Officer of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: October 16, 2024

Lesley E. Paulette, O.C.
Smith’s Landing First Nation, Fitzgerald, Alberta

Lesley Paulette was instrumental in renewing and sustaining culturally safe, community-led midwifery services in the Northwest Territories. Through her tireless advocacy and service to families, the community of Fort Smith experienced the return of family-centred birth, leading to NWT's 2003 midwifery legislation. She was integral in developing the Midwifery Profession Act and its Standards of Practice, and helped establish exemplary programs in the territory.