her deep commitment to serving First Nations, revitalizing the Cree language, and strengthening health outcomes in northern and equity‑deserving communities.

“Juke embraced the first opportunity, made possible by our partnership with RRC Polytech, to learn and practice critical, clinical skills, close to home – and to ensure the best care and comfort for her patients, she insisted on speaking in our language so everyone would be able to understand what they were being treated for – a shining example demonstrating that our languages are essential components of health and wellness,” said Michelle Monkman, Interim CEO at Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. “Juke’s training made her an invaluable team member at KIM Inc. but for people across the 23 First Nations we support, it was her passion, respect, and caring nature that made her truly one of a kind.”

Now Juke’s spirit will continue to support and serve Indigenous students at RRC Polytech for generations to come, with the creation of a new permanent endowment fund, established in her honour by KIM Inc. Each year, two students who personify Juke’s values of service, passion and dedication to improving health outcomes in northern First Nations will each be granted a $2000 award to help carry forward her legacy.

“Through this endowment, Juke’s memory will continue to shine – encouraging future generations of learners, strengthening First Nations health systems, and honouring a life lived with purpose, generosity, and dedication to her people,” said Monkman.

The Juke Settee Memorial Award for Health Sciences Programs will support an Indigenous student in one of six diploma programs at RRC Polytech, including Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Ultrasound; Medical Laboratory Sciences; Medical Radiologic Technology; Paramedicine – Advanced Care; Paramedicine – Primary Care Paramedic; and Science Laboratory Technology.

The Juke Settee Legacy Award for the Diagnostic Support Worker Applied Certificate Program recognizes an Indigenous student who completes the same course that Juke proudly earned her credential in. This award acknowledges the student’s clear intent to improve themselves and the lives of others, to lead by example, and to contribute meaningfully to First Nation health and well-being. Recipients will be selected by the program committee.

“Knowing that Juke’s legacy will continue to uplift and support our community fills our family with immense gratitude, pride, and comfort – it means everything to us,” said sister-in-law, Nicole Settee, who along with Juke’s brother, Nigel and Uncle Garrison, Grand Chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) presented the inaugural award at a ceremony, last week.

“We hope that students who receive Juke’s award will feel seen, encouraged, and empowered to believe in their own potential. More than anything, we hope the award helps remove barriers – whether financial, academic, or personal – so students can focus on their goals and take confident steps toward their future. We want it to be a reminder that someone believes in them, even on days when they may doubt themselves.”

The family shared that although Juke’s personal experience included many challenges and tragedies, she always demonstrated incredible resilience and worked hard to convert those trials into trauma-informed care that promoted safety (physical and emotional), trustworthiness, and collaboration. It was Juke’s special ability to connect that resonated with her clients, her coworkers, and everyone else who entered her orbit.

“Ultimately, our hope is that this award doesn’t just help students achieve milestones, but inspires them to dream bigger, stay grounded in who they are, and recognize that their work and voices truly matter,” said Nicole Settee. “If Juke’s legacy can play even a small role in shaping confident, compassionate leaders for the future, then it is doing exactly what it was meant to do.”

The first recipient of the Juke Settee Memorial Award for Health Sciences Programs represents just that. Kianna Friesen, whose family is originally from Norway House, studied Advanced Care Paramedicine and plans to support people across Northern Manitoba by working at various Nursing Stations, becoming a mentor to new paramedics, and advocating for Indigenous populations in need of accessible health care.

Juke believed in perseverance, kindness, and giving back. And through these awards, her family says there’s a sense of peace, knowing that Juke’s values didn’t end with her lifetime.

“Juke’s life was short, but what she chose to do with it impacted so many people along the way,” said Nicole Settee. “The thought of her inspiring people that we may never even meet helps to turn our loss into something meaningful. So, above all, we feel thankful to KIM Inc. for embracing her legacy, and grateful that Juke’s name will forever be associated with positive change. It’s a powerful reminder that one life, rooted in compassion and commitment, really can make a difference for generations to come.”