Finding her place in the circle of care

When Hayley Laughlin (She/Her) talks about her path to occupational therapy, she often goes back to the moment she first understood what this profession could do. Working as a therapy assistant, she watched people regain independence, confidence and connection — sometimes in small steps, sometimes in transformative ways.

“My previous work instilled in me a passion for helping others through rehabilitation,” she says. “I saw first-hand the difference that occupational therapy can make, and I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of.”

But the moment that stayed with her most came from an Indigenous patient who told her, “It is nice to see someone like me working here. I feel safe with you.” Those words became Hayley’s compass. They reminded her how powerful representation can be — and how deeply needed Indigenous presence is in health care.

Hayley is connected to the Métis Nation of Alberta and Gift Lake Métis Settlement, and she carried those roots into every part of her program.

Learning Her Way Into Purpose

Throughout her coursework, Hayley often gravitated toward projects where she could highlight Indigenous peoples and incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing. Whenever she did, something meaningful happened.

“I would receive feedback that I taught the professor or my peers something,” she says. “In those moments I felt that sense of, ‘this is exactly why I’m doing this.’”

Those experiences — small on the surface, but deeply affirming — showed her that she was contributing something important. They also reminded her how often Indigenous perspectives are missing from Western health education.

“It’s not easy as an Indigenous student,” she says. “Health care education is highly Westernized, and sometimes you’re learning things that don’t align with your beliefs.”

Without strong support, speaking up can feel risky. Hayley knows this firsthand.

“Unless you feel safe, it’s hard to stand up and speak out against racism or injustices you witness or experience.”

Creating Space Through Connection

During her program, Hayley stepped into the role of Indigenous Liaison for the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine. It’s work she approaches with a strong sense of responsibility.

“I feel a sense of purpose in Indigenizing the OT curriculum,” she says. Her goal is to help create a health-care system that “better understands and meets the unique needs of Indigenous peoples,” one that is “meaningful, comprehensive, culturally safe and relevant.”

And in a space where there are not many Indigenous students, she hopes her presence sends a message: We belong here.

Her advice for non-Indigenous colleagues is simple but heartfelt:
“Listen to your Indigenous colleagues and respect their perspectives. That’s how you create a safe and inclusive space.”

Inspired by Those Who Walked Before

Two Indigenous scholars shaped Hayley’s journey in powerful ways. At the CAOT conference, she heard Margaret Hart describe occupational therapists as people who “nurture you into a good life.”

“When she said those words, I knew I was where I was supposed to be,” Hayley says.

She also points to Katelyn Favel, the first Indigenous OT she ever met. “She made me feel like it was possible for me to be in this space as well,” Hayley says. “I can’t thank her enough for her support.”

Growing Into Herself

When she looks back on the past two years, Hayley says her greatest personal growth came when she became a mother.

“My son Leo is the biggest blessing in my life,” she says. “I’ve learned so much about health, healing, strength and resilience — in others and in myself.”

She also grew when she found the courage to advocate for more Indigenous ways of knowing and healing in her program — a form of growth that required both conviction and vulnerability.

Looking Ahead

As she prepares to graduate, Hayley encourages anyone considering OT to explore it with curiosity and hope.

“Occupational therapy is so diverse,” she says. “It’s exciting, meaningful and fulfilling.”

And to the version of herself who was just starting the program — and to the Indigenous students who will come after her — she offers the same message:

“You belong here, you deserve this, and I am proud of you.”