The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is currently celebrating Indigenous Achievement Week, and a dental therapy student is being recognized. The annual event celebrates the accomplishments, contributions and successes of Métis, First Nations, and Inuit students, staff, faculty, and alumni.
Makenna Sheppard is Métis and a year two dental therapy student at the Prince Albert USask campus. She is set to receive the prestigious Indigenous Student Achievement Award in the category of Academic Excellence.
“I’m honored to receive this award as an acknowledgement and recognition for my academic efforts, as well as the affirmation it provides for my career choice,” Sheppard stated.
The award not only celebrates her dedication but also underscores the importance of Indigenous representation in fields like dentistry, where culturally informed care can make a significant difference.
Sheppard has a background that spans engineering, psychology, and education, bringing a unique blend of skills to her chosen field. “My journey into Dental Therapy didn’t feel very straightforward,” she reflected, “but looking back on it, I’m glad for my previous experiences, as they’ve all contributed to building my strengths as a dental therapist.”
Sheppard’s academic journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. In her third year of university, she received a diagnosis of ADHD, a revelation that brought clarity to lifelong questions.
“It helped me understand the way my brain worked,” she shared. “There’s nothing wrong with it. It’s simply different.” Rather than viewing ADHD as a limitation, Sheppard embraces it as a “superpower” that fuels her creativity, problem-solving, drive, and empathy.