Indigenous nursing student receives Aunty Pamela Mam Scholarship

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the name of a deceased person.

Last week we yarned with first year student, Krysta Davis, about receiving the Aunty Pamela Mam Indigenous Nursing Scholarship and what it means for her to be studying a nursing degree.

Krysta has connections to Waanyi and Kalkadoon people from far north Queensland and grew up in Naarm. She now lives and studies in Meanjin.

Through ATSICHS Brisbane’s partnership with Griffith University, the scholarship supports skills development and career pathways for first-year Indigenous nursing students.

Krysta enrolled in a nursing degree as an entry pathway to further study in the health industry.  She plans to study medicine and has her sights set on becoming a doctor and contributing to Indigenous health research.

“I think it’s really important to have a holistic idea of health care. What better way to start than through nursing,” Krysta said.

Krysta was motivated to study nursing due to her family members having had negative experiences within the mainstream health care system.

“These experiences inspired me to understand the health care system better and challenge the barriers that our mob face in health care.”

Much like our Co-Founder and Life Member Aunty Pamela Mam, we believe that Krysta demonstrates the commitment, dedication and compassion required for health care of First Nations peoples.

“I believe in the saying be the change you want to see in the world… It’s all about giving people the power to take control of their lives. When they can take control of their lives, they can change their outcomes.”

Through our scholarship Krysta was able to attend the annual Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives (CATSINaM) conference 2023. She connected with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practitioners and got a greater understanding of a range of issues affecting the service delivery of Indigenous health.

“ When I attended the conference, I learnt more about Aunty Pamela Mam’s story and contributions to health care and education for mob. I am so honoured to have received this scholarship in her name.”  

Congratulations to Krysta on receiving the scholarship. We are proud of her achievements and can’t wait to welcome her to the community-controlled health industry when she graduates.