The beliefs and spiritual values of the Montreal Lake Indian Band are deeply ingrained in Julie Olsen. The Band saw Julie’s potential, helping her attain her BA in psychology from the University of Alberta and her M.Sc., in counseling psychology from the University of Calgary.

“I got a job working in the Calgary drug treatment court. One-third of the population in that program were Aboriginal people. I want to contribute back to the Aboriginal community.”

Julie is concerned about people from lower income not even considering a career in medicine because of the financial barrier. She recognizes the impact Aboriginal bursaries have on medical students.

These students are more likely to pay it back by choosing a profession that may be less lucrative but is more about “giving back to society.”

Julie’s career path will one day bring her back to working with and for the people who supported her along the way.