Championing Cultural Care
Kyle Richardson's Journey from CBU to Leading Indigenous Healthcare Initiatives
Kyle Richardson's path from CBU grad to a Regional Director at Shannex is has been an exciting career, culminating in a commitment to enriching the lives of elders in Indigenous communities here in Unama’ki.
Kyle and his wife, Courtney, both graduated from CBU in 2009 with Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. Their shared journey began before CBU, as they were high school sweethearts, but at CBU, they laid a professional foundation for fulfilling careers.
Following graduation, Kyle had a diverse career within healthcare, initially working in both pediatric and inpatient mental health roles at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Eventually, Kyle accepted a position at Breton Ability Centre, initially as manager and eventually as Director of Care and finally as Director of Operations. These roles offered Kyle an opportunity to develop essential leadership skills that furthered his understanding of healthcare administration.
In 2018, Kyle joined Shannex, a leading provider of nursing home and senior living services in the Maritimes and Ontario. His role as Regional Director of Operations of the Eastern and Northern Zones and Director of First Nations Services has marked an important chapter in his career. One of his most notable initiatives under this portfolio was the development of Kiknu, Nova Scotia's first long-term care home in a First Nation community.
Meaning "our home" in Mi’kmaq, Kiknu works to ensure cultural preservation and compassionate care. It accommodates 48 community elders who are immersed in Mi’kmaq culture and traditions while receiving 24-hour nursing services and personal care. As the first Mi’kmaq-owned long-term care facility in Canada, Kiknu provides culturally appropriate care within Eskasoni, an Indigenous community in Unama’ki (Cape Breton).
Kyle worked closely with rightsholders to ensure the facility met elders' specific needs as he navigated critical licensing processes with the province of Nova Scotia. Using a trauma-informed lens and a "two-eyed seeing" approach—integrating Indigenous and Western perspectives—Kyle and his team ensured that Kiknu not only met regulatory standards but also upheld cultural integrity and community values.
Beyond his professional achievements, Kyle is devoted to his family. His wife, Courtney, also plays a pivotal role at Shannex as Manager of Behavioral Health. Together, they balance their careers with raising their two daughters, instilling in them the same values of compassion and dedication to community that they do in their work.
Kyle Richardson's journey from CBU grad to healthcare leader at Shannex is not uncommon, but his dedication to cultural sensitivity in healthcare is significant. His vision and leadership at Kiknu reflect a commitment to supporting and enhancing elder care in Indigenous communities, ensuring that traditions are honored and respected while providing high-quality healthcare services.
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