IPPC Indigenous Pharmacy Scholarship
2025-2026 Pharmacy Technician Scholarship Recipient
Katlynn Derouard
Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology
Katlynn Derouard is a proud Métis pharmacy technician student entering her second year studying at the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology. Growing up in Kenora, she has witnessed many of the barriers Indigenous people face when accessing health care. These experiences inspired her passion for advocating for Indigenous communities and have played a key role in her decision to pursue a career in pharmacy.
Since high school, Katlynn has worked in a variety of pharmacy settings as a pharmacy assistant, where she developed her interest in the field and gained valuable hands-on experience. Helping people during vulnerable times has taught her the importance of compassion and the power of lifting others up.
After moving to Winnipeg to peruse post-secondary education, Katlynn has taken the opportunity to volunteer with an addictions counselling group. This experience deepened her understanding of substance use and mental health challenges—issues that disproportionately affect Indigenous people. Sitting in on group sessions and learning from health-care professionals gave her insight into how pharmacy technicians can play a role in harm reduction, medication management and patient education without stigma.
Upon completing her program, Katlynn hopes to work in a rural pharmacy setting where she can help bridge the gap between Indigenous patients and the health-care system. Her long-term goal is to advocate for more culturally safe and accessible health care while contributing to stronger, healthier Indigenous communities.
Katlynn is incredibly grateful to have been chosen as the 2025-26 recipient of the IPPC Indigenous Scholarship by Fresenius Kabi. This funding will help alleviate the financial strain that comes along with post-secondary education and will allow her to fully focus on her studies.
This scholarship has been generously supported by Fresenius Kabi.
