A Prince Albert Saskatchewan Polytechnic Practical Nursing Graduate is being recognized not only for her academic achievement, but for the perseverance and determination that guided her journey into nursing.
DeAnna Bendig, a graduate of Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Practical Nursing program, is receiving an Outstanding Citizenship Award—an honour she says reflects the strength of the community that supported her along the way.
Originally from North Spirit Lake First Nation in northern Ontario, Bendig has long called Prince Albert home. After spending time away, she and her family made the decision to return, seeking the support of loved ones and a strong sense of community to raise their children.
That decision marked a turning point. Inspired by a close friend and the care her own mother received from nurses, Bendig chose to pursue a career she had never previously considered.
Her path through the program was not without challenges, but Bendig says she was never alone. She found support through Indigenous student services, academics, and community groups, emphasizing that reaching out for help made all the difference.
“It’s truly an honor to receive this award. And I just am so thankful for all of the people that supported me in receiving this award. You know, I was in tears reading the reference letters that were supportive of me because I do know that, you know, we’re not supposed to be alone here. We’re supposed to have a community and we’re supposed to have a village. And it just is such an honor that I get to be part of that. And I can see that this award for me is not the things that I’ve done, but just all the people that I’ve been able to connect with and support through their journey and be supported back,” said Bendig.
That sense of connection is central to how Bendig views her success.
Now, as she prepares to begin her nursing career at the Victoria Hospital, Bendig is already looking ahead with determination and purpose.
She hopes her journey will inspire others—especially Indigenous students—to pursue education and give back to their communities..
For Bendig, the motivation is also deeply personal.
She’s a mother of two daughters, and she says her children are proud of her accomplishments, and she is proud to set an example that anything is possible with hard work, support, and belief in oneself.
When asked about what her daughters think of her becoming a nurse she said, “My daughters are so proud of me. You know, it really warms my heart every time that I ask them, what do you want to be when you grow up? One says, I want to be a nurse and the other one says, I want to be a doctor. And it just really makes me proud that I’m able to one day help them get that, especially when, as parents, we have the ability to just create paths for our children and make their lives easier to achieve greatness. And, you know, going to nursing school, for me, was definitely a step to help my children achieve the dreams that they want to.”
Her message is simple but powerful: when people come together, support one another, and build community, everyone is stronger.
Prince Albert SaskPoly Practical Nursing Graduate DeAnna Bendig with her daughters