(Submitted photo/ Nnamdi Ndubuka)

By paNOW Staff

Community leaders

Northern Sask. physician shortlisted for national award

Apr 19, 2023 | 4:00 PM

A man who leads the implementation of public health programs in 33 First Nation communities across Northern Saskatchewan has made the shortlist for the Canadian Immigrant award.

Doctor Nnamdi Ndubuka is one of 75 nominees for the award, created by Canadian Immigrant Magazine and presented by Western Union.

“It truly means a lot and I really appreciate the opportunity to share our stories as immigrants,” he said. “To me, this nomination speaks volumes in terms of the ability for immigrants to achieve their Canadian dream”.

Born and raised in Nigeria, Ndubuka immigrated to Canada with his family as a permanent resident in September 2011, and became a Canadian citizen in December 2016. As a public health physician, Ndubuka currently works with the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority (NITHA).

In addition to sharing important stories, Ndubuka said these awards also represent an opportunity for other immigrants, who may be struggling in terms of settling as new comers, to see there is light at the end of the dark tunnel.

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“And those struggles will eventually yield a benefit,” Ndubuka said.

In addition to his work for NITHA, Ndubuka is an associate professor at the college of medicine, University of Saskatchewan with a cross appointment at the School of Public Health.

He is also the national president of the Canadian Association of Nigerian Physicians and Dentists (CANPAD). In 2020, he pioneered the establishment of the CANPAD Mentorship program aimed at fostering personal and professional development among international medical graduates in Canada.

As an avid sports lover and licensed soccer coach, Ndubuka has been serving as president of the Prince Albert Youth Soccer Association since 2018. He is also the past president of the Rotary Club of Prince Albert, and a two-time recipient of the Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow Award. In 2018, he received the Rotary International Presidential Citation Award for outstanding leadership and service above self.

In 2023, Ndubuka was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award for his contributions in community service, sports, education and volunteerism. When asked what advice he may offer other immigrants, Ndubuka said to remember the why.

“When you remember what reason brought you here, be it to achieve a Canadian dream or be it to lay a solid foundation for your children and your grandchildren,” he said. “Let it be the driver as you navigate through those challenges that every immigrant goes through.”

The other nominee from Saskatchewan is Ali Abukar, Chief Executive Officer of Saskatoon’s Open Door Society.

The award winners will be determined in part by online voting, which runs until June 9. The final list of 25 will be announced in August.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell