IPPC Indigenous Pharmacy Scholarship by Shoppers Drug Mart
2025-2026 PharmD Scholarship Recipient

Natasha Big Smoke Woitte
University of British Columbia

Natasha Big Smoke Woitte, whose Blackfoot name is Pretty Pipe Woman, is a proud member of the Piikani Nation of the Blackfoot Confederacy in Southern Alberta. She is currently entering her second year of the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program at the University of British Columbia. 

Natasha is a first-generation university student who earned her Bachelor’s of Science majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Chemistry from the University of Alberta in 2024. Natasha’s commitment to Indigenous health equity began in her undergrad, where she worked on a research project called Ai'aoskiikowaata (“providing guidance to youth”) exploring the impact of the child welfare system on Indigenous families. Learning about the profound health disparities Indigenous Peoples face, she was inspired to pursue a career in health care to serve as an advocate for improved Indigenous care. 

Since a young age, Natasha has embraced leadership roles that reflect her dedication to community and culture. She served as princess for her reserve and local Friendship Society 4 times, representing her community with pride and reconnecting to her Blackfoot heritage. Her leadership has continued at UBC, where she is Vice Chair for the Indigenous Pharmacy Student Collegium and will serve as a mentor in a new Peer-to-Peer Indigenous Student Mentorship Program. Through these roles, Natasha works to build culturally safe spaces, community and support for her fellow Indigenous peers. 

Natasha is also a member of UPROOT, a UBC research team focused on the Indigenization of pharmacy care. With UPROOT, Natasha has contributed to Indigenous curriculum development, community-based patient care and reciprocity projects, policy design and travel across British Columbia to work directly with Indigenous partners. She is passionate about continuing this work and ultimately hopes to one day bring what she learns with the team back to her own Nation. 

Natasha is committed to improving Indigenous health outcomes and uplifting the voices of her peers. She is proud to be part of a new generation of Indigenous pharmacy leaders and wants to encourage other Indigenous youth to pursue their dreams.

This scholarship has been generously supported by Shoppers Drug Mart.