Laurie is a proud citizen of Dokis First Nation, and a member of the Anishinabek Nation located in the Robinson-Huron Treaty area of what is now known as Ontario.

Laurie obtained her BScN at University of Alberta in 1994 in the Treaty 6 area of Alberta, where she worked for 15 years in rural home and community care and public health. In 2004, after completing her MN, with a focus on Indigenous cultural safety and competency, and obtaining licensure as a NP(Family) Laurie moved to Vancouver Island where she worked for several years providing clinical leadership and regulatory/practice consultation to nurses working with First Nation communities and teaching at University of Victoria – Indigenous Perspectives on Health and Wellness.

In 2015, moved to Vancouver where she continued in her role as regulatory practice consultant with the College of BC Registered Nurses. It was during this time that Laurie was able to advance her vision for a professional standard that addressed Indigenous specific racism – i.e. Cultural Safety and Humility standard.

For the past 2 years, Laurie has been transitioning from full-time employment to consultation services focused on Indigenous Health Nursing and Mentorship.